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IRISH WATER UPDATES
Works progressing to upgrade Blessington Waste Water Treatment Plant
Irish Water, working in partnership with Wicklow County Council, is progressing plans to upgrade Blessington Wastewater Treatment Plant to safeguard the environment and support social and economic development in the area.
The works will involve the construction of a new primary treatment system including a pump station and upgrades to the existing aeration tanks as well as the installation of a new odour control system. When completed, the project will increase the capacity of the plant to serve a population equivalent (PE) of up to 9,000, enabling future growth and safeguarding the environment by ensuring compliance with national and EU legislation. These essential works will be delivered in adherence with the current HSE and government guidance on Covid-19.
Speaking about the project Dawid Wozniak, Regional Lead with Irish Water, said “Irish Water is committed to providing a safe and reliable water supply, protecting the environment and supporting the growth of homes and businesses across Ireland. We are working in partnership with Wicklow County Council to continually improve wastewater treatment throughout Wicklow and are delighted to progress with plans to upgrade Blessington Wastewater Treatment Plant. The upgrade works will provide Blessington and the surrounding areas with the infrastructure needed to support future growth by increasing the capacity of the plant as well as safeguarding the environment. We look forward to providing further updates as the project progresses”.
The project will be carried out on behalf of Irish Water by Veolia Water Ireland and is expected to commence in the coming weeks. Irish Water will provide further communications as the project progresses.
This project forms part of Irish Waterʼs investment plan where works have been prioritised to address the most critical issues in line with commitments outlined in Irish Waterʼs business plan. Delivery of the business plan will involve a €5.5bn investment in capital spending on drinking water and wastewater quality and capacity and new infrastructure up to the end of 2021.
Works progressing on upgrades to Mallow Wastewater Treatment Plant
Irish Water is delighted to announce the signing of a new contract to upgrade Mallow wastewater treatment plant.
Irish Water, working in partnership with Cork County Council, will invest €20 million in this project. The upgrades will deliver a modern and improved plant, improving performance of the wastewater treatment infrastructure. The treatment capacity of the existing plant will be increased and the current overloading issue at the plant will be resolved. The new wastewater infrastructure will also enhance local amenities and provide a platform for social and economic development.
Glan Agua Ltd. have signed the contract and will work on behalf of Irish Water to deliver this project. Works on the project are expected to commence in the coming months and be completed in 2023.
Anthony Kavanagh, Regional Infrastructure Lead with Irish Water, commented on the project, “Irish Water is delighted to deliver a new upgrade project at Mallow wastewater treatment plant. This project will enhance the local environment by improving water quality in the River Blackwater, while supporting the social and economic development of Mallow town in the decades ahead.”
“The project will involve upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant in Ballyellis as well as the construction of a new terminal pumping station and storm water holding tank at Mallow Bridge.”
“We look forward to working with the local community to deliver this essential project in conjunction with our partners Cork County Council and Glan Agua Ltd.”
Irish Water and our appointed Contractor, Glan Agua Ltd., will be in contact with the local community in Mallow in advance of works commencing in the town and throughout the delivery stage of the project.
Irish Water is also progressing with upgrades to the sewer network in Mallow, with the project also expected to commence in the coming months. Both projects will be coordinated by Irish Water, ensuring that any potential disruptions to the local community are minimised.
First Fix Free scheme extended to 600,000 additional customers
An additional 600,000 customers can now benefit from Irish Waterʼs free leak repair service following approval by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to extend the First Fix scheme.
In approving Irish Waterʼs proposals, the CRU recognises the success of the scheme in reducing leakage and safeguarding water supplies.
The First Fix scheme is a key element of the national Leakage Reduction Programme which is addressing the serious problem of leakage in Irelandʼs water network. The scheme provides customers with support in identifying and fixing leaks. Irish Water offers a free leak investigation and, when a potential leak has been identified, a free repair to a leak detected on an external supply pipe on the customerʼs property.
