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Planning Application for Ramelton, Milford and Rathmullan Sewerage Scheme to be lodged
Irish Water is working to end the unacceptable practice of discharging untreated wastewater into Leannan Estuary, Lough Swilly and Maggy’s Burn by developing a sewerage scheme for Ramelton, Milford and Rathmullan. Irish Water intends to lodge a planning application to Donegal County Council in the coming weeks for the construction and operation of a new wastewater treatment plant at Tirroddy and associated infrastructure.
What is involved?
The project involves the construction of a number of elements including a new wastewater treatment plant at Tirroddy that will serve a population equivalent of approximately 5,500. The works will also include the decommissioning of the current underperforming plant in Milford, construction of a new pumping station at Milford and rising main to bring wastewater to the new plant. The construction of two pumping stations at Ramelton and Rathmullan will also be required, along with a rising mains that will transfer wastewater to the new plant. Decommissioning of two septic tanks in Rathmullan will also be undertaken. Finally construction of a new outfall pipe will also be necessary, which will facilitate the safe discharge of treated wastewater into Leannan Estuary.
Irish Water recognises that the benefits to the wider community and the natural environment will be far reaching. Speaking on behalf of Irish Water Patrick Greene said: ''We are seeking planning permission from Donegal County Council for the construction of the Ramelton, Milford and Rathmullan Sewerage Scheme. We intend to lodge this planning application in the coming weeks and we will notify the public once the planning application has been lodged with advertisements in the local papers.
''Our primary concern is to stop the discharge of inadequately treated sewage into Maggy’s Burn, which will in turn improve the water quality. The project will ensure that the water quality standards set down by regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency will be achieved. The new pumping stations and wastewater treatment plant will also support future growth in each of the three towns.''
Project to improve water quality
Patrick added ''The Ramelton, Milford and Rathmullan Sewerage Scheme will remove the risk to water quality in the downstream catchment of Lough Fern and the Leannan Estuary. The project will also remove the risk to the protected areas within Lough Swilly, including the special areas of conservation, special protection area, shellfish waters and designated bathing waters, including Rathmullan Beach. Having cleaner water will also enhance the areas’ amenity value, particularly in Rathmullan which will contribute towards restoring the Blue Flag status of Rathmullan Beach. The project will improve water quality and potentially salmon spawning in Maggy’s Burn which is a designated Salmonid Water.''
Irish Water urges the public to support this planning application in an effort to end the unacceptable practice of discharging raw sewage into Leannan Estuary, Lough Swilly and Maggy’s Burn.
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.
Essential upgrade works to safeguard the wastewater network in Newbridge
Works to upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Newbridge part of Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme Irish Water is working in partnership with Kildare County Council to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in Newbridge as part of the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme. These works are part of a project to upgrade and replace the sewers in several locations in Newbridge safeguarding the wastewater network and to support current and future development.
To minimise disruption, the work will be completed in phases and traffic management will be in place. In order to safely facilitate the works a temporary road closure will be necessary from Monday 6 July until Sunday 19 July on the Athgarvan Road, Kilbelin. The diversion routes will be clearly signposted and emergency access and local access will be maintained. Access to all businesses in the impacted areas will also be maintained.
Irish Water and Kildare County Council regrets any inconvenience caused by these works and thanks customers for their patience while we complete these essential works.
Irish Water is working at this time, with our local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.
Investment plan
The works in Newbridge form part of a significant €38 million investment in the wastewater infrastructure in Kildare that involves laying 18km of new sewers to improve the wastewater network and safeguard the environment. This project is essential as the current wastewater infrastructure is unable to support the needs of the area and it is not compliant with Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 2001 and conditions as set out in the Environmental Protection Agencies Wastewater Discharge Licence.
Speaking about this vital project, Olive Marshall, Irish Water, said “This project will safeguard the environment by improving the wastewater system. It will ensure that there is capacity for future growth in Newbridge as well as other towns in Kildare. The works in Newbridge form part of a larger €38 million project called the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme that is needed to provide Clane, Sallins, Prosperous, Naas, Kill and Johnstown with the infrastructure needed to support the building of houses, schools, attract new industry and allow companies to expand and grow."
Lighting systems redesigned and retrofitted at a number of large treatment plants
Irish Water working in partnership with Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council and Meath County Council has recently completed energy efficiency lighting redesign and retrofit projects at a number of large treatment plants. Inefficient lighting systems at Leixlip, Ballymore Eustace, Swords, Malahide and Navan plants have been upgraded to more energy efficient lighting systems.
Energy efficiency is an integral part of Irish Water’s business as usual activities. We are already implementing energy efficient design for all projects and we are implementing energy efficiency measures into the operation of our treatment plants where possible. The energy efficiency lighting project is one such initiative.
Speaking about the size and scale of the project, Stephen Seymour, Irish Water said, “In total, almost 1,400 energy efficient light fittings have been installed reducing energy consumption by more than half a GWh per year. This is equivalent to the electricity required to power 131 houses a year and represents a carbon emissions reduction of 240 tonnes per year. There are significant operational benefits also. The reduction of energy consumption will reduce operational costs, while the LED fittings have a lifetime of 100,000 operating hours and it is estimated that these will continue to provide energy savings for two decades.”
Treating and safeguarding drinking water and treating and returning wastewater to the sea are very energy intensive activities. Irish Water accounts for 21% of public sector electricity consumption and is one of the largest consumers of electricity in the public sector. Irish Water is committed to improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions and meeting a 33% energy efficiency target by 2020.
