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THE OVERALL QUALITY OF IRELAND’S ENVIRONMENT IS NOT WHAT IT SHOULD UNLESS WE ACCELERATE ACTION (EPA
Launching the EPA seventh State of the Environment Report, Laura Burke, EPA Director General, said: “The overall quality of Ireland’s environment is not what it should be, and the outlook is not optimistic unless we accelerate the implementation of solutions across all sectors and society.” Ireland’s Environment: An Integrated Assessment 2020 reveals that enduring and systemic challenges are putting pressure on the environment and remain to be solved. These cut across different environmental topics such as climate, air, soil, water, biodiversity and waste, and across organisations and sectors, business and all levels of society.
Specific examples include:
• Almost ninety per cent of our energy is generated from fossil fuels giving rise to greenhouse gases; • air quality in some urban areas doesn’t meet WHO standards; • nature and habitats are being damaged (85% of EU listed habitats are in unfavourable condition); • wetland bird species, such as curlew, are under threat as a breeding species; • raw sewage is being discharged to water from 35 towns and villages; • even more stark is the dramatic reduction in the number of Ireland’s most pristine rivers, which have fallen from over 500 sites to only 20 sites in 30 years; • nutrient concentrations in rivers and nutrient inputs to the marine environment are increasing; • more than one million tonnes of food waste is generated each year in Ireland, • littering remains a problem, resulting in thousands of complaints annually to local authorities.
A key message from Ireland’s Environment: An Integrated Assessment 2020 is that the absence of an overarching national environmental policy position is negatively impacting on success across multiple environment-related plans and policies - the sum of the parts does not make up a coherent whole.
EPA Director, General Laura Burke said: “Environmental issues and challenges such as climate change, air quality, water quality and biodiversity cannot be looked at in isolation, as they are complex, interconnected and need to be tackled in an integrated way. Now is the time for an overarching environmental policy position for Ireland - to be clear on our ambition to protect Ireland’s environment in the short, medium and long-term and on our commitment to live up to the image of a Clean Green Island.
"We need to see a decade of action in the 2020s. A policy position would provide a national vision that all government departments, agencies, businesses, communities and individuals can sign up to, to play their part in protecting our environment.
“In addition to such a policy position, our report also calls for better implementation and delivery of existing legislation and policies. Many plans and programmes are already in place which, if fully implemented, would go a long way towards resolving persistent environmental issues. Full implementation of, and compliance with, legislation is a must to protect the environment.”
In relation to greenhouse gas emissions, the report’s data confirms Ireland’s underachievement in curbing emissions and meeting stated targets. It shows that the longer we delay, the more difficult it will become to turn things around to meet our obligations.
The report has also found that nature and wild places in Ireland are under unprecedented pressure and need to be better safeguarded, both locally and in protected areas. Our action to protect nature needs to be more ambitious. We need to identify the pathway to transformative change for nature protection in Ireland and reverse wider current trends in biodiversity and habitat loss.
Very topically, the EPA report highlights people’s greater awareness about the positive benefits of a clean environment for health and wellbeing. The coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has shown people the importance of the natural environment in their local areas.
Dr Micheal Lehane, Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Assessment, said: “Ireland is already losing much of what is important in its environment. Unspoilt areas are being squeezed out and we are losing our pristine waters and the habitats that provide vital spaces for biodiversity.
"Now, more than ever, Ireland’s green and blue spaces, which include urban parks, coasts, lakes, rivers, forest and bogs, are essential components of our health infrastructure. These allow people to get out in nature and away from everyday stresses, to the benefit of health and wellbeing and they need to be clean and protected. An investment in the environment is also an investment in our health.”
This comprehensive State of the Environment Report includes chapters on industry, transport, agriculture, air and water quality, nature and health and is available to download from the EPA website.
Castlemaine to reap environmental, social and economic benefits from major upgrade of wastewater infrastructure
Irish Water is pleased to confirm that a major upgrade of the Castlemaine Wastewater Treatment Plant has been completed, bringing big benefits to the local community now and for years to come.
The village, located at the gateway to West Kerry, has long been celebrated in story and song and is a popular destination for visitors to the region. This project will ensure that it can continue to grow and develop, while protecting the waters of the River Maine as well as Castlemaine Harbour and Inch Beach.
The new sewerage scheme comprises a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant, pumping station and sewer pipelines to replace the old wastewater infrastructure which was outdated and no longer fit for purpose. It was developed at an overall cost of €6.6m with the Design Build contractor, Glan Agua Ltd., commencing construction works in summer 2019.