Since its introduction in 2015, the First Fix scheme has resulted in savings of 155 million litres of water every day, enough water to supply 450,000 homes a year. To date more than 87,000 investigations and 60,400 leak repairs have been completed. The changes approved by the CRU this week will open the scheme to customers who were not included in the original scope, including those without a water meter. As a result up to 600,000 more customers will now be able to benefit from the service.
Irish Waterʼs Customer Strategy and Capability Manager Geoffrey Bourke said, “Tackling Irelandʼs high rate of leakage is a top priority for Irish Water. We are making steady progress by replacing old water mains, fixing leaks and upgrading our water network as part of the Leakage Reduction Programme.
“The First Fix scheme is an essential tool in tackling the problem of leakage on customersʼ property. We welcome the decision to expand the eligibility criteria. Many more customers will now be able to have a leak fixed free of charge and help to conserve our precious water resources. This will benefit everyone by ensuring a more secure and reliable water supply for all. We look forward to working with our customers throughout Ireland as we continue to deliver this important programme.”
Following the completion of the CRU review of the First Fix Free scheme, Irish Water will work with the Regulator and our delivery partners to implement the recommended changes, including: • Unmetered domestic customers can now avail of the scheme; • Domestic customers with usage above 213,000 litres per annum will be prioritised for leak investigation under the First Fix Scheme; • An Internal Stop Valve is no longer needed for a customer to be eligible; • Some mixed-use customers will now be eligible; • Properties with a shared service connection will now be eligible; and • Customers no longer need to be registered with Irish Water to avail of the scheme.
Full details of the First Fix Free scheme can be found on the First Fix Free section of our website. Our customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1850 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCarewith any queries.
Irish Water, working in partnership with Kildare County Council, continues to progress the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme to safeguard the environment and support economic and social development in towns across Kildare. The current phase of the project involves upgrading and replacing the wastewater network in
several locations in Newbridge. Works have already been completed along Military Road/Athgarvan Road, Páirc Mhuire Estate and R445/Edward Street.
Speaking about the project, Olive Marshall Regional Lead with Irish Water, said “Irish Water is committed to investing in the wastewater treatment infrastructure in Kildare to support the needs of the growing population and to safeguard the environment. These works are part of the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme, a €38 million project that is needed to provide East Kildare and the surrounding areas with the infrastructure needed to support the building of houses, schools, attract new industry and allow companies to expand and grow.”
This project forms part of a €38 million investment in the wastewater network in Kildare that involves laying 18km of new sewers to improve the wastewater network and safeguard the environment. The project is essential as the current wastewater infrastructure is unable to support the needs of the area and does not comply with European legislation or Environmental Protection Agency requirements.
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.
For more information regarding these works, please visit our Newbridge Wastewater Upgrade project page.
Works progress on the Gweedore Sewage Scheme
Irish Water along with its Local Authority partner Donegal County Council, is delighted to announce that the innovative Demonstration Project as part of the Gweedore Sewerage Scheme is set to recommence. This project will solve the problem of inadequate sewage treatment in Gweedore, its over reliance on the use of septic tank systems and will improve water quality in Gweedore Bay. The project will provide environmental benefits, support future growth in the area and ensure compliance with Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
Speaking about the works, Irish Waterʼs Patrick Greene explained: “In 2019 Irish Water successfully completed the installation of the pressure sewer network associated with this project. This required the installation of approximately 2.5km of new wastewater network along Factory Road, the Lower Road and the link road connecting both. Now we are ready to undertake the next step in the project, which is the installation of pods at 40 properties. The collected wastewater will then be treated at the existing Údaras na Gaeltachta wastewater treatment plant.”
The benefits of this project to the wider community will be far reaching. Speaking about these positive impacts Patrick said: “This innovative new sewerage scheme will ultimately lead to a reduction on the reliance of septic tanks in the area. This will decrease the discharge of untreated wastewater to the environment by enhancing the treatment of wastewater. This will benefit all those living and visiting the area and will have a significant positive impact on water quality in Gweedore Bay and improve water quality for swimmers, surfers and fishermen.”
