14 minute read
IRISH WATER UPDATES
Quin to see big benefits as critical wastewater upgrade is completed
Irish Water has completed a major upgrade of the Quin Wastewater Treatment Plant which will protect the local environment and support growth and development in the area. This project, carried out in partnership with Clare County Council, brings big benefits to the local community by ensuring that there is adequate treatment of wastewater, for now and into the future, as well as protecting public health and safeguarding the environment. The existing plant was overloaded and as a result was not compliant with EU Urban Wastewater Directives. This project has brought improvements to the treatment efficiency of the plant and it will also improve the quality of water discharged to the River Rine, a tributary of the Shannon.
Irish Water has invested €4.2 million to carry out this upgrade, which will also increase the capacity of the plant. The existing wastewater treatment plant was originally constructed to cater for a population equivalent (PE) of 740. This upgrade has significantly increased the capacity of the plant, enabling it to serve a population equivalent (PE) of 1350. Project Spokesperson Esther White said: “We are very pleased to announce the successful completion of this project which brings many benefits to Quin from an environmental as well as a social and economic point of view. Not only will it help to safeguard local waterways and the wider environment, it will also accommodate housing and other developments in the Quin area. “The completion of this project on time and on budget reflects Irish Waterʼs commitment – and that of our delivery partners, Clare County Council and EPS – to the efficient delivery of critical infrastructure in order to support local communities. “We would like to thank the local residents and businesses for their support and co-operation as we carried out this work.
The project involved the construction of a new pumping station at Quin on the same site as the existing Wastewater treatment plant; the installation of new settlement tanks and Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) tanks; new inlet works as well as site landscaping, lighting and security works.
Irish Water is on track to deliver a programme of unprecedented scale to stop the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated wastewater into our seas and rivers. Since 2014, Irish Water has eliminated approximately 50% of untreated and inadequately treated wastewater that was being discharged to our rivers and the sea, with the completion of new wastewater treatment plants in 16 towns across the country. In Clare, new public sewerage schemes are currently planned for five locations where there is untreated wastewater being discharged; Liscannor, Kilrush, Kilkee, Ballyvaughan, and Clarecastle. Upgrades of wastewater treatment plants are also being progressed in Doonbeg and Ballycannon (Meelick).
Irish Water, working in partnership with Galway County Council, is progressing the Athenry Sewerage Scheme Network project to safeguard the environment and provide for future growth and development in the town. When completed, the project will reduce the risk of sewer flooding in Athenry and improve water quality in the River Clarin. It will also improve the capacity of the sewer network, allowing for current and future population growth and economic development.
Irish Water will issue a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the lands and wayleaves necessary to complete the works. The CPO, which is essential for the delivery of the project, will be published on 1 July. Once the CPO has been confirmed, a planning application for the scheme will be lodged with Galway County Council. Subject to the CPO and planning processes, it is expected that works will begin in the second half of 2022 and information events for businesses, residents and elected representatives will be held prior to the commencement of works.
Speaking about this vital project, Eunan Canavan, Irish Water, said, “In 2019, close to €5.5m was invested as part of the upgrade to the existing wastewater treatment plant in Athenry. Irish Water is now continuing to progress this project to upgrade Athenryʼs wastewater infrastructure. The Athenry Sewerage Scheme Network project will safeguard the environment by reducing sewer overflows to the River Clarin. It will also ensure that the wastewater infrastructure meets the needs of homes and businesses in Athenry and surrounding areas whilst also providing capacity for future growth and development.”
For more information on this project, visit the Projects and Plans section of our website.
Irish Water, working in partnership with Kildare County Council, is carrying out essential maintenance works at Srowlands Water Treatment Plant as part of the treated water storage system. The essential works involve the installation of new pipework at the treatment plant. These works are being delivered in adherence with current HSE and government COVID-19 advice.
In order to safely facilitate these works, a necessary plant shut down is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 14 July from 8.30am to 5pm. Irish Water in collaboration with Kildare County Council, have reconfigured the network to maintain normal supply to customers and treated drinking water reservoirs will be filled to their maximum in advance of the works starting. Irish Water does not envisage any water supply outages, however, we are appealing to customers in the following areas to conserve water as their drinking water supply is dependent on reservoir storage for the duration of the works: Kildare Town and surrounds; Carbury; Derrinturn; Naas; Athgarvan; Newbridge; Parts of Caragh; Kilmeague; Monasterevin; Calverstown; Nurney; Narraghmore; Ballitore; Prosperous and surrounding areas.
