Local Authority News - Vol. 40 No. 6

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• Government announces National Biodiversity Conference to take place June 8–9 • Skate Bowl And Plaza Wins 39th Irish Concrete Society Award • Communication from Mairéad Phelan, Head of National Building Control Office to Each Building Control Authority

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FEATURES

Published by:

GILTRON LTD RIVERVIEW LODGE, DUBLIN ROAD, NAVAN, CO. MEATH.

Tel: 00353 46 9072841

Email: info@localauthoritynews.ie Website: www.localauthoritynews.ie

ISSN NO. 1393-0394

LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS is available FREE OF CHARGE and ON LINE to all Local and Central Government Bodies throughout Ireland.

Published bi-monthly it is disseminated to Local Authority Managers, Assistant Managers, County Secretaries, Finance Officers, Principal Officers, Department Heads, County Engineers, City Engineers, Chief Quantity Surveyors, Senior Architects, Plant Superintendents, Senior Executive Engineers, Town Clerks, Purchasing Officers, Administrative Officers, Inspectors, Park Superintendents, County Librarians, etc. in all Government Departments, County Councils, Corporations, Office of Public Works, Urban District Councils, StateSponsored and Development Bodies and Agencies.

CONTENTS Vol 40 No. 6

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY CONFERENCE TO TAKE PLACE JUNE 8–9

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PIPELIFE ECO - IRELAND’S #1 SUPPLIER OF ECO HEATING SOLUTIONS

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COMMUNICATION FROM MAIRÉAD PHELAN, HEAD OF NATIONAL BUILDING CONTROL OFFICE TO EACH BUILDING CONTROL AUTHORITY 8 OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE STILLORGAN ROAD(UCD ACCESS) CYCLE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME

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HOW IP TELECOM’S SMART COMMS STACK IS EMPOWERING LOCAL AUTHORITIES

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HVO BIOFUEL GRANT VORTEX WINS BEST RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCT AT THE SEAI ENERGY SHOW

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MINISTER O’BRIEN DELIGHTED THAT IRELAND’S FIRST PURPOSE BUILT COST RENTAL AND SOCIAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WINS SOCIAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR 17 LOCALISED SOLUTIONS TO LOCALISED PROBLEMS AERHAUS

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WATER IS A PRICELESS ASSET BUT THE WAY WE TREAT IT TODAY IS UNSUSTAINABLE, WRITES MICHAEL O’DONOHOE (WAVIN) 20 FUTURE PROOFING HOME HEATING (FIREBIRD) 23 AN AGGREGATED APPROACH TO SMARTER, SIMPLER OPERATIONS (BREEDON)

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SKATE BOWL AND PLAZA WINS 39TH IRISH CONCRETE SOCIETY AWARD

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DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS FOR THE BUTLER ART GALLERY

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REGULARS

IRISH WATER UPDATES

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CLASSFIEDS

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Government announces National Biodiversity Conference to take place June 8–9 The conference will mark a key milestone in the development of Irelandʼs Fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD has announced the next National Biodiversity Conference at Dublin Castle on June 8-9, 2022. The event will see national and international experts come together under the theme ʻAct Now for Natureʼ. The conference forms part of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritageʼs public consultation on Irelandʼs fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan, which will be implemented over a period of five years.

With a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency declared in the Dáil in 2019, we are losing global biodiversity at a rate unprecedented in human history. In Ireland, many of our protected habitats are in poor condition and 14% of assessed species are thought to be endangered. This ongoing biodiversity loss poses a threat not alone to our environment and natural heritage, but to our economy, society and to individual quality of life.

Minister Noonan Biodiversity Conference 2022

The conference is an initiative of the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage and its National Parks & Wildlife Service. It will bring together stakeholders from the public, private, NGO and academic sectors in order to share experiences in protecting, conserving and restoring biodiversity and offer insights to inform the next National Biodiversity Action Plan.

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Minister Noonan said: “This conference will form an important part of the public consultation process on the National Biodiversity Action Plan. We need a diversity of voices to come together to discuss challenges, explore solutions and establish ways to collaborate more effectively on implementation. Iʼd like to encourage everyone – farmers, foresters, fishers, scientists, community groups, local authorities, NGOs, State Agencies, businesses, young people and everyone else besides – to get involved.

“Biodiversity loss is a critical issue that impacts the natural world, our societies and our economies. Humans depend on nature for our survival – it is that simple. We cannot stand idly by while the web of life falls apart.

Ecosystems regulate the climate, fertilise soils, purify water, produce oxygen and pollinate our crops. Many have already seen irreversible changes, including in Ireland. Whatʼs more, nature is our first and best line of defence against climate change.

“Irelandʼs next National Biodiversity Action Plan will seek urgent solutions to reverse losses, enable protection, support conservation and deliver restoration through an all-of-Government, all-of-society approach – and that means you! So Iʼm encouraging everyone to register for the conference, have your say on the new NBAP and help Ireland ʻact now for natureʼ.”

About the National Biodiversity Conference 2022 The National Biodiversity Conference 2022 will be held in Dublin Castle over two days on June 8th & 9th, in accordance with the latest Covid-19 guidelines. It will be streamed live online with a number of satellite events to highlight the importance of biodiversity in the days and weeks leading up to the event.

Last held in 2019, the sold-out conference entitled ʻNew Horizons for Natureʼ brought together senior international policy makers and thought leaders in the area of biodiversity, including Humberto Delgado Rosa is the director of natural capital at the European Commissionʼs directorate general for environment and Inger Andersen, now Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme.

Tickets for the 2022 conference will be available at www.biodiversityconference.ie where you can also register your email to be kept up to date on event announcements.

About the next National Biodiversity Action Plan The (draft) goal of the next National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) is that biodiversity is effectively conserved and restored and the causes and key drivers of the biodiversity crisis are recognised and addressed. There are six objectives in the current draft NBAP; thematic areas supporting these objectives will be explored at the National Biodiversity Conference: • Fostering a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach • Meeting urgent conservation needs • Securing natureʼs contribution to people • Linking biodiversity and climate action • Enhancing the evidence basis for action • Strengthening partnerships for people and planet • Strengthening partnerships for people and planet

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Pipelife Eco - Irelandʼs #1 Supplier of Eco Heating Solutions Pipelife Eco is Irelandʼs leading designer and supplier of thousands of Home Heating Solutions each year.

The Pipelife Eco team work with everyone from homeowners, contractors, architects & consulting engineers across the country in projects ranging from residential homes, offices, hospitals, nursing homes, to warehouses, car showrooms and other commercial & industrial buildings.

Pipelife has recently launched a new Home Heating Solutions website that outlines all the different heating options available to heat a home. The website explains in detailed 3D videos the different types of heating systems in the simplest way possible so homeowners and installers can make the most informed decision about the type of system that will work best for their needs.