This project ends the discharge of poorly treated effluent to the River Maine at Castlemaine, protecting the river which flows into Castlemaine Harbour and ultimately improving the water quality for the entire region. All wastewater discharges will now be fully compliant with national and EU regulations.
This investment will also help secure the future of Castlemaine by providing a platform for future sustainable growth and development.
Anthony Kavanagh, Irish Water Infrastructure Delivery Lead, said : “We are delighted to announce the completion of this essential project here in Castlemaine. Not only will it enhance the environment and protect local waterways, it also ensures that the capacity is in place to support the ongoing growth of this proud and thriving community.
“This important investment for Castlemaine underlines Irish Water’s commitment to tackling the sizeable wastewater challenges around the country by upgrading old wastewater facilities and ending the discharge of inadequately treated wastewater.
“We would like to thank local residents and businesses for their co-operation and support as we carried out this work over the past 18 months.
Jim Kavanagh, Local Authority Project Manager with Kerry County Council said: “Kerry County Council has worked on developing this project for many years and would like to thank Irish Water for providing the required investment and technical input to deliver this essential project for the people of Castlemaine. With tourism and sustainability playing such a crucial role in all aspects of life in this area, the importance of providing effective treatment of wastewater cannot be overstated, both for those who live and work here and for the many visitors to this most scenic part of Kerry.”
Significant capital investment is needed over a sustained period of several decades to address the poor condition of Ireland’s water and wastewater infrastructure. Works have been prioritised to address the most critical issues in line with commitments outlined in the Government’s Water Services Policy Statement and Irish Water’s Strategic Funding Plan. Irish Water has invested €3.8 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure to the end of 2019 and plans to invest a further €5.2 billion under its Capital Investment Programme from 2020 to 2024 in drinking water and wastewater quality and capacity and new infrastructure.
To view a video about how this project will bring big benefits to Castlemaine, go to https://youtu.be/XIqZvOKAls8
Successful completion of Cobh to Monkstown Estuary Crossing Contract
Irish Water has completed the Cobh to Monkstown Estuary Crossing as part of the Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Project as it works, in partnership with Cork County Council, towards ending the decades-long practice of discharging raw sewage directly into Cork Lower Harbour.
This landmark engineering feat involved two of the longest horizontal directional drills ever carried out in Ireland under the Lee Estuary. These drilled bores allowed the installation of sewer pipelines 60m under the Lee Estuary – creating a vital connection between Cobh and Monkstown. This connection will allow the raw sewage from Cobh town to be transferred for treatment, once work on the Cobh Town Networks contract is complete in 2021.
The completion of this latest stage of the project means that Monkstown Park can be handed back to the local community complete with local upgrades and improvements.
In addition, O’Connor Utilities Limited, working on Irish Water’s behalf, has won the inaugural Ervia Major Projects Contractor Safety Award for the safe delivery of this contract.
Déaglán Healy, Project Manager for Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Project, said: “This is another important milestone in our project working towards ending the discharge of raw sewage into Cork Harbour with all the environmental, social and economic benefits that will bring.
“We would like to particularly thank the local community for their continuing support. Their patience and cooperation with our contractor, O’Connor Utilities, in partnership with Long O’Donnell, Nicholas O’Dwyer and our own Irish Water project team, has greatly contributed to the safe and successful completion of these works.”
“We are also delighted to be able to return the reinstated Monkstown Park, with a new surface and multi-use games area to the basketball court, additional drainage to the levelled and reseeded football pitch, and a new wildflower area and bug hotel. The bug hotel has been constructed using sections of the pipe type that has been installed under the Estuary, to represent how these pipes are working underground where we cannot see them – bringing raw sewage for treatment, leading to better water quality in the sea at Monkstown and all the Cork Lower Harbour area - improving the environment we all live in.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do and we are delighted to acknowledge the leadership, determination and committed approach of O’Connor Utilities Limited towards promoting safety around all their work on the Estuary Crossing contract.”
Work is progressing well on the Cobh Town Networks Contract, with construction well advanced on the five pumping stations, and over 4.6 kilometres of the total seven kilometres of sewer pipes laid to date. 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.
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.
Irish Water is working at this time, with our local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard that the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services. For more information on the project, information days and works information please contact the project team at corklowerharbour@water.ie or view our Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Project section.
