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REGULARS
First of two pipes installed underneath estuary between Cobh Dockyard and Monkstown as part of Cork Lower Harbour Project
Another major milestone for Cork Lower Harbour
Irish Water, in partnership with Cork County Council, is working to end the decades-long practice of discharging raw sewage directly into Cork Lower Harbour with the Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Project.
Irish Water this week completed the installation of the first of two sewer pipes extending for over 1km under the Estuary between Cobh and Monkstown - the longest such directional drill in Ireland. This was a significant engineering feat that involved feeding 1.3km of pipe along Laurel Hill and the Glen Road to the point where the pipe goes underground near Monkstown playground and under the Estuary to Cobh. We would like to thank the local community for their patience and support as we carried out this unique operation.
The completion of the Cobh to Monkstown Estuary Crossing is a key enabler to ending the raw discharge of sewage from Cobh town. When works in Cobh are complete in 2021, the raw sewage from Cobh town will be collected and transferred for treatment via the Cobh to Monkstown Estuary Crossing to Monkstown pumping station, from where it will be pumped to Shanbally Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment before its safe discharge to the harbour.
Déaglán Healy, Project Manager for Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Project, said “I’d like to thank the local community for their patience with the works to date and particularly for their cooperation this week during the operation to pull the pipe into place into the bore under the estuary. The first drill was completed last weekend between Cobh and Monkstown, the longest horizontal directional drill in Ireland. Then, in a huge effort over 24 hours, O’Connor Utilities, our Contractor for the works, in partnership with Long O’Donnell, Nicholas O’Dwyer and our own Major Projects team, brought pipe along the Laurel Hill site and pulled it into place under the estuary. At one point during the pulling operation - the pipe stretched over 1.3 kilometres along the road between the Laurel Hill site and Monkstown Park, the starting point of the bore under the estuary, before being pulled into place under the estuary. This success is thanks to the collaboration of the contractor, the local residents and the broader project team – and most importantly – it was all done safely.”
The Cobh to Monkstown Estuary Crossing Contract involves the drilling of two bores under the Lee Estuary by horizontal directional drilling and installation of a 500mm sewer pipe in each of those drilled bores.
Work progressing on the Cobh Networks
Work is progressing well on the Cobh Networks, with approximately two kilometres of the total seven kilometres of sewer pipes laid to date as well as work started on the construction of two of the five pumping stations.
Planned works for early 2020 include work in Whitepoint Moorings, East Beach and Harbour Row.
Information on all these works is available from our project team at corklowerharbour@water.ie or by visiting the Cork Lower Harbour project page.
When construction on the Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Project commenced in 2015, the equivalent of 40,000 wheelie bins of raw sewage was discharging into the Harbour every day. We are now treating the equivalent of 30,000 of those 40,000 wheelie bins by completing the Shanbally Wastewater Treatment Plant and pipelines and pumping stations on the south side of the harbour so that wastewater from Ringaskiddy, Crosshaven, Carrigaline, Passage West and Monkstown is now being treated.
When all the Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage works are complete in 2021, the project will, in compliance with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, treat all wastewater from the agglomerations of:
• Ringaskiddy-Crosshaven-Carrigaline
• Ringaskiddy village
• Passage West-Monkstown
• Cobh town
This means 20,000 homes and businesses will be connected to the new scheme and that raw sewage from these areas will no longer be discharged into the harbour, positively impacting the local economy and greatly improving the amenity value of the Cork Lower Harbour for the surrounding communities.
Works begin for new wastewater treatment plants in Coachford, Innishannon, Dripsey and Ballyvourney/Ballymakeera
Irish Water has today announced the commencement of a project to deliver new wastewater treatment plants in Coachford, Innishannon, Ballyvourney/Ballymakeera and Dripsey.
Existing wastewater infrastructure in these areas is overloaded and outdated. This project will deliver new wastewater treatment plants in each of the four areas, as well as the additional associated infrastructure required to connect the new plants into existing infrastructure in each village.
Irish Water, working in partnership with Cork County Council, will invest over €27 million in this project. On completion, the new infrastructure will end the discharge of poorly treated effluent and improve water quality in the receiving waters in each area. Once operational, the new plants will ensure compliance with wastewater discharge regulations.
EPS Group Ltd. is working on behalf of Irish Water to deliver this project.
“ All new infrastructure is sized to accommodate future population growth of each village and surrounding areas. These projects will enhance the local environment and provide a platform for social and economic development of each area well into the future,” said Seamus Glynn, Regional Infrastructure Lead with Irish Water.
“We look forward to working with the local communities to deliver these projects in conjunction with our partners Cork County Council and EPS Group Ltd over the next two years. Wastewater treatment is mainly by septic tank in these villages at present and this technology is outdated and not meeting the required standards.”