Padjoe Barry, National Sales Manager, commented “Building a house can be quite daunting and within that the heating system that is chosen for a home is one of the most important investment decisions a homeowner will make. Heating your home represents the largest annual running cost you will have in ensuring your familyʼs comfort over many years. The heating system you choose and the supplier you choose to provide it are decisions that will impact on you for decades to come.”

The purpose of the website is to give homeowners but also installers a point of reference that they can send their customers to, to learn about the different heating systems available, the pitfalls to watch out for, the quality of all the components used in your heating solution is critical to its long successful operation and the recommended system the Pipelife would recommend.

At Pipelife Eco we believe in providing our customers with a one stop-shop for complete package solutions; from market-leading products, free initial advice, through to bespoke design, final commissioning, and technical support, allowing you to purchase with confidence.

Multiple Package Solutions Design Service Pipelife has a team of Design Engineers ready to assist in the design, sale and installation of a variety of water/energy efficient systems. Our Renewables Division covers every aspect of underfloor heating and integrated renewables and deliver fully designed, energy efficient systems to a range of Installers, Developers, Builders, Engineers & Architects. We have a proven track record of 20 yearsʼ service and commitment to the industry backed by exceptionally trained staff and a dedicated technical backup service.

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Whether youʼre building a new house, adding an extension or renovating your home, we can help you find the right system for your project.

As Underfloor Heating is now the most common method of heating homes in Ireland today it is important to note that the most critical component of an underfloor heating system is the pipework that will be buried in the concrete floor of your home. Once installed this pipework will be encased and inaccessible for the lifetime of your home. Any problems associated with this pipework would entail the floor of your home being dug up causing massive disruption.

It is critical that all components used, but especially the pipework, are top quality and fully backed by reputable manufacturers. Pipelife is the only supplier that manufactures itʼs own specialised underfloor heating pipe in Ireland. We offer our Guaranteed Irish Qual-Pex Plus+ ʻEasy-Layʼ Multilayer Pipe with a 50 year guarantee!

We provide full design indemnity insurance on all our heating solution systems so you can rest assured our system will deliver on what we promise, providing you with a home heating solution you can rely on for decades to come, safe in the knowledge we will always be there to support you if the need ever arises.

The nationwide Pipelife Eco team of experienced design and technical service engineers always provides complete support to installers to ensure successful completion of Pipelife ECO projects.

Pipelife is a company with annual revenues of €1bn a year. We operate in 28 countries and employ 3,000 employeeʼs in 28 manufacturing locations. Pipelife is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Wienerberger Group, with group revenues of over €4bn per year and 16,000 employeeʼs worldwide.

This long history plus the financial strength of Pipelife is the best guarantee we can offer you that we will be there to support our products over the long lifetimes expected of those products.

For more information and to talk to our team call us on 021 488 4700 or e-mail us at ireland@pipelife.com and check out our website www.pipelifeeco.ie

Put your trust in Pipelife – 50 years of proud Irish manufacturing & serving the Irish plumbing & Heating industry.

Our Reputation…Your Peace of Mind!

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DUCTLESS MOULD & CONDENSATION SOLUTIONS FOR EXISTING HOUSES Single Room HRV • Easy to Install • Ventilate up to 55sqm room • Ventilate 20sqm room on setting 1 • E3/yr electrical consumption • 82% efficiency • Less than 10db

Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (DCMEV) • Easy to Install • Continuous airflow up to 90m3/hr • Silent operation as low as 9db • Humidity detection built in • Built in run-time counter

www.aerhaus.com e-mail info@aerhaus.com or call 058 20005 for more information

Localised solutions to localised problems AerHaus Ventilation is one of the leading suppliers of residential ventilation solutions in Ireland. The company stocks a wide range of equipment from European manufacturers such as Aldes, Ubbink, Orcon, Renson, Aerauliqa, Airflow, Vent Axia, Zehnder and others.

AerHaus operates from its 10,000 sqft facility in Dungarvan, Waterford which includes offices, showroom, training centre and warehouse. The company also has a large network of installers nationwide, including specialist ventilation contractors, as well as undertaking installation work itself in the Munster area.

Specialising in residential ventilation solutions, with one of the largest ranges of equipment in the country, AerHaus Ventilation is well positioned to provide professional, unbiased advice to homeowners, builders, councils and housing associations alike.

Managing Director Stephen Walsh

Managing Director of the company, Stephen Walsh, told us that “Up until now the industry focus has been on providing ventilation solutions for new housing. While ducted solutions such as centralised mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) and mechanical extract ventilation (MEV)systems have been the systems of choice, these types of ducted solutions are very often not suitable for installation in existing housing stock.”

Over the last few years, AerHaus has established a range of ductless heat recovery and central extract solutions that will improve airflows, minimise heat loss and target airflow related mould and condensation issues. Itʼs ideology is simple… Localised solutions to localised problems! These low-cost solutions can of course be applied to the whole house but are more often used to solve air quality issues on a room-by-room basis, keeping cost and work to a minimum.

For more information, please call 058 20005 or email info@aerhaus.com.

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Official Opening of the Stillorgan Road (UCD Access) Cycle Improvement Scheme • Actavo Civils Division constructed pedestrian and cycle lanes on Stillorgan road.

The Stillorgan Road (UCD Access) Cycle Improvement Scheme was officially opened by Councillor Lettie McCarthy, An Cathaoirleach of Dún LaoghaireRathdown County Council, Professor Mark Rogers, Acting President of UCD, and Liam Ryan, Head of Network Operations, Actavo, at Nova UCD Entrance, Stillorgan Road on Friday, 1st April 2022. Actavo Civils Division was the main contractor for the project that commenced in March 2020.

Actavo Civils Division, headed up by Ollie Raftery, Mick Kennedy (Senior Site Construction Manager) and Gary Stanley (Quantity Surveyor), has successfully delivered a high-quality and safe Lettie McCarthy, An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, installation of a new cycle and pedestrian Professor Mark Rogers, Acting President of UCD, and Liam Ryan, route, while also improving safe foot and Head of Network Operations, Actavo, at Nova UCD Entrance cycle path usage. As part of the project, the team constructed cycle lanes from the junction with The Rise across Fosterʼs Avenue to a new cycle and pedestrian entrance to the UCD campus, including the installation of new and Improved Signalised Junctions at both the Rise and Fosterʼs Avenue.

Works undertaken as part of this project included: realignment and upgrade of the junctions, installation of new street lighting columns and ducts, traffic ducting, relocation and construction of new bus stops and cold milling and reinstatement of sections of existing Asphalt carriageway, including the application of High Friction Surfacing and road markings.

The Project was also delivered during the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic with new Standard Operating Procedures developed, training undertaken and Covid PPE distributed, to ensure the works could proceed in a safe fashion, in accordance with Government and HSA Guidelines.

Liam Ryan, Head of Network Operations, Actavo said: “This was a significant and challenging project undertaken by the Actavo Civils Division, due to the locus being a major arterial route into Dublin City Centre.