Minister Darragh O’Brien visits Leixlip Water Treatment plant to mark significant milestone in upgrading the plant
Irish Water’s Managing Director, Niall Gleeson and Fingal County Council’s Chief Executive, AnnMarie Farrelly welcomed Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, Chairman of Ervia, Tony Keohane and Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Robert O'Donoghue, to the Leixlip Water Treatment Plant to see first-hand the progress being made on the upgrade of the old water treatment plant. The delivery of the upgrade will safeguard the water supply for homes and businesses in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
About the works
The works started in June 2018 and are being carried out as quickly and as safely as possible whilst maintaining a safe drinking water supply to more than 600,000 people across the GDA. A significant milestone has been reached as 15 filters have been upgraded and are now operational. Each of these filters can process up to 12 mega litres of water per day, that’s the equivalent of 5 olympic sized swimming pools. The work to install an ultra-violet disinfection system will be completed early next year resulting in a safer more secure water supply for homes and businesses served by the plant. Furthermore the risk of any future Boil Water Notices will be greatly reduced.
Irish Water is also delivering a number of other significant projects to further support the water needs of the GDA now and into the future. Irish Water is upgrading the Vartry Water Supply Scheme by building a new treatment plant in Vartry, and upgrading the treated water reservoir at Stillorgan, these upgrades are due to be operational next year.
Strategic link
Irish Water has recently started work on the construction of a strategic link between Srowland and Ballymore Eustace water treatment plants which will help to build resilience in the water distribution network. This project will allow the production of up to an additional 18 mega litres of drinking water per day from Srowland water treatment plant for communities in Kildare and the wider GDA.
Along with our Local Authority partners, Irish Water is also fixing leaks and upgrading the water supply system. As part of our leakage reduction programme, Irish Water has replaced over 100km of water mains in the Greater Dublin Area since 2018, which is the equivalent of two M50s.
Speaking at the Leixlip Water Treatment Plant, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, said, “The upgrade of the old Leixlip Water Treatment Plant demonstrates how Irish Water, working in partnership with Fingal County Council, is delivering infrastructural improvements that are critical for our communities and our economy. This is the second largest water treatment plant in the country and supplies water to more than 600,000 people through a vast network of pipes. The delivery of this project along with a number of other ambitious projects across the GDA will help to support existing and future residential and commercial development.”
Speaking about the upgrade works at Leixlip Water Treatment plant and the water supply in the Greater Dublin Area, Niall Gleeson, Managing Director, Irish Water, said, “Delivering upgrades of this magnitude at an operational water treatment plant serving 600,000 people is challenging and the progress made is a testament to the collaboration between Irish Water, Fingal County Council and our contractors Glan Agua. Following the imposition of two Boil Water Notices on the Leixlip Water Treatment Plant last year this upgrade project was expedited. It is one of a portfolio of water projects that we are delivering to safeguard the water supply to
homes and businesses right across the GDA. The water supply and demand balance in the GDA remains critical as we use almost every drop of water that is produced. I would like to remind people that treated drinking water is not an unlimited supply so conserve where possible and only use what you need.”
Speaking about the upgrades works at Leixlip Water Treatment Plant, AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, said: “I welcome the recent investment by Irish Water, which has enabled the upgrading of the old water treatment plant at Leixlip to be expedited. Our staff operate the plant at Leixlip, under a Service Level Agreement, on behalf of Irish Water. They have done a fantastic job over the past 12 months to keep the second largest water treatment plant in Ireland going while facilitating the upgrade works and dealing with the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Collaboration
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. Irish Water would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.
For more information on this project, view the Leixlip project page.
Irish Water’s Managing Director, Niall Gleeson and Fingal County Council’s Chief Executive, AnnMarie Farrelly welcomed Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, Chairman of Ervia, Tony Keohane and Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Robert O'Donoghue, to the Leixlip Water Treatment Plant to see first-hand the progress being made on the upgrade of the old water treatment plant. Pictured (L-R) Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Robert O Donoghue; Managing Director of Irish Water, Niall Gleeson; Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien; Chairman of Ervia, Tony Keohane; Plant Manager, Derek Judge and Chief Executive of Fingal, AnneMarie Farrelly [photos by Naoise Culhane]
New wastewater treatment projects for Ballyvourney/Ballymakeera, Coachford, Innishannon and Dripsey reach halfway point
Irish Water is marking the halfway point of four significant projects across County Cork, which will see an investment of €27 million in new wastewater infrastructure for the Ballyvourney/Ballymakeera, Coachford, Innishannon and Dripsey areas.
Existing wastewater infrastructure in these areas was overloaded and outdated. These projects are delivering new wastewater treatment plants, as well as new network infrastructure, in each of the four villages.