Project Information Evening
Irish Water is holding an information event on the on the Coachford and Dripsey sewerage scheme upgrades. This event will take place on Monday 9 December 2019 at 6:00pm to 7:30 pm in the Coachford National School. This information evening will provide the local communities with an opportunity to learn more about the delivery of these two projects.
Proposed programme of works in each area:
Coachford
Site investigation works began in Coachford in mid-November and will continue throughout November and December 2019. Construction of the new wastewater treatment plant, sewer network and outfall pipe will begin early in 2020, with works to be completed by mid-2021.
Dripsey
Works, including site investigations, are scheduled to commence in November 2019. Earthworks will commence early in 2020, with construction of the new wastewater treatment plant scheduled to commence in Q3 of 2020. All works are due to be completed by mid-2021.
Ballyvourney/Ballymakeera
Works, including earthworks and construction of the new wastewater treatment plant, are scheduled to commence by the end of this month. Construction of a new pumping station and river crossing, as well as upgrades to the sewer network are scheduled to commence early in 2020, with works to be completed by mid-2021.
Innishannon
Works are due to commence late in 2019. These works will include site investigations initially in December, with construction of the new wastewater treatment plant and associated sewer infrastructure to commence in mid- 2020. All works are due to be completed by Q3 of 2021.
Irish Water and our appointed Contractor, EPS Group Ltd., will be in contact with the local communities throughout the works.
Improved drinking water supply for Grangemore following €2.4m investment
Irish Water and Roscommon County Council today marked the completion of works to extend the Boyle Water Supply Scheme to Grangemore to benefit over 1,600 customers. The works were carried out by Source Civil Ltd on behalf of Irish Water to improve the quality of drinking water supplied to customers in the Grangemore area.
At a special event this morning to mark the occasion, Senator Frank Feighan welcomed Irish Water’s continued investment in Co Roscommon which has amounted to over 40 million in capital projects alone over the past few years.
What is involved? This project involved the extension of the Boyle Water Supply Scheme, which is supplied by Rockingham Water Treatment Plant, and the decommissioning of the Cavetown Water Treatment Plant in Grangemore. As part of this project 4.7 kilometres of new water mains were constructed and a new pumping station at Carrickmore Reservoir was also built.
Speaking at the official opening event Senator Frank Feighan said “I am honoured to be here today to officially open these important works which will greatly improve drinking water quality for the people of Grangemore. Irish Water has to be commended for the level of investment the utility has put into Roscommon since its inception and we look forward to this continuing for years to come.”
Speaking on behalf of Irish Water Diane Carroll added “Since taking over responsibility for the public water and wastewater infrastructure in 2014, Irish Water has developed a cohesive plan to address many of the challenges facing us.
“Irish Water continues to invest in Roscommon where 10 boil water notices were lifted over the past few years. When Irish Water was established there were already four boil water notices in place affecting over 15,000 customers and over the coming few years Irish Water issued six more to protect a further 10,000 customers whose water was compromised for different reasons. Thankfully all 10 boil water notices have been lifted and Roscommon is a boil water notice–free zone.”
New treatment plants and upgrades Irish Water in partnership with Roscommon County Council has invested over €40m constructing six new treatment plants in Killeglan, Lisbrock, Boyle/Ardcarne, Roscommon Central, Arigna and North East Roscommon. There have also been two major upgrades in Castlerea and North Roscommon. Ballinlough has also benefited from necessary investment and customers there now receive their water supply from Lough Mask.
As well as the capital projects, Irish Water continues to invest significantly in Roscommon through its Leakage Reduction Programme. Almost 10 kilometres of new water mains have been installed in the county to replace ageing and damaged pipes. These works took place in Rooskey Village, Ballinlough, Lanesborough Road, Castlerea, Ballaghadereen, Roscommon town, Athleague and Kilteevan Village.
As part of the Find and Fix programme 2.1 ml/day of leaking water has been saved. These works were carried out in Granlahan Tower North, Cloonfad, Loughglynn, Cloonkeehan, Ballaghadereen and Granlahan Tower South. The largest savings were from Loughglynn and Ballaghadereen, which totalled a saving of almost 1 ml/day.
On top of this First Fix repairs were carried out in numerous locations throughout the county and had total savings of 350m3/day.
Lead replacement works were carried out in Roscommon town, Athleague and Athlone Road with 79 lead pipes replaced.
Investment plan These works form part of Irish Water’s investment plan where works have been prioritised to address the most critical issues. Delivery of the investment plan will involve a multi-billion euro investment programme on drinking water and wastewater projects for years to come.