To successfully deliver this project, we engaged with key stakeholders, and developed and submitted traffic management plans including consultation with Dublin Bus and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

Health & Safety was a key consideration, as the project was near transmission gas mains and high voltage electricity cables. Actavo set up on-site meeting with utilities personnel to monitor works and ensure the safe delivery of the project.”

The project was delivered with minimum impact to traffic and pedestrians and there was no impact to nearby existing high-pressure gas mains and high voltage underground ESB cables.

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How IP Telecomʼs Smart Comms Stack is empowering Local Authorities When it comes to running a successful project or service provision the key is connectivity. Knowing that something is on track to be delivered or even being able to have conversations in the world of the hybrid workplace, ensuring your team is connected and contactable is key.

Whether dealing with colleagues or when a service user calls in, transferring calls around to different locations or even giving out mobile numbers to the caller to try and hunt down the right person or department is a less than ideal user experience.

This is one of the pain points that IP Telecoms Smart Comms Stack is doing away with, and making the callerʼs experience exceptional.

With IP Telecomʼs Smart Comms Stack, calls route to whatever endpoint device the user uses regularly – mobile, laptop, tablet, all these become your virtual deskphone via our softphone app. Or with our clever integrations, Collaborative and CRM systems such as Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, Zendesk and more become part of your phone system. Allowing the user to make and receive phone calls via their existing software.

And yes we still do desk phones as well – but all these solutions route all the calls via IP Telecomʼs award winning phone system. Eliminating existing line rental, mobile calling and forwarding charges, whilst delivering a strong, reliable, backbone ensuring extra resilience in your communications.

Weʼre working with businesses, schools, healthcare, governmental and local authorities right now to deliver an excellent, cost-efficient caller and user experience across Ireland right now. Why not talk to us today to see what we can do for you.

Active since 2010, with over 5,000 businesses, local authorities, and agencies with over 100,000 endpoints on our dedicated built for business network - IP Telecom are Irelandʼs Business Communications Network.

Find out more at www.iptelecom.ie

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HVO biofuel Grant Vortex wins best renewable energy product at the SEAI Energy Show Grantʼs HVO biofuel compatible Grant Vortex condensing boiler has been awarded ʻBest Renewable Energy Productʼ at the SEAI Energy Show 2022.

Pictured L-R - Ciaran Byrne, SEAI Director National Retrofit, Niall Fay, Director, Grant, Barry Gorman, National Renewables Sales Manager, Grant and Mona Duff, Senior Manager of the International WELL Building Institute.

Renowned for highly efficient, innovative heating technologies and commitment to reducing carbon emissions, this award is the leading home heating solutions companyʼs first major recognition for its HVO biofuel compatible Grant Vortex boiler. The product was developed following an investment of over €250,000 in R&D which aimed to help existing rural and hard to heat homes reduce carbon emissions and helping to prevent homeowners from incurring the high cost and subsequent disruption to daily life of deep retrofitting.

Grant was also recognised for its innovation in The Irish Times Innovation Awards 2021, where the same product was a finalist in the sustainability category.

A trusted brand for home heating for over 40 years, Grant continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable and innovative product development. Founder, Stephen Grant said: “We are delighted that our HVO biofuel compatible Grant Vortex boiler received Best Renewable Energy Product of the Show at the SEAI Energy Awards.

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Our breakthrough in the research and development of HVO-ready condensing boilers has led the way for us to transform largely into a renewable heating company and we continue to lead the industry in designing and manufacturing heating technologies that offer a low carbon and sustainable home heating solution for homeowners throughout Ireland going forward into the future.”

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is an advanced renewable diesel biofuel derived from 100% Grant Vortex Module 26kW renewable waste fats and vegetable oil. While it is a relatively new fuel to Ireland, in Europe and the UK it is used for Marine and Public Transport and to power generators. HVO currently available in the UK and Ireland is manufactured from 100% renewable and sustainable waste derived raw materials and certified via the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) scheme.

Stephen continues, “Over 1 million liquid fueled homes on the island of Ireland could be decarbonised by installing an HVO biofuel compatible Grant Vortex boiler, especially those who are off the grid and that have poor thermal efficiency. The cost of updating an existing boiler would be approximately €500 when matching and changing to a new biofuel burner, however this could be substantially less if the boiler is already biofuel compatible.”

Niall Fay, director of Grant said, “Using 100% HVO for heating will help meet Irelands carbon emissions target and result in circa 87% immediate carbon reduction and using this or a percentage blend of HVO with kerosene, will enable rural and hard to heat Irish homes to transition to a renewable green alternative from 100% kerosene at an affordable cost and minimum disruption to their home lives. In terms of renewable heating, using 100% HVO could provide a more sustainable way to heat existing homes than a heat pump.”

Grant is a member of OFTEC, the trade association for the liquid fuel heating sector and David Blevings, their Ireland manager said, “This is a very positive step and reinforces our belief that biofuels have a key role to play in in reducing emissions in the home heat sector. We have continually advised Government that the introduction of a biofuel as a replacement for kerosene is a viable option and should be part of Irelandʼs future energy mix.

Replacing kerosene with HVO is a seamless transition for existing liquid fuel users and a simple option for Government to reduce carbon emissions in the off-grid sector. If all the c.700 thousand oil fired homes moved to HVO tomorrow, the annual carbon emissions from the liquid fuel sector would drop from c.3.7 million tonnes to 488 thousand tonnes pa; those substantial savings are available today, not in ten yearsʼ time”.

Grantʼs portfolio of heating technologies currently includes HVO biofuel compatible condensing boilers, air to water, air source heat pumps, condensing wood pellet boilers, solar thermal panels, underfloor heating, hot water cylinders and aluminium radiators.

Think Heating. Think Grant.

For further information visit grant.eu 15

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Positive Coverage Positive Achievements Tel: 00353 46 9072841 Email: info@localauthoritynews.ie Website: www.localauthoritynews.ie

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Minister OʼBrien delighted that Irelandʼs first purpose built Cost Rental and social housing development wins Social Housing Development of the Year The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OʼBrien, has said he was delighted that a Dublin housing development which featured the first purpose-built Cost Rental homes in Ireland has won the Social Housing Development of the Year at the National Property Awards.

Minister OʼBrien lauded the ʻWoodsideʼ scheme at Enniskerry Road, Stepaside, County Dublin, as a development where collaboration between various stakeholders showcased the type of innovative cost rental scheme that can be brought forward and gives the cost rental concept real substance and tangible impact on peopleʼs lives.

The scheme of 155 homes (50 cost rental and 105 social housing) was delivered by Respond and Tuath Approved Housing Bodies in partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council, the Housing Agency and the Housing Finance Agency. ʻWoodsideʼ is a unique development, a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom properties, built on public land, to be managed by Respond and Tuath Housing.

All of the 50 Cost Rental homes are 2-bedroom apartments. The Cost Rental apartments will be let at a monthly rent of €1,200, a significant reduction when compared to market rents for 2-bedroom apartments in this location. The rent charged to tenants will cover the cost of delivering, managing and maintaining these homes and will not be driven by market movements.

Minister OʼBrien pointed out that Cost Rental is a new form of secure, long-term rental tenure where homes are made available to middle-income earners at below open-market rates.

He said: “The homes at ʻWoodsideʼ have rents of approximately 40% below open-market rates. Under Housing for All, the governmentʼs plan for housing, 18,000 Cost Rental homes will be provided between now and 2030.

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“Woodside, and other developments like it currently underway, show the delivery of affordable housing is happening and itʼs making a positive difference. Ensuring there is affordable housing to rent is a government priority. Cost Rental housing addresses the affordability challenges faced by those on moderate incomes who wish to rent a home. This model of housing is a new departure in the delivery of housing in Ireland, providing a new type of housing tenure in addition to social housing, private renting and private purchase. It provides renters with a long-term security of tenure with a rent level significantly below open-market rates.”

Minister OʼBrien added: “The tenanting of the superb Woodside development is the outcome of close and constructive collaboration between Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Respond, Tuath, the Housing Agency, the Housing Finance Agency and my own department. I want to commend all involved in making these homes a reality for those who live in them now.

“When I was there earlier this month I was particularly impressed with how the site is located near to a wide range of amenities, public facilities, schools, health services, local community and sports groups. It was a well-designed, well laid out site in beautiful surroundings, and it is little wonder it picked up the award last night.”

Minister OʼBrien added that a pipeline of Cost Rental housing is building up and more developments are due to come on stream shortly: “These developments will provide people with secure, affordable rental accommodation, and, as we deliver at scale, will help make Irelandʼs housing market more affordable overall.”

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has approved funding through the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) Scheme for the development of approximately 900 Cost Rental homes, to be delivered in 2022 and 2023 by Approved Housing Bodies. An average of 2,000 homes will be provided per year, by the AHBs, local authorities and the Land Development Agency (LDA) between now and 2030. Where State funding is made available, rents are targeted to be delivered at 25% below market rates.

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Water is a priceless asset but the wa is unsustainable, writes Michael OʼD As soon as it enters cities, we try to get rid of it. We should treat water as a precious asset rather than a disposable commodity. We must reuse it where there is too little, filter it where it is too polluted, and return it to the ground when groundwater supplies are depleted.

Circular mentality This would close the water loop and stop shifting the problem from one upstream end to the other downstream end. A circular mentality must undergird every urban design step we take. We must make every drop count.

There is so much happening around the globe and in Ireland that can bring that about.

A number of global actions in recent months may shape how we view water in the coming years.

Wavin city garden: bird's eye view Last November President Biden announced a $111bn investment in water infrastructure in the United States A month later the iconic Wall Street gong sounded as water became a future, an opportunity to invest money in.

Globally our water supply is running low and where there is limited availability and a high demand, donʼt be surprised if in the near future a good rain shower makes the stock market spike.

In 10 yearsʼ time, 60% of the worldʼs population will be living in cities. The problem that cities face is their lack of uncemented soil to soak up the heavy rainfall caused by climate change. The pressure wastewater puts on infrastructure is increasingly high and so is the damage, the cost is immense.

Wavin city garden: bird's eye view

One of the key threats posed by climate change to urban areas is water availability.

This may seem strange when so much of the world has been experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding.

Evacuation Just now it is Australia which is experiencing strong floods with many communities facing evacuation. A few months ago we had flash flooding in a number of Irish cities and last summer it was the turn of China, Germany and parts of the United States.

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way we treat it today OʼDonohoe.

A destabilised climate will make water supplies more volatile and unpredictable, and the way we currently think of water only exacerbates this threat. We treat water linearly - source to use to disposal - instead of circularly, and this presents a tremendous opportunity to future-proof cities and make them more liveable for centuries to come.

Risk mitigation and resilience in the urban building sector can be achieved through innovative smart and integrated blue-green infrastructure – inclusive water management in particular. We must change the way we use water as part of broader climate adaptation efforts. It's not just about using less water, discharging more water faster, or building bigger reservoirs. It's about using water at the right time and in the right place.

By making use of every drop as frequently, efficiently, and naturally as possible, we both mitigate climate change and adapt to it.

Connection How can we fulfil this vision? The key word is connection. We must connect systems often viewed as independent – like wastewater, rainwater, and tap water systems – to create circular and controlled water cycles around buildings, neighbourhoods, and cities. Then, we should apply this concept of connection to different disciplines, partners, technologies, designs, and solutions to collectively achieve the most adaptive and inclusive infrastructure.

Our future generations are facing a 40% shortfall between their water supply and demand – making it unacceptable that existing water is leaking away or being contaminated by ageing pipes.

At Wavin, we believe that water infrastructures can be fixed without extensive city interruptions and that we need to enable better solutions for rainwater reuse to not exhaust our freshwater resources. Solutions lie in digitalisation and flexible, secure piping with ultimate durability delivering what itʼs supposed to – safe, clean water to communities.

It's inconvenient and expensive to dig up a city. We need to use new thinking and new technologies to replace our ageing infrastructure in a way that is: ▪ Cost-efficient (no-dig solutions) ▪ Safe (avoiding legionella in new installations) ▪ Smart (utilising technology for monitoring and predictive maintenance to improve drinking water quality) ▪ Lasting (collecting and reusing rainwater to avoid depleting fresh water supplies) Wavin offers solutions that can help implement this vision. Our AquaCell technology – made from 100% recyclable plastic – routes water in a more weather-independent and controlled manner, insulating urban areas from volatile weather patterns.

Our intelligent StormHarvester technology selectively returns water to groundwater, even in poorly permeable soils. When rain is forecast, StormHarvesterʼs predictive technology adjusts the tankʼs water level to ensure capacity for rainwater retention. Instead of letting rainwater go to waste, StormHarvester helps close the water loop by predicting water availability and adjusting accordingly.

By developing new standards and solutions, connecting with engineers and other partners, while driving the global discourse on the future of cities, Wavin is supporting climate-resilient cities that can keep being liveable and lovable.

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Future Proofing Home Heating Designed to provide an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional heating and hot water systems, the Enviroair Air Source Heat Pumps from Firebird are available in single phase outputs from 7.5 to 16kW. Featuring a single Monobloc unit which is installed outside the property, the range provides a compact and space saving solution. Cheaper to install than a ground source heat pump, every 1kW of electricity used to power an Enviroair Air Source Heat Pump provides up to 5kW of energy to a home. It is ultraquiet in operation and emits fewer decibels than a domestic fridge, making it the perfect choice for renewable home heating.

Together with the Firebird Envirocyl Quick Plumb Unit and the Enviroair Underfloor Heating and Ventilation Systems, Firebird can provide you with your full heating package for a new build or home upgrade.

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On reviewing your house plans, Firebirdʼs experts can calculate your exact needs as to radiators and/or underfloor heating, hot water and heat pump outputs, based on heat loss calculations and the heating requirements from each room.

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An Aggregated Approach to S As of 1st May 2022, Whitemountain Quarries Ltd, Lagan Asphalt Ltd, and Lagan Materials Ltd have rebranded as Breedon Ireland.

Since the acquisition in 2018, when the family of Irish companies became part of the Breedon Group, the Irish materials and contracting divisions continued to operate under the brands Lagan in ROI and Whitemountain in NI. At the Breedon Group, weʼve become a leading vertically integrated construction materials provider in Great Britain and Ireland, delivering essential products and services to the construction sector.

N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin By-pass

In addition to holding 1bn tonnes of mineral reserves and resources with long reserve life, we supply value-added products and services, including specialty materials, surfacing and highway maintenance operations, to a broad range of customers through our extensive local network of quarries, ready-mixed concrete, and asphalt plants.

N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin By-pass

As a company combined, our c.3,500 colleagues embody our commitment to ʻMake a Material Differenceʼ as we continue to execute our strategy to create sustainable value for all our stakeholders, delivering growth through organic improvement and acquisition in the heavy side construction materials market.

The Breedon Groupʼs two well-invested cement plants are actively engaged in carbon reduction practices, which include utilising alternative raw materials and lower carbon fuels.

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o Smarter, Simpler Operations Managing Director of Breedon Ireland Materials and Contracting, Terry Lagan, set up the original Lagan Group business in ROI in 1989, which originally comprised an asphalt production & contracting division along with a bitumen emulsion production plant. The business developed from there to cover the entire island, with operations from Cork to Donegal and Galway to Dublin, becoming the largest independent producer of construction materials in ROI. In a recent interview, he outlined some of the strategic reasons for the rebrand, “We believe that it is now time for a more unified approach to our branding. Our main goal is to provide clearer communication to all our customers and stakeholders. Integrating the brands fully, will help us to achieve that and I believe it will also make us stronger.”

There are signs of great things to come for the company. In the Central and Southern Region, we have already completed major resurfacing projects on the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin Bypass and Cork Airport Runways 1634, as well as supplying and placing 65,000 tonnes of Bituminous materials as part of the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade Scheme.

Cork Airport

The brand merger of Lagan and Whitemountain to Breedon Ireland will help to combine all our collective talent, knowledge, and expertise. More robust governance processes mean every Breedon employee combined, as a unit, can be resilient against future risk, protecting livelihoods and welfare and refining the sustainable business model to create more value for all our stakeholders.

Weʼre proud of our social impact too, placing huge significance in, and engaging with our national network of local relationships, contributing to each community we serve, with materials donated to local projects, support for local schools, community events and charity fundraising.

The goal across the entire Breedon Group is to work together as one, all making a material difference.

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luesky 3D Models Help Macro Works Plan BMilestone Solar Farm in Ireland.

3D maps derived from the latest aerial photography are being used to secure planning permission for solar farms across the Republic of Ireland, including the largest permitted development. Created by Bluesky International, the Digital Terrain and Surface Models (DTM / DSM) are applied by landscape consultancy firm Macro Works to better understand how solar farms could be seen from the surrounding area and the impact reflected light might have on existing properties and infrastructure.

Working on behalf of solar energy developers across the Republic, Macro Works uses Blueskyʼs models to produce several outputs, including Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) maps and Glint and Glare assessment reports. These, together with a Landscape Mitigation Plan, have already helped secure permission for over 100 solar farms, including Irelandʼs largest permitted development to the north-west of Midleton, County Cork.

“Traditional ZTV mapping is based on bare-ground terrain data, however, the Bluesky DSM data allows screening by existing vegetation and buildings to be accounted for and also allows us to incorporate proposed mitigation and examine its effectiveness,” commented Luis Dominguez, Senior GIS Analyst at Macro Works.

“This form of analysis is extremely useful for placing a new structure into almost any setting but is particularly effective for solar developments where we use the process to inform both our Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments and Glint and Glare analysis.”

“Before Bluesky DSM data was available, we captured and processed our own models using a survey-grade drone,” he continued, “however, this was weather dependent, time consuming and expensive. Now that Bluesky has captured, and continues to maintain, high quality DSM data for the whole of the Republic of Ireland, we can rely on them for the instant provision of accurate and up-to-date datasets.”

Ralph Coleman, Sales Director at Bluesky, added: “Geospatial data is proving to be integral to many initiatives tackling climate change. It provides key insight at the planning stages of projects such as the installation of solar farms, meaning the correct sites can be identified quickly, saving time and money. Importantly, our customers can have immediate access to our DTM and DSM datasets meaning progress can be made at pace.”

Macro Works has worked with Bluesky for many years completing a large volume of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) on solar farms, wind energy developments and other major infrastructure projects. The company specialises in LVIA for energy, infrastructure and commercial developments and is the only Landscape Architecture practice in Ireland solely dedicated to LVIA. Macro Works has a specialist GIS team which has developed a range of advanced forms of analysis as well as Irelandʼs only proprietary Glint and Glare analysis software and was one of the first to utilise both DTM and DSM data within its LVIA works.

www.bluesky-world.com

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SKATE BOWL AND PLAZA WINS 39th IRISH CONCRETE SOCIETY AWARD Excellence in concrete design and construction was celebrated at the Irish Concrete Societyʼs Awards Evening, which took place on the 26th of March in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin.

This was the 39th Annual Awards Evening. The event is always one of the highlights of the construction industryʼs calendar, which returned after a 3-year absence with 280 in attendance. The Awards recognise excellence in both design and construction in concrete and are adjudicated by a distinguished, independent jury of industry professionals. The main awards jury reviewed a total of thirty-two projects nominated in three categories of main awards - Element, Winning project in the concrete awards Skate Bowl and Plaza at Le Fanu, Ballyfermot, Dublin Infrastructure and Building.

There were also nine projects nominated for the 9th International Award, which is sponsored by Enterprise Ireland. In addition, the winner of the annual Sean de Courcy Student Award was announced.

Speaking at the awards evening Chair Roger West stated: ʻTonight is one for celebrating, celebrating the “promotion of excellence in the use of concrete” in all its forms.

The creativity and skill of the various parties in each and every one of our entries for awards tonight must be in synergy to be successful in winning one of our main award categories.

No less deserving of our admiration are those companies that export our expertise and our products, as flagships of our industryʼs recognised excellence on an international stage, while concurrently supporting the local economy. This is reflected in the increasing importance of winning the International Awardʼ.

The Main Awards The main awards jury consisted of Eddie Cleary (Duggan Brothers (Contractors) Ltd.), Grace Keeley (GKMP Architects), and Richard Osborne (Waterman Moylan).

Element Category and Overall Winner: Skate Bowl and Plaza at Le Fanu, Ballyfermot, Dublin Chosen from a total of 13 element category entries and 32 entries for the overall award.

Jury Quote: ʻThis community led project borne out of an international design competition has been carefully designed and executed almost entirely in concrete to provide a fantastic amenity to the youth of Ballyfermot. An extensive public consultation process has resulted in a park that caters for a range of users of varying ability from BMX cyclists to scooter users and skateboarders.

The Design Team and the contractors on site have worked together to overcome construction constraints and deliver a challenging sculptural design achieving a 2mm tolerance throughout.

The jury was extremely impressed by the smoothness of concrete surface achieved across the three dimensional skate-BMX plaza, skate bowls and skate transition area, a critical requirement of a skate park brief.

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This is a project of complex depressions, protrusions and undulations that demonstrates the careful use of in-situ concrete to create a highly successful amenity of which the community is justifiably proud.ʼ Project Client: Dublin City Council Project Architect: Relational Urbanism Project Engineer: Robert Barry Consulting Engineers Project Contractor: C&A Build & Civil Major Suppliers: Roadstone Infrastructure Category Winner: Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge, Co. Wexford Chosen from a total of 5 projects entered.

Jury Quote: ʻThe Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge, Irelandʼs longest bridge at 887m in length, pushes the boundaries of bridge engineering and concrete technology and is a testament to the engineering skills and expertise of the Design Team and contractors.

This new dramatic crossing over the River Barrow not only greatly improves connectivity in the South-East region but also allows for the rejuvenation of the nearby town of New Ross.ʼ Project Client: Transport Infrastructure Ireland / BAM PPP & Iridium Project Engineers: Arup / Carlos Fernandez Casado S.L Project Contractor: BAM Ireland in Joint Venture with Dragados Major Suppliers: Banagher Precast Concrete / Roadstone Building Category winner: UCC Student Hub, University College Cork Chosen from a total of 14 entries Jury Quote: ʻThe new Student Hub incorporates and refurbishes the 1850s Windle Building in the heart of the historic campus of UCC. A thickened wall of cellular rooms bends around the back of the original structure, enclosing an open hall for student activity.

The jury was particularly impressed by the colour, consistency and quality of finish of the in-situ concrete elements throughout the entrance and central Market Hall. Reception desk, bench, stairs, bridges and balconies are carefully formed in concrete and together with a richly textured red brick paved floor and painted steel elements create a dynamic space for student gatherings and public meetingsʼ.

Project Client: University College Cork Project Architect: O'Donnell + Tuomey Project Engineer: Horgan Lynch Consulting Engineers Project Contractor: JJ Rhatigan / DPPS Contracts Major Suppliers: Kilsaran Winner of the 9th International Award Techrete and Grafton Architects for ʻPaul Marshall Building, London School of Economicsʼ This award, sponsored by Enterprise Ireland, recognises Irish companies who export product or service off the island of Ireland. The Award reflects the continued emphasis on export for Irish construction. The Jury included Chair Ed Hanlon (Engineer), David Clarke (Moloney OʼBeirne Architects), and Donal Byrne (Enterprise Ireland).

Chosen from a total of 5 entries.

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Jury Quote: ʻThe Judges were impressed with the quality of all the entries for this yearʼs Irish Concrete Society International Awards and consequently judging was difficult with a few projects scoring very highly.

However, there can only be one winner and the judges were unanimous in their choice; based on the complexity of the units used with interlocking panel geometry plus the high quality of finish the jury has selected the Paul Marshall Building, at the London School of Economics as this yearʼs International Concrete Award Winner.

The creative and innovative approach to overcoming challenging joint details required to present a strong visual feature which defines the façade of this iconic London University Building was most impressive.

Sustainability was introduced to the judging criteria this year. The commitment from Manufacturers to meet the current market demands for attention to sustainability is essential, and we join with our winner in celebrating the achievement of all the entrants for their success in winning prestigious overseas projects.ʼ Project Client: Paul Marshall Building, London School of Economics Irish Export Companies: Techrete and Grafton Architects Sean de Courcy Student Award This is an annual award given to the best final year project on a concrete related topic from the engineering faculties of Higher Education Institutes.

The award is named after the late Professor Sean de Courcy, an inspirational professor for many years at UCD, a former chairperson of the Irish Concrete Society, an author and historian of note.

The student award jury was made up of Robert Laird (ESB), Cloragh Byrne (Arup), and Martin O'Meara (CSEA).

Highly Commended: Jagoda Lipczynska (Trinity College Dublin) Project Title: Composite behaviour of wide sandwich panels with high performance concrete thin wythes with and without Thermomass shear connectors Winner: Aaron Lowe (Dublin Technological University) Project title: Simulating hydration of cement using PHREEQC About the Irish Concrete Society The Irish Concrete Society is a learned society founded in 1973 to support and encourage technical excellence in concrete. It is a cross-sectorial, independent, impartial, science based organisation. With membership open to all who have an interest in concrete.

The Society acts as a focal point for industry debate, research, education, standards development in the field of concrete technology, design and construction. The Society is a not for profit organisation funded by membership subscriptions and the services it offers.

Media Contact Information

Irish Concrete Society, Platin, Drogheda, Co. Louth (041) 987 6466 Executive Officer: Rosie Byrne, office@concrete.ie, (083) 091 4800

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Drainage Solutions for the Butler Art Gallery McCullough Mulvin Architects transformed a former stone hospice into a new home for the Butler Gallery and a cultural centre in Kilkenny.

Galco was a one-stop-shop for all drainage systems used during the renovation.

The Evans Home, a former Almshouse, has been sensitively restored and combined with contemporary interventions, in the form of two, two-storey contemporary bronze-anodised extensions to form an aggregate of the old and the new.

Particular attention was paid to the design of the outdoor spaces, which house a sculpture garden, childrenʼs areas, and an archaeological site.

Being an art gallery, it was of utmost importance that the drainage not only works efficiently, but also looks aesthetically pleasing.

The combination of Recyfix Slotted Channel and Recyfix Standard with various gratings proved to be clearly suitable for this project, both from an aesthetic and a functional point of view.

Professional Drainage Support One of the biggest advantages for the client was that the Galco was a one-stop-shop for all drainage required on the project. Apart from drainage design, detailed technical support, and prompt and efficient service, we ensured close cooperation with the product manufacturer – Hauraton.

As a result, all products were exactly what was needed for each individual application. On top of that, clients could check the drainage solution in action as a similar combination was used for the brewery project, located directly opposite the Art Gallery.

Installed products: • • •

Recyfix Paverslot c/w D400 Galv Asymmetrical Top Recyfix Standard 150 c/w C250 GUGI Mesh Grate Recyfix Standard 100 c/w B125 Galv Mesh Grating

Project Awards: 2021 Architecture MasterProize – Winner – Restoration&Renovation 2021 The Plan Awards (Italy) – Finalist 2021 RIAI Awards – Highly Commended – Culture Public 2021 Mies van der Rohe Awards – Nominated

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Critical milestone reached in upgrade of Athlone Water Treatment Plant

Irish Water is delighted to announce that a critical milestone has been reached in the delivery of a safe, secure and sustainable water supply for Athlone with the completion of the first phase of a major upgrade of Athlone Water Treatment Plant. The ambitious overhaul of the treatment plant is progressing well and on schedule with works to supplement and support current infrastructure to ensure a more secure water supply to homes and businesses in the short term already completed.

Irish Water, working in partnership with Westmeath County Council, began construction work on the plant in January 2021 to increase its capacity and meet the long term demands for Athlone into the future. Phase one of the project, which was recently completed, included the installation of a supplementary treatment stream together with new clarification, filtration and disinfection facilities. These works, combined with Irish Waterʼs intensive and ongoing campaign to reduce high levels of leakage across the town, has enabled the treatment plant to provide a more secure drinking water supply while crucially providing the headroom required to allow the commencement of Phase 2. Previously, the treatment plant could not meet peak demand for water in Athlone and surrounding areas.

Speaking about the upgrade project, Martin Temple, Asset Delivery Lead for Irish Water, said: “Providing a safe and secure water supply for our customers in Athlone is a top priority for Irish Water. We are pleased to have completed the first phase of this major project on schedule and within budget despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and, most importantly, we have already delivered what is a critical improvement to the quality, resilience and robustness of the water supply for Athlone in the short term.

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“When completed, the project will increase capacity of the treatment plant, enabling economic and social development across the town while ensuring compliance with current drinking water quality regulations. While Irish Water was progressing with the upgrade, we also accelerated our Leakage Reduction Programme to improve and secure the water supply and reduce the need for water restrictions. This work and the hard work and dedication of Westmeath County Council has saved over 5 million litres of water per day, significantly reducing the number of bursts and water outages impacting customers.”

Upon completion of Phase 1, it was possible to immediately progress with an advanced Phase 2 programme of works to upgrade the existing sedimentation tanks which is already 50% completed. The next phase also involves upgrading and increasing the capacity of the existing treatment processes and includes the expansion of the existing inlet and intake pumping station, as well as upgrades to the filtration and disinfection processes.

The project is being carried out by Veolia Water Ireland on behalf of Irish Water.

Acknowledging the patience and cooperation of the local community, Martin added “We would like to thank the people of Athlone for their ongoing support throughout the works. Weʼll continue to work with them and keep them updated as we continue to improve their water quality and supply.”

For more information on this project, visit the Athlone Water Supply Scheme Upgrade project page on our website.

Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.

Green Award for Irish Water project to deliver sustainable wastewater treatment for Co. Kerry village Irish Water and its partners VESI Environmental and Kerry County Council have received a prestigious Green Award for an innovative project to deliver sustainable, low energy wastewater treatment to the village of Lixnaw in Co. Kerry.

The project to develop an Integrated Constructed Wetland for the North Kerry village took top prize in the Green Technology category of the awards which celebrate green business and sustainability.

An Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW) is a sustainable, natural wastewater treatment system that is designed to look and function in a similar way to a natural wetland. It is an environmentally friendly way to treat wastewater with reduced operational and maintenance costs, as well as biodiversity creation, while also reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. As well as ensuring that wastewater from the village is treated in full compliance with wastewater discharge regulations, the project also adds biodiversity value to the area by providing a habitat for local wildlife while remaining sensitive to the surrounding landscape.

Accepting the award on behalf of Irish Water and its partners Kerry County Council and Waterford-based VESI Environmental, Irish Waterʼs head of Asset Management Sean Laffey, said, “We are delighted to receive this recognition for what is a landmark project for Irish Water. We are putting sustainability at the heart of everything we do and a project like this one in Lixnaw demonstrates how we can work together with local communities to deliver innovate solutions to support sustainable growth and development which also enhancing the local environment. We would like to thank the people of Lixnaw, and our partners Kerry County Council and VESI Environmental, for their support in the delivery of this important project.”

Aila Carty from VESI Environmental said, “VESI is delighted that Lixnaw village ICW has won the Green Technology award, as it comprehensively demonstrates how the delivery of sustainable technology and associated innovations can bring real benefits to the environment and to communities around the country. It addresses local social and economic needs, while also supporting biodiversity and enhancing our precious environment, all delivered as a cost effective and low maintenance solution.

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This project at Lixnaw has inspired community-led initiatives around the country. It is with thanks to all involved during the project that has given its success”.

The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jimmy Moloney paid tribute to the staff of Kerry County Council and Irish Water for their work on this important infrastructure.

Integrated Constructed Wetlands run at about one tenth of the operational costs associated with a conventional wastewater treatment plant and they do not require the addition of chemicals to treat wastewater. Another big benefit of this technology is carbon sequestration; over the lifespan of this project, its carbon footprint will be negative as the amount of carbon sequestered will be far greater than that used in the build.

The project was delivered by Irish Water in partnership with Kerry County Council and through close collaboration with VESI Environmental Ltd, IE Consulting Ltd., and Healy Rae Plant Hire Ltd. who have constructed the ICW on behalf of Irish Water. Irish Water invested €2 million in this project.

For more details see our Lixnaw Integrated Constructed Wetlands project page.

Irish Water was also shortlisted in two other categories of the awards, Green Public Sector Organisation of the Year and the Sustainable Energy Achievement Award.

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Wastewater treatment plant upgrades to be delivered under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Irish Water has announced plans to upgrade twelve wastewater treatment plants that will benefit rural communities and protect local rivers. This project will be funded by the European Union under Irelandʼs National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Once complete, the newly upgraded plants will provide additional treatment capacity to support housing and growth, improve water quality in rivers and safeguard water supplies.

Supporting the objectives of Irelandʼs River Basin Management Plan, this €20m investment will improve water quality in local rivers. A key tool in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, the River Basin Management Plan aims to protect, improve and sustainably manage our water environment. Achieving good water quality in our rivers, lakes and coastal waters is essential for protecting Irelandʼs drinking water sources, the environment and peopleʼs quality of life.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh OʼBrien TD said, “Last year, as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the Government committed to upgrading a minimum of 10 wastewater treatment plants not currently scheduled for upgrade whose discharges have been identified as being significant pressures on receiving water bodies – the announcement today brings that commitment to life.

“This investment in Irelandʼs wastewater treatment capacity will bring great benefits to rural communities surrounding the locations of the 12 sites. Not alone does access to clean and healthy water support jobs and industries in these areas but investment in our wastewater treatment in turn improves the quality of water in our rivers, supporting biodiversity. I welcome todayʼs announcement and the benefits that improved water quality will bring to people living in these communities,” the Minister said.

Ted OʼReilly, Asset Planning Lead with Irish Water said, “We are delighted to announce upgrades to 12 wastewater treatment plants across the country today under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Once upgraded, these plants will help support the recovery of rural areas from the economic impacts of the pandemic. The plant upgrades will result in improvements to water quality in local rivers and support social and economic growth within these areas.