Works are expected to commence in June 2021 and those participating in the scheme will be contacted individually prior to works commencing. Cleantech Civils is delivering the work on behalf of Irish Water.
This project forms part of Irish Waterʼs investment plan where works have been prioritised to address the most critical issues in line with commitments outlined in Irish Waterʼs business plan. Delivery of the business plan will involve a €5.5bn investment in capital spending on drinking water and wastewater quality and capacity and new infrastructure up to the end of 2021.
Works commence on the upgrade of Lough Forbes Water Treatment Plant
Irish Water, working in partnership with Longford County Council, is progressing with upgrade works at the Lough Forbes Water Treatment Plant, which will safeguard the drinking water supply to homes and businesses supplied by the Longford Central Water Supply Scheme. The works are being carried out by Veolia Water Ireland on behalf of Irish Water and will ensure that the water treatment facilities are fully compliant with EU Drinking Water Directives.
The upgrade works will provide increased capacity and improve the performance of the water treatment plant to meet the current needs of the area and allow for social and economic growth in Longford. Irish Water will also construct a clarification tank, treated water tank and pumping station. Instrumentation systems will also be upgraded.
Speaking about the project, Martin Temple, Irish Water Regional Lead, said, “This essential upgrade will improve drinking water quality and safeguard water supply for over 19,000 people in Longford. The works will be contained onsite so there will be minimum disruption to local businesses and residents. This project forms part of a larger investment by Irish Water in water treatment plants across Longford, including similar upgrade works at Smear and Lough Kinale Water Treatment Plants.”
Irish Water is working proactively with our delivery partners and as part of a multi-agency working group to ensure that our construction works are carried out in a controlled and safe manner, in keeping with Government and HSE guidelines to protect workers, their families and the broader community.
For further information on this project please visit the Projects and Plans section of our website.
Irish Water and Kerry County Council are progressing plans for Kilcummin Sewerage Scheme. The scheme will provide a new sewer collection system for Kilcummin village, that will ensure wastewater from the village is treated appropriately.
Irish Water, working in partnership with Kerry County Council, will develop this project. Once operational, the new sewerage scheme will connect into the sewer network in Killarney town, where it will be collected and transferred to Killarney wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for appropriate treatment.
The scheme will ensure compliance with wastewater discharge regulations. It will also improve water quality in the River Deenagh and Lough Leane and protect recreational waters for swimming, fishing, boating and sightseeing, as well as protecting the integrity of the local environment. The new wastewater infrastructure will enhance local amenities and provide a platform for social and economic development.
The new sewerage infrastructure to be constructed as part of this scheme will include a sewer network for Kilcummin village, a pumping station, and approximately 6 kms of sewers. The scheme will reduce the reliance on on-site systems such as septic tanks and package treatment plants.
Over the coming months, Irish Water will progress land acquisition and procurement for the scheme. Works on the project are expected to commence late in 2022.
David Shalloo, Wastewater Regional Delivery Lead with Irish Water, commented on the project, “We are looking forward to delivering this important project on behalf of the local community in Kilcummin. All new infrastructure has been sized to accommodate future population growth and the project will enhance the local environment and provide a platform for social and economic development well into the future”.
“We were delighted to update elected representatives on our plans for the Kilcummin Sewerage Scheme today and we look forward to working with them and the local community to deliver this project in conjunction with our partners Kerry County Council.”
Irish Water and Kerry County Council will continue to update the local community in Kilcummin as we progress our work on this project.
IrIrish Water is working in partnership with Local Authorities to support growth and development throughout the country, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies. Thirteen wastewater treatment plants have now been selected for upgrade as part of the Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme.
This investment in the local wastewater infrastructure will provide additional capacity for the development of new homes, while ensuring that wastewater continues to be treated to an appropriate standard.
Details of other towns and villages to be included in the programme, if any, will be announced in the coming months.
Elaine Heneghan, Irish Waterʼs Regional Forward Planning Specialist, said: “We are pleased to confirm that this important project to improve wastewater treatment capacity in small towns and villages has been given the green light. This will bring big benefits to these areas by ensuring the infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of the towns and villages as they continues to grow.
“The purpose of the Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme is to support growth in smaller towns and villages. The areas were selected following detailed consultation with Local Authorities to identify and prioritise areas for investment.”
The project will now continue through the next stages including design, detailed planning, procurement and approvals. Further updates on the budget and timelines for delivery will be provided in due course.
Irish Water is responsible for public water and wastewater infrastructure and is committed to providing a safe and reliable water supply, protecting the environment and supporting the growth of homes and businesses.
The building, repair and upgrading of Irish Waterʼs water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, water and sewer network will require a multi-billion euro investment programme over many years. Irish Water is investing €5.2 billion in the period from 2020-2024 in drinking water and wastewater quality and capacity and new infrastructure.
The Draft Capital Investment Plan is subject to consultation and final determination by Irish Waterʼs regulator, the Commission of the Regulation of Utilities (CRU). This process is ongoing. Following its completion and with the approval of the CRU, updated details of the planned investments in each county will be outlined over the coming months.
County Nominated settlements High level project summary
Dublin Naul Upgrade of the Naul WWTP at the existing site to provide additional capacity for growth. Kildare Derrintirun Upgrade of the Derrintirun WWTP at the existing site to provide additional capacity for growth. Laois Ballyroan Upgrade of the Ballyroan WWTP at the existing site to provide additional capacity for growth. Meath Longwood Upgrade of the Longwood WWTP at the existing site to provide additional capacity for growth. Offaly Rhode Upgrade of the Rhode WWTP at the existing site to provide additional capacity for growth. Westmeath Ballymore Upgrade of the Ballymore WWTP at the existing site to provide additional capacity for growth. Wicklow Aughrim Upgrade of the Aughrim WWTP at the existing site to provide additional capacity for growth. Cavan Ballyconnell Upgrade of the Ballyconnell WWTP at the existing site to provide additional capacity for growth. Galway Ballygar Upgrade of the Ballygar WWTP at the existing site to provide additional capacity for growth. Clare Doonbeg Upgrade of the Doonbeg WWTP at the existing site to provide additional capacity. Cork Killeens Load diversion from Killeens to the Cork City agglomeration to provide additional capacity for growth. Cork Kilumney/Ovens The project will amalgamate and consolidate existing wastewater treatment infrastructure in the Kilumney / Ovens area into a single WWTP with capacity to cater for the existing development and projected growth. Leitrim Carrigallen Upgrade of the Carrigallen WWTP at the existing site to provide additional capacity for growth.
Irish Water continues to progress the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant project. This new wastewater treatment plant will result in significant improvements to water quality in Arklow by ending the discharge of raw sewage directly into the Avoca River, safeguarding the environment, facilitating economic development and provide for a growing population.
The project will include the development of a new, state of the art, wastewater treatment plant that has been designed to provide an ultimate treatment capacity for a PE (population equivalent) of up to 36,000, at the Old Wallboard Factory site located at Ferrybank in Arklow, two interceptor sewer pipelines (along North and South Quay) to bring untreated wastewater to the proposed plant and a marine sea outfall pipe to safely discharge the treated wastewater effluent to the Irish Sea.
Plans for the delivery of the Arklow Wastewater Treatment plant are at an advanced stage and Irish Water is progressing through the relevant statutory process. The necessary planning, land and licences have been secured and the procurement of the construction contract is concluding. Final site surveys, which are required to help inform the design and construction methodology, are scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. Irish Water expects construction to begin later this year.
Michael Tinsley, Portfolio Delivery Manager with Irish Water, said “Eliminating the discharge of untreated wastewater into the River Avoca continues to be a key priority for Irish Water and this project is critical in ending this current practice and safeguarding the wastewater system in Arklow for the future. When completed, the new wastewater treatment plant will have significant benefits for both residents and businesses as well as tourists that visit the area as it will improve the water quality in the River Avoca and enable future economic growth. We will continue to work closely with the local community and will issue further updates as we progress with this vital project”.
Irish Water continues to work 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.
