DUBLIN CITY’S NEWEST PARK OPENS TO THE PUBLIC

Dublin Cityʼs Newest Park Opens To The Public

Dublin City Council has today officially opened the cityʼs newest park to the public.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Alison Gilliland, unveiled a plaque this afternoon to mark the occasion, with the opening of Bridgefoot Street Park transforming what was a derelict site into a beautiful landscape of trees with grassed and planted mounds, incorporating a performance area, play spaces, allotments and a community garden.

The Lord Mