'Huge improvement to bathing water by next summer'

The phased introduction of sewage treatment measures in the west of the Isle of Man will create "huge improvements to bathing water quality" ahead of the 2027 summer season, it is being claimed.

Manx Utilities began construction of the Peel Sewage Treatment Works, west of Glenfaba Road, in May last year.

The project is part of the government's £40m regional treatment project, with Peel one of two remaining areas to be addressed.

Manx Utilities chairman John Wannenburgh said the project was on track to be completed by the end of 2027, with elements of the treatment process going online in stages before then.

The phased approach would "give benefit to beach users and the marine environment at the earliest opportunity", he said.

Under the scheme, screening equipment – which would remove large items such as wet wipes – would become operational in September.

Wannenburgh told the House of Keys the first four units which break down organic matter and remove pollutants would be operational by next April – ahead of the bathing season.

The remaining units would be in place by the end of next year, when the plant would be fully operational, he said.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.

Sewage treatment plant construction begins

Sewage treatment works delayed until end of 2026