Commenting on the completion of this project Charlie Coakley, Irish Water Sustainability Lead, said, “By the end of 2019, we achieved over a 30% improvement in our energy efficiency performance with a corresponding saving of over 90,000 tonnes of carbon. We are on track to meet our target of 33% energy efficiency improvement, putting us in a strong position to meet our new target of 50% by 2030. The delivery of energy efficiency projects such as this lighting project is vital to helping us achieve our targets.”
Upgrade of Lee Road Water Treatment Plant reaches mid way point
Project to support growing population and ongoing economic development of Cork City
ˇToday marks the mid way point of a project to upgrade Lee Road Water Treatment Plant. Irish Water is working in partnership with Cork City Council to deliver this project, which will ensure the plant at Lee Road meets the needs of a growing population and supports the ongoing economic development of Cork City.
The upgraded plant will supply water to over 70% of the population of Cork, ensuring a safe and secure water supply for the rapidly growing city.
Water is taken from the River Lee and treated at the plant. Treated water is then pumped to reservoirs in the North West of the city through a system of rising mains. Drinking water treatment at the Lee Road site began in 1879. Since then, there have been several upgrades to the facility, but no major upgrades since the 1950s.
What is involved?
The existing plant is being replaced with a largely new plant that will include sludge treatment facilities within the existing site. The project will provide a more robust treatment plant and a safe and secure water supply. A Sod Turning Ceremony to mark the start of the works was performed by the Minister for Housing Planning and Local Government Eoghan Murphy TD, Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, and representatives from Irish Water and Cork City Council in November 2019.
Project investment
Irish Water is delivering this important project in partnership with Cork City Council. An investment of €40 million is being made in the city’s water treatment infrastructure and will ensure a safe, secure and sustainable water supply for many years to come.
Sean Twohig, Water Infrastructure Regional Lead in Irish Water, commented “This major upgrade of the Lee Road Water Treatment Plant is a key project for Irish Water. We are delighted to have now reached the mid way point of this important project for Cork City and look forward to completing the project over the coming year.”
Irish Water has recently reached the mid way point in a two-year contract with J. Murphy & Sons Ltd., to deliver this project. The works are expected to be completed in just over a year.
Essential works progressing to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in Kildare
Irish Water is working in partnership with Kildare County Council to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in Clane as part of the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme. Improvements to the sewer network in Clane will safeguard the environment and support the economic and social development of the town. Sallins, Prosperous, Naas, Kill, Newbridge and Johnstown will also benefit from the Upper Liffey Valley Sewage scheme.
Construction begins today, Wednesday 8 July
The construction of 3km of new sewer pipe between Clane and Sallins will start today, Wednesday 8 July and is scheduled to be completed on Tuesday, 15 September. In addition, 500m of new sewers have been constructed from L1023 Balinagappa Road to the R403 and along Central Park and a further 400m of new sewers are currently being constructed on Prosperous Road. To minimise disruption, the work will be completed in phases and traffic management will be in place. In order to safely facilitate the works a stop/go system will be necessary on the R407. Local access and access to all businesses in the impacted areas will be unaffected.
Irish Water and Kildare County Council regrets any inconvenience caused by these works and thanks customers for their patience while we complete these essential works. Irish Water is working at this time, with our local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.
Investment plan
The works in Clane form part of a significant €38 million investment in the wastewater infrastructure in Kildare that involves laying 18km of new sewers to improve the wastewater network and safeguard the environment. This project is essential as the current wastewater infrastructure is unable to support the needs of the area and it is not compliant with Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 2001 and conditions as set out in the Environmental Protection Agencies Wastewater Discharge Licence.
Speaking about this vital project, Olive Marshall, Irish Water, said “This project will safeguard the environment by improving the wastewater system. It will ensure that there is capacity for future growth in Clane as well as other towns in Kildare. The works in Clane form part of a larger €38 million project called the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme that is needed to provide Newbridge, Sallins, Prosperous, Naas, Kill and Johnstown with the infrastructure needed to support the building of houses, schools, attract new industry and allow companies to expand and grow."
Wastewater improvement works safeguarding the environment in Ardee have been completed
Irish Water is delighted to mark the completion of upgrade works to the wastewater infrastructure in Ardee, County Louth. Upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant, improvements to the sewer network and the construction of a new wastewater pumping station in Ardee will safeguard the environment and support the economic and social development of the town and surrounding areas. The works were carried out by Wills Brothers Ltd and EPS Group on behalf of Irish Water and will ensure that the wastewater treatment facilities are fully compliant with EU Urban Wastewater Directives.
The upgrade works involved modernising and improving the performance of the wastewater treatment plant to meet the current needs of the area and to allow for social and economic growth in Ardee. Irish Water has also constructed or replaced almost 1km of sewers and built a new wastewater pumping station to reduce potential sewer flooding, odour issues and sewer overflows into the River Dee improving local water quality.
Investment in wastewater infrastructure
Commenting on the completion of this vital project, John Joyce, Irish Water said “This project represents an investment of €7.5 million by Irish Water and will safeguard the environment by improving the wastewater system, ensuring that there is capacity for future growth in Ardee. Irish Water is investing in wastewater infrastructure right across the country. We are building new wastewater treatment plants, upgrading old plants and laying new sewers, with other projects in Louth including Carlingford and Blackrock wastewater treatment plant upgrades which are almost complete. However, it is still really important that people recognise the impact of what they flush so the network can function efficiently and effectively. We all have a role in safeguarding our wastewater network and the environment and we are reminding the public to “Think Before You Flush.” Flushing inappropriate items like wet wipes, face masks, latex gloves have a negative impact on the wastewater network and our marine environment.”
Irish Water continues to work at this time, with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services.