Irish Water and Cork County Council are working in partnership to deliver 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, boosting each of the four areas by enhancing the local environment, protecting health and supporting economic development. EPS Group Ltd. is working on behalf of Irish Water to deliver this project.
Reflecting on reaching the halfway point of the four projects, Seamus Glynn, Regional Infrastructure Lead with Irish Water said, “All new infrastructure on these projects has been sized to accommodate future population growth. These projects will enhance the local environment and provide a platform for social and economic development of each area well into the future."
“We look forward to continuing to work with the local communities to deliver these projects in conjunction with our partners Cork County Council and EPS Group Ltd. Up until now, wastewater treatment has been mainly by septic tank in these villages and this technology is outdated and not meeting the required standards. The new wastewater treatment plants will bring big benefits, including enhancing the amenity value of each area. ”“Irish Water is confident that these projects will bring significant benefits to the Ballyvourney/Ballymakeera, Coachford, Dripsey and Innishannon areas for many years to come.”
These projects are being delivered as part of Irish Water’s investment plan. Irish Water’s investment plan prioritises key outcomes such as leakage, water supply zones removed from the EPA’s Remedial Action List, areas where there is raw sewage entering the rivers, lakes and the sea (untreated agglomerations), and areas identified by the European Court of Justice under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
Irish Water and our appointed Contractor, EPS Group Ltd., will remain in contact with the local communities throughout the remainder of the works.
Proposed programme of works in each area:
Coachford
Site investigation works commenced in late 2019. Construction of the new wastewater treatment plant and sewer network is ongoing, while the outfall pipe is substantially complete. Irish Water anticipates these works will be complete by Q4 2021. On completion, the new plant will serve a population of approximately 1,600 people.
Ballyvourney/Ballymakeera
Works, including earthworks and construction of the new wastewater treatment plant, commenced at the end of 2019. Construction of the new wastewater treatment plant and pumping station are largely complete with mechanical works ongoing. Irish Water anticipates that these works will be complete in Q2 of 2021. On completion, the new plant and infrastructure will serve a population of approximately 2,600 people.
Innishannon
Site investigation works were completed in late 2019. Construction of the sewer infrastructure and river crossing is complete. Construction of the new plant is progressing. Irish Water anticipates that these works will be complete by Q1 of 2022. On completion, the new plant and infrastructure will serve a population of approximately 1,600 people.
Dripsey
Earthworks associated with the new plant commenced early in 2020. Construction of the new sewer pipeline is substantially complete, while upgrades to the plant are ongoing. Irish Water anticipates that these works will be complete by Q3 of 2021. On completion, the new plant and infrastructure will serve a population of approximately 600 people.
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€1.5 million available for heritage-led regeneration of towns in 2021
Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council continue support for Ireland’s Historic Towns
A total of €1.5 million has been allocated for the heritage-led regeneration of towns around the country. The funds, which will be released next year, will be particularly welcome by urban areas hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The scheme was announced by Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, TD. “I am delighted to launch another year of the Historic Towns Initiative, which will support the regeneration of even more Irish historic towns. This Initiative will make €1.5 million available to a number of towns which will in turn help drive investment and renewal,” said Minister Noonan. “Heritage-led regeneration can breathe new life into a town, helping to provide an attractive environment where people can live and work. The renewed vibrancy in the heart of a town brings its own economic benefits as footfall and visitor numbers increase and new light shines into once-vacant commercial and residential premises.”
The Historic Towns Initiative (HTI) 2021 is a joint undertaking by the Department and the Heritage Council.
To date, a total of 18 towns have benefitted under the scheme with a variety of projects funded over the past three years.
This year, those that received financial assistance are: Ramelton, County Donegal, Roscommon town, County Roscommon, Sligo, Co Sligo, Clones, Co Monaghan, Ballina, County Mayo, Callan, Co Kilkenny and Tralee, Co Kerry. These included streetscape conservation projects such as works to traditional railings, render and joinery and historic roof maintenance.
Welcoming the launch, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, TD, said: “By investing in the rich built heritage of our towns, The Historic Towns Initiative conserves and celebrates the
features which make them unique. I am very proud of this partnership between the Heritage Council and my Department and I am delighted that the expanded 2021 scheme will enable us to work together to support even more towns in their heritage-led regeneration.”
