IRISH WATER UPDATES

from Local Authority News - Vol. 40 No. 6

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.

“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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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.

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.

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.

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.”

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 Smithadded: “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.