Upgrade works begin on critical part of Dublin’s wastewater infrastructure to safeguard the Grand Canal
Irish Water is starting work to repair and upgrade a section of a critical part of Dublin’s wastewater infrastructure and to safeguard the Grand Canal. The works are taking place along 75 metres of sewer pipeline which crosses under the Grand Canal, the Red Luas line and Suir Road, Dublin 8. The project will repair a partial collapse on one of Dublin’s major sewer pipelines which happened in July 2019. Although the sewer has remained operational and no sewerage was released since the partial collapse, these works are essential to protect the environment and amenity value of the Grand Canal, to minimise the risk of further collapse and to upgrade a key piece of Dublin’s wastewater infrastructure.
Works expected to be completed by May Irish Water has been working closely with Waterways Ireland and Dublin City Council to develop a project that will repair the sewer and the canal bank, while protecting the natural environment in the area.
Works are expected to be completed by May 2020. Irish Water anticipates that there will be minimal disruption in the area during works. GMC Utilities Group is working on behalf of Irish Water to deliver this project.
Olive Marshall, Irish Water Regional Lead on the project, says “This is a complex project due to the location and the age of the pipeline. We have worked extensively with our partners in Waterways Ireland and Dublin City Council to develop an appropriate solution that will allow us to ensure the wastewater network continues to work effectively, while protecting the waterway. We would like to thank the local community for their patience while we carry out this work.”
Castleblayney Wastewater Treatment Plant modernised and upgraded to the tune of €6m
Upgrade to Castleblaney Wastewater Treatmemt Plant complete
Irish Water, working in partnership with Monaghan County Council, has completed the upgrade of Castleblayney Wastewater Treatment Plant which was originally constructed in the 1980s. The mechanical and electrical equipment had exceeded its operational life and required an upgrade. These works will ensure the wastewater treatment plant is fully compliant with EU Urban Wastewater Directives and will bring environmental benefits to the area as well as providing the capacity for future growth.
EPS Group carried out the works on behalf of Irish Water.
Irish Water invited the Carrickmacross-Castleblayney municipal district councillors on a tour of the newly upgraded site today, Monday 9 December. EPS and Irish water staff showed the councillors around the site and answered questions.
Project to bring significant benefits
This project will bring significant benefits to the area in terms of health, development potential and improved water quality for all. By ensuring that all discharges meet the requirements as set out in the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, it will help the continued protection of the receiving waters in Lough Muckno. This in turn will enhance the tourism and amenity value of Castleblayney and provide a platform for future growth in the area.
The upgraded treatment plant includes a new inlet works, a new sewer from Muckno Pumping Station to the wastewater treatment plant pumping station (which has eliminated the need for the Muckno Pumping Station) and associated infrastructure which has been designed to improve the standard of wastewater treatment and accommodate the local population into the future.
Progress on work to end raw sewage discharge in Ballyvaughan
Irish Water, working in partnership with Clare County Council, is progressing with plans for a proposed new wastewater treatment plant in Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare. This project will eliminate the discharge of the equivalent of over 800 wheelie bins of raw sewage per day into Ballyvaughan Bay.
Wastewater in the Ballyvaughan area is currently treated by a septic tank system which discharges untreated effluent into Ballyvaughan Bay through an outfall. The discharge of wastewater threatens water quality, damages the amenity value of the area and does not comply with EU regulations relating to the treatment of wastewater.
The project will involve building a new wastewater treatment plant to serve a population equivalent of 1,050 as well as a new pumping station and 1.4km of new sewer pipelines.
Why is this needed?
Anthony Kavanagh, Irish Water’s Infrastructure Delivery Lead, said “This new wastewater treatment plant will bring big benefits to the area by protecting the environment, improving the water quality in the bay and supporting growth and development.
Following consultations with all landowners affected by the proposed scheme, Irish Water has submitted a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire all the lands and wayleaves required to progress this project.
Irish Water, working in partnership with Cork County Council, is progressing the Castletownbere Sewerage Scheme, which will end the unacceptable practice of discharging raw sewage into Bantry Bay.
At present the equivalent of 1700 wheelie bins of untreated sewage are being discharged into the bay every day. This presents a threat to water quality, marine life and human health.
To rectify this long-standing issue, Irish Water and Cork County Council are planning to build a new wastewater treatment plant and associated network to ensure that any discharge to the bay meets all appropriate discharge standards. This will help protect the environment and improve water quality in Bantry Bay with many followon benefits for local health, the environment, tourism and future growth and development in the area.
Why is this needed? Seamus Glynn, Infrastructure Programme Regional Lead, says “This project is of vital importance for Castletownbere. The new sewerage scheme will safeguard the environment and water quality in Bantry bay as well as providing a platform for the future growth and development of Castletownbere village, which is currently constrained by the lack of wastewater treatment.
What is involved? The project will include the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, four pumping stations, gravity sewers and rising mains, and a 100m outfall pipeline to safely discharge treated wastewater.