Commenting on the Historic Towns Initiative, Chairman of the Heritage Council, Mr Michael Parsons said: “Programmes such as this rely on the strength of local communities and businesses in caring for their historic town. With support from local and national government we can use heritage to improve the quality of life for all in our historic towns.”
Virginia Teehan, Heritage Council CEO, said: “This blending of the old and the new is a key factor in the regeneration of our towns. And this initiative clearly fulfils this objective.
Over the past year there have been some outstanding examples where the fusion of community effort coupled with expertise in the heritage field have come together with a common purpose.
A town seeking to benefit from the Historic Towns Initiative should possess significant cultural and heritage assets and have an indicative minimum population of 1,500 inhabitants.
The HTI 2021 is open for applications from local authorities from 11th December 2020.
Funding applications must be submitted via the Heritage Council’s online grants system. The closing date is 5th February 2020.
The Heritage Council will host an online workshop for local authority personnel interested in applying for the HTI 2021 on 14 January
For more information about the Historic Towns Initiative visit https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/projects/historic-towns-initiative
Funding of €63.5m for Greenways in 2021 confirmed
Minister Eamon Ryan, TD Minister of Transport, and Hildegarde Naughton, TD Minister of State, have confirmed the allocation of funding for a range of Greenways across the country.
Announcing the allocations, Minister Ryan said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm that the allocation of €63.5m to Greenways for 2021 is the highest single year amount ever allocated to Greenways. Indeed, it nearly equals the total amount originally allocated for the 4 years 2018-2021 (€53m) and shows the commitment of this Government to providing a step-change in the way in which we fund walking and cycling. "I’m pleased to announce that we will contribute a significant amount to the Great Southern Greenway in Limerick to support the work of the County Council in bringing the Greenway up to a modern standard. This will ensure that cyclists will have a quality experience all the way from Rathkeale, Co.Limerick to Listowel, Co.Kerry. This funding will also support the refurbishment of the Longford Canal with improved infrastructure being provided along this cycleway.
"In County Offaly we are funding the extension of the Grand Canal Greenway from Daingean to Edenderry, meaning that by the end of next year it will be possible to cycle the Greenway the whole way from Edenderry to Lough Boora, over 50km worth of cycleway. This funding will also be used for refurbishment of the Longford Canal with improved infrastructure being provided along this cycleway.
"We will also support the refurbishment of the disused New Ross to Waterford Railway as part of the Greenway connecting New Ross to Waterford City which incorporates the Kilkenny Greenway. This cycleway will ultimately form part of an extensive cycling and walking network across the South East region and provide an environmentally friendly alternative for commuters into Waterford and New Ross.”
Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton said: “The allocations of €63.5 million being made today will go a long way in delivering a safe and sustainable environment for active travel in our villages, towns and cities. We are funding the construction of a Greenway bridge across the River Shannon in Athlone as part of the Galway to Dublin Greenway. This investment will support even greater numbers enjoying our outdoors by cycling and walking for school, work and leisure.
"We are also supporting the roll-out of a new Safe Routes to School Initiative. This programme will seek to accelerate the delivery of improved walking and cycling infrastructure to schools; enhance sustainable access onto school grounds; and expand the amount of cycle parking available at schools. Underpinning this new initiative, we will see almost €1 million per day spent on our walking and cycling infrastructure in the year 2021.
"2021 is only the start, we will continue to build on this level of investment over the coming years.”
Projects and project promoters and Totals
• Cork, Midleton-Youghal • Galway, Clifden- Recess • Kildare, Grand Canal Aylmer Bridge to Sallins • Kerry, Tralee Fenit • Kerry, Listowel to Limerick County Boundary • Mayo, Great Western Way expansion • Offaly, Grand Canal Daingean to Lough Boora • Wexford, Waterford- New Ross • Wicklow, Blessington Loop • TII , Galway- Athlone • South Kerry Greenway • Galway Moycullen • Offaly, Daingean to Edenderry • Limerick, refurbishment of Great Southern Greenway • Longford Canal Greenway €10,000,000 2020 - €8,800,000 €3,350,000 €2,930,000 €3,440,000 €4,540,000 €5,150,000 €1,660,000 €9,000,000 2020 - €6,210,000 €6,400,000 2020 - €8,358,000 €8,100,000 €1,400,000 €1,800,000 €3,100,000 €2,500,000 €172,000
Totals for all projects for 2021 - €63,542,000
The increased level of funding is representative of the fact that local authorities were originally funded at a rate of 60% pre COVID-19. In recognition of the negative impact COVID-19 has had on local authorities, funding will now be provided at a rate of 100%.