While handwashing remains a priority, simple water conservation efforts can have a big impact on reducing demand on the supply. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth and shaving can save up to 6 litres of water per minute. Taking a shower instead of a bath or using a watering can rather than a hose when gardening can also make a big difference in water use. There are lots more tips on how to conserve water in your home on the Water Conservation section of our website.
Speaking about the works, John Oʼ Donoghue, Regional Operations Manager, Irish Water said, “While handwashing remains a priority, we are asking customers in these areas to be mindful of how they use water. Simple water conservation efforts can make a big difference in reducing pressure on the supply such as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth and shaving, taking a shower instead of a bath, and using a watering can rather than a hose in the garden. We are also reminding people with responsibility for properties that are currently unoccupied to check for leaks and turn off water where it is not required.”
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.
IIrish Water is continuing to carry out works at Drogheda wastewater treatment plant and is committed to resolving any potential odour issues arising from the wastewater plant or network. Irish Water is aware of complaints of odour in the vicinity of the plant which can arise for a variety of reasons, such as rainfall, which impacts the dilution effect in a combined sewer network; temperature, which can naturally give rise to odour issues; the extent of industrial loading and illegal dumping of waste into the sewer network and increased agricultural activity in the area.
Works to reduce the risk of odours that have already been completed at Drogheda wastewater treatment plant include; works to the odour control units; works to three primary settlement tanks and two aeration tanks and the installation of additional treatment at the East Meath pumping station that conveys wastewater to the plant to reduce the potential for septicity of the wastewater. Furthermore, a programme of network jetting is being delivered on an ongoing basis to clear general blockages in the pipe network that could give rise to odours.
In addition, Irish Water is progressing with plans to replace key pieces of infrastructure at the site, such as the anaerobic digesters, on a phased basis over the next two years. The first phase of the works is scheduled to start later this year and along, with a suite of measures being implemented at the plant and on the network, will help to minimise potential odour sources.
Speaking about the ongoing and planned works at the plant, Redmond Burke, Irish Water said, “Irish Water is committed to resolving any potential odour issues at the plant and in the network and we are continuing to work closely with EPS Limited who operate the plant on our behalf and Louth County Council who manage the network on our behalf. The replacement of the anaerobic digester at the site represents a significant investment in the continued upgrade of the plant. We will keep the community informed of updates regarding Drogheda wastewater treatment plant and network through engagement with local media, regular Councillor Clinics and directly with customers who contact our contact centre.”
Irish Water continues to work 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.
Customers should continue to report any issues directly to our call centre which operates 24/7 on 1800 278 278 or by email to operations@water.ie. Real time reporting allows for the investigation of the reported odour as close to the time of the incident as possible.
Works begin on new Wastewater Treatment Plant in Arthurstown
A palpable air of optimism emanated around the small and socially distant gathering who were present for this morningʼs official sod turning at Arthurstown, county Wexford as Irish Water, in partnership with Wexford County Council began works on the new Wastewater Treatment Plant that will serve the communities of Duncannon, Arthurstown and Ballyhack.
The investment of €12.8m will see the plant provide wastewater treatment for the first time for the equivalent of almost 1875 people. The works will ensure the communities have the capacity for social and economic development into the future and will also ensure the protection and the integrity of the environment.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Barbara Anne Murphy was on hand today to offiate at the sod turning;
“ʻThe commencement of this vital sewerage infrastructure development will lead to enhanced tourism opportunities for the beautiful villages of Arthurstown, Ballyhack and Duncannon. In Wexford we pride ourselves on our expansive well maintained beaches and coastline with all of the amenities they offer. The removal of untreated wastewater to this estuary has long been a goal of Wexford County Council, and we can now look forward to all the benefits of a cleaner environment, previously denied due to the lack of treatment in the area. These works will also hasten the return of our Blue Flag Beach status to Duncannon. I very much welcome the investment from Irish Water in conjunction with Wexford County Council.ʼ
Paul Fallon, who is Programme Manager with Irish Water was delighted to be present; “This is big day for the communities of Duncannon, Arthurstown and Ballyhack and we are so pleased to finally get the project underway. This is such a beautiful part of the country and to think that this Irish Water project will eliminate the equivalent of 1,500 wheelie bins of raw sewage flowing into the Barrow, Nore, Suir estuary every day is something to be positive about.