“Public expenditure in wastewater infrastructure will have positive impacts on the economy, supporting growth and helping to facilitate social and affordable housing. Investment in public projects will provide the infrastructure needed to help with economic recovery,” said Ted. The following wastewater treatment plants will be upgraded as part of this project: • Ballymoe in Galway, • Ballintra and Pettigo in Donegal, • Galbally in Limerick, • Clonea Power in Waterford, • Grangemockler in Tipperary, • Kilmaganny in Kilkenny, • Tinryland and Kildavin in Carlow, • Cloneygowan in Offaly, • Millview (Milltownpass) in Westmeath, and • Kilmihil in Clare.

This project will be funded through the European Unionʼs Recovery and Resilience Fund. It will ensure that the treatment of wastewater from these plants will be fully compliant with the Environmental Protection Agencyʼs wastewater discharge authorisations.

The plant upgrades are due to be completed by 2025.

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Major wastewater project progresses in Athlone Irish Water, working in partnership with Westmeath County Council, is progressing the Athlone Main Drainage project to safeguard the environment and provide for future growth and development in the town. This project represents a further step in the continued delivery of improvements to the wastewater infrastructure in the town, having already invested €5.6m to upgrade Athlone Wastewater Treatment Plant.

When completed, this project will significantly improve water quality in the River Shannon by removing non-compliant overflows. It will also increase the capacity of the sewer network, providing for future population growth and economic development, and reduce the risk of sewer flooding in homes and business premises.

The project involves the construction of new pumping stations in Golden Island and Coosan West, the construction of almost 3km of new sewers, and decommissioning of the existing under-performing pumping stations and pipework. Combined sewer overflows will be eliminated at six locations along the River Shannon and replaced by two new overflows designed to Irish Water standards, protecting the integrity of the local environment.

Commenting on the project Eunan Canavan, Regional Infrastructure Delivery Lead with Irish Water, said “We are looking forward to delivering this significant project on behalf of the local community in Athlone. This project will enhance the local environment by alleviating sewer flooding and improving water quality in the River Shannon for angling, water sports and marine life.

“It will also ensure that the wastewater infrastructure meets the needs of homes and businesses while providing capacity for future growth and development.”

Works will take place in a number of locations across Athlone and crews will make every effort to minimise the impact of these works on local businesses and residents. Where feasible, the new sewers will be installed using trenchless technology, meaning construction will take place underground without the need for open-cut excavation.

Irish Water has secured the necessary lands and wayleaves required for this project and confirmation of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) has been published. Planning permissions for the project were previously granted in 2017 by Westmeath County Council and updated planning applications have been submitted.

Subject to statutory approvals and successful planning applications, it is expected that the construction contract will be signed later this year with works set to begin in early 2023. Irish Water will continue to engage with the local community and information events for businesses, residents and elected representatives will be held prior to the commencement of works.

For more information on this project, visit our Athlone Main Drainage Scheme project page.

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Irish Water turns sod on landmark project in Omeath Irish Water, in partnership with Louth County Council, marked the start of construction on a new state-of-theart wastewater treatment plant and supporting infrastructure that will provide wastewater treatment for the first time for Omeath and surrounding areas. When completed, the new treatment plant will bring significant benefits to the local community in terms of protecting the environment and improving water quality in Carlingford Lough for angling, water sports and marine life. It will also act as an enabler for housing and support economic growth and development in the area.

A sod turning ceremony to officially mark the start of works took place this morning and was led by the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Peter Burke TD and supported by Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Councillor Pio Smith, and representatives from Irish Water and Louth County Council. The landmark event was also attended by local TD, Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú, Senator Erin McGreehan, Colm Markey MEP and members of the local community including primary school students from Scoil Naomh Lorcan in Omeath, and transition year and leaving cert students from Coláiste Chu Chulainn Secondary School in Dundalk.

Minister Burke commended Irish Water for progressing the project saying: “I am delighted to be here to officially turn the sod and mark the commencement of works on the Omeath Sewerage Scheme. The construction of this new Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated infrastructure is pivotal for the future growth and development of Omeath and surrounding areas, and for the successful delivery of housing. Irish Water is to be commended for progressing this vital project as part of its commitment to the people of Omeath.

The provision of a reliable wastewater service, in a manner that protects the natural environment, is essential to the economic and social development of this area. I would like to commend those involved in bringing the project to this important day and I would like to wish the project team well as they progress this much needed wastewater project.”

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Colm Claffey, Regional Delivery Lead with Irish Water, added: “We are delighted to begin works on this essential project for the people of Omeath. Eliminating the discharge of untreated wastewater into Carlingford Lough has always been a priority for Irish Water and we look forward to ending this current practice, safeguarding the local environment and enhancing tourism opportunities for this beautiful part of the country.

“The size and scale of the challenge of raw sewage discharging into our water ways is well documented.

Since 2014, Irish Water has built new wastewater infrastructure for 17 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.

“Omeath was one of 13 locations nationwide where Irish Water awarded contracts in 2021 to end the discharge of raw sewage. So far in 2022 we have awarded contracts for 2 additional locations with more to follow in the coming months. 60% of the raw sewage entering waterways in Ireland has now been eliminated and we are on track to fully removing the majority of raw sewage discharges by 2025. We look forward to working closely with the local community on the project.”

The project, which represents an investment of €11 million, includes the construction of a new, state of the art, wastewater treatment plant that has been designed to provide wastewater treatment for a PE (population equivalent) of up to 1,600, a new network pump station with emergency storage, the installation of new sewer pipelines, and the upgrade and extension of the existing outfall pipe to safely discharge treated effluent to Carlingford Lough in compliance with regulatory standards.

The project is being delivered under the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) Programme on behalf of Irish Water by Veolia Water Ireland Limited, which encourages early engagement and collaboration, allowing contractors to come on board much earlier in the delivery process, resulting in greater scope for innovation in design and construction, and improved efficiencies and timelines.

Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Pio Smith added: “Iʼm honoured to be here to witness this historic event. The commencement of this vital sewerage infrastructure development will lead to enhanced tourism opportunities for this beautiful part of the country. Stopping the discharge of untreated wastewater to Carlingford Lough has long been a goal of Louth County Council, and we can now look forward to all the benefits of a cleaner environment. I very much welcome the investment from Irish Water in conjunction with Louth County Council.”

Also commenting on the project and its benefits to local businesses, Sean Farrell, President of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, said “Wastewater infrastructure that is fit for purpose is essential for Omeath in order to support businesses and drive economic growth. This project will support existing and future commercial development by ensuring adequate capacity for future growth, significantly contributing to the overall economic health of the community."

The start of this project marks another major milestone in Irish Waterʼs work to end the unacceptable practice of discharging untreated sewage into our waterways and seas. 60% of the raw sewage entering waterways in Ireland has now been eliminated since the establishment of Irish Water in 2014. The commencement of this project and progress this year and next means we are on track to eliminate the vast majority of raw sewage discharges by 2025.

Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.

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