To date the project team has consulted extensively with the local community, including holding information evenings and meeting local groups to discuss the proposals. Consultations have also been on-going with all landowners identified on the proposed scheme. Irish Water is now applying to An Bord Pleanála to use or acquire the wayleaves and lands required for this vital project by a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), and has submitted a CPO application to An Bord Pleanála. A planning application has also been lodged. The timeline for the commencement of works is subject to the Planning and CPO statutory approvals.
Commencement of Gweedore Sewerage Scheme celebrated with ‘Most Innovative Use of Technology’ award
Gweedore Sewerage Scheme wins ‘Most Innovative Use of Technology’ award Irish Water in partnership with Donegal County Council and the local community has cause to celebrate after the Gweedore Sewerage Scheme wins the ‘Most Innovative Use of Technology’ award at the 2019 National Procurement Awards.
What is involved in the project? Gweedore does not currently have adequate wastewater treatment. Irish Water is working in partnership with Donegal County Council and the local community to deliver a sewerage system for Gweedore. The initial Demonstration Project, which is currently underway, includes constructing a pressure sewer pipe network and installing pods at 40 properties. The collected wastewater will then be treated at the existing Údaras na Gaeltachta wastewater treatment plant which will be upgraded. The collection network will subsequently roll out to the wider area. The technology being deployed in this new sewerage scheme was recognised for its ‘innovation’ at this year’s 2019 National Procurement Awards ceremony which took place on Thursday, 14 November, at Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin. The National Procurement Awards recognises and celebrates the most impressive and transformative procurement projects over the past 12 months and the teams who drive them. The awards ceremony saw trophies being awarded to some of Ireland’s most deserving procurement teams, within companies such as Coillte, Iarnród Éireann, Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals and Verizon Sourcing Ireland, to name a few. Irish Water in partnership with Donegal County Council was delighted that the Gweedore Sewerage Scheme was recognised for its innovative approach to wastewater treatment in County Donegal.
Why is this scheme needed? This innovative new sewerage scheme will ultimately lead to a reduction on the reliance of septic tanks in the area. This will also reduce untreated wastewater in the environment by having enhanced treatment of wastewater. The new sewerage scheme will improve the water quality in Gweedore Bay and local rivers and streams; provide better treatment of wastewater to protect the environment and ensure Gweedore is in compliance with Irish and European regulations. Improved wastewater can also contribute to future growth in the area.
Impact of the project Explaining further as to the importance of this project, Irish Water’s Mark O’Callaghan said “Irish Water is delighted to be able to use this combination of US and Australian technologies to deliver an innovative sewerage scheme to the people of Gweedore. Its benefits will have an immediate positive impact on the natural environment whilst supporting growth and development in Gweedore.” Currently, the main pressure collection network for the Demonstration Project serving over 40 properties has been completed and we will be awarding the contract for the installation of the pods and associated works at individual properties early in the new year.
Roundstone residents to benefit from new wastewater treatment plant
Plans progressing to end discharge of raw sewage Irish Water working in partnership with Galway County Council is progressing plans to build a much-needed wastewater treatment plant in Roundstone which will end the discharge of the equivalent of 645 wheelie bins of raw sewage into Roundstone Bay every day.
As part of the project three new underground pumping stations will also be built to transfer wastewater from the network to the new plant. Wastewater from the village is currently collected in the existing sewer system and is discharged with no treatment in three separate locations into Roundstone Bay.
New plant to serve approximately 1,000 people The new plant, which will serve a population of approximately 1,000 people, will end the unacceptable practice of discharging raw sewage into Roundstone Bay. It will improve the quality of water in the bay and ensure the treated wastewater is in compliance with Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 2001 and the EPA Wastewater Discharge Licence. The newly upgraded scheme will also allow for growth and development in Roundstone and surrounding areas.
To progress the project Irish Water has published a Compulsory Purchase Order for lands required to deliver the new scheme.
Why is this needed? Commenting on the project, Colm Boyd, Irish Water’s Infrastructure Regional Lead said “The discharge of untreated wastewater threatens water quality, is a risk to aquatic ecosystems and detracts from the amenity value of the bay. Action is required to stop untreated wastewater being discharged directly into these receiving waters. “Consultations have been on-going with all landowners identified on the proposed scheme. Irish Water was unable to acquire consent for all of the required wayleaves and lands on a voluntary basis. Given the importance of the project to environmental protection and public health, Irish Water will now endeavour to acquire the wayleaves and lands by way of Compulsory Purchase Order pursuant to the provisions of the Water Services Act, 2007 (as amended). Irish Water has submitted the Compulsory Purchase Order to An Bord Pleanála.”
Investment plan In addition to the land acquisition process, Irish Water will be seeking planning permission for the Roundstone Sewerage Scheme from Galway County Council in 2020. The timeline for the commencement of works is subject to the Compulsory Purchase Order and Planning approvals.