“The size and scale of the challenge of raw sewage discharging into our water ways is well documented, however, the good news is that Irish Water has a plan to get to grips with this and similar areas around Ireland. This project is due for completion in 2023 and will support social and economic development and protect our marine life in the years to come too. I'd finally like to pay tribute to our colleagues in Wexford County Council, Sisk, Aecom and Atkins who have done a fantastic job to date and I look forward to bringing this project to completion with them".
Minister of State James Browne made his way from his home constituency of Enniscorthy to help mark the occasion too.
“Itʼs great to see this project get underway. It has been a long time in the making, and it will open up so many new opportunities for the communities of Arthurstown, Duncannon and Ballyhack. I wish Irish Water, Wexford County Council and Sisk the best of luck with the works.”
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, also warmly welcomed the commencement of construction of the much needed Wastewater Treatment Plant, stating that ʻthe works when completed in approximately 16 monthsʼ time will bring great benefits to the villages and surrounding areas in terms of environmental improvements, water quality, infrastructural development, tourism and investment.ʼ The Chief Executive also thanked Irish water and the Staff of Wexford County Council for bringing the project to this juncture and wished contractors Sisk Group well in their endeavours.
Although numbers were limited at the event due to COVID-19 restrictions, the communities were well represented by their elected representatives, business leaders and other members of the community.
Well known Chef and author Kevin Dundon was in Arthurstown this morning to see the works kick off, he is passionate about his locality and the environment;
“For all of us living and working in a coastal community, this is a fabulous environmental step forward. Cleaner beaches and water for residents and visitors alike means better living. Hopefully, the blue flags will return soon as a result of this wastewater treatment development.”
Lorraine Waters from Hook Lighthouse was also on hand to witness the Sod Turning;
“Hook lighthouse too is delighted to hear its partnering villages Duncannon, Arthurstown and Ballyhack will soon have a new wastewater treatment plant, as all our areas are striving to go green and become more ecofriendly this is indeed good news, especially in a time where we are now hoping to, in the coming years increase our visitor capacity to our beautiful county.”
Chairman of New Ross Municipal District, Patrick Barden was also in attendance this morning; “ʻProtecting our environment has never been more important than it is today. With this new treatment system for the villages of Arthurstown Ballyhack and Duncannon, we are taking a major step in the right direction with regard to improving our environment here in this lovely area. Over the years these villages have been restricted in their ability to expand and diversify due to the lack of adequate sewage treatment. This problem is now being resolved and we can look forward to realising the full potential of these vibrant communities. I would like to acknowledge the role of Irish Water and Wexford County Council in the delivery of this ambitious project. I also look forward to the day when the neighbouring village of Ramsgrange will also be connected.”
Since 2014, Irish Water has built new wastewater infrastructure for 16 towns and villages across the country, ending the discharge of raw sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas; the equivalent of 100,000 peopleʼs worth, every day.
Across the bay in Dunmore East and all along the Waterford coastline, the practice of discharging raw sewage into the waterways has been eliminated since 2017. The investment of €24 million there delivered seven new wastewater treatment plants in towns and villages across Co. Waterford including Ardmore, Ballyduff/Kilmeadan, Cappoquin, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Stradbally and Tallow.
Irish Water is working in partnership with Wicklow County Council to improve the sewer network in Bray, Co Wicklow. The delivery of this wastewater project will support future growth and development in the area.
Works to construct almost 0.4km of new and replacement sewer will begin in early 2022 and is expected to be completed in late 2022. Similar wastewater improvement works have already been completed on Old Connaught Road, Dublin Road and new School Road.
Consultations have been on-going with landowners, however, Irish Water was unable to acquire all of the required wayleaves and lands on a voluntary basis and has submitted an application for a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to An Bord Pleanála. The CPO, which is essential for the delivery of this project and pursuant to the provisions of the Water Services Act, 2007 (as amended), is needed to allow Irish Water to formally obtain the necessary lands and wayleaves required for this project. The public notice for the CPO will also be published in the local newspaper.
The timeline for the commencement of works is subject to the CPO statutory approvals, however, it is expected that the construction will start in 2022 and information events for businesses, residents and elected representatives will be held prior to the commencement of works.
Commenting on the project, Padraig Hanley, Irish Water said, “A sewer network that is fit for purpose is essential in order to support business and social development in the community. These works will support existing and future residential and commercial development while also improving the overall performance of the sewer network.”
Irish Water will provide further updates as the project progresses.
Irish Water continues to work 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.
