That’s… a lot of raw sewage.

Yesterday saw the official opening of the final step in the Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Project. The Cork Dockyard pumping station will now redirect raw sewage from Cobh for treatment, rather than seeing the sewage discharged into the harbour.

A statement from Cork County Council confirmed that this development means “20,000 homes and businesses are now connected to the overall scheme and that the equivalent of 40,000 wheelie bins of raw sewage no longer discharges daily to the waters of the harbour.”

Taoiseach and TD for Cork South-Central Micheál Martin was present for yesterday’s official opening and hailed its promise.

“This is a historic day for the communities living in and around Cork Lower Harbour, completing a project that ensures a cleaner harbour, and provides new opportunities for sustainable social and economic development.

“We have already seen the benefits that this project has brought to Ringaskiddy, Shanbally, Crosshaven, Carrigaline, Passage West and Monkstown.

“This final stage will add to that improvement – providing further capacity for growth and enhancing the wonderful amenity that is Cork Harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world.”

Mayor of Cork County Council Gillian Coughlan said: ”

Mayor of Cork County Council, Cllr Gillian Coughlan said: “The ending of raw sewage discharges from Cobh town will make a huge difference to the town and surrounding area, by providing opportunities for sustainable development around Cork Lower Harbour and increasing the potential for tourism and recreational activities in the area.”

Irish Water say that half of the raw sewage entering waterways in Ireland has been eliminated since 2014, with the goal of zero raw sewage in Irish water in sight by 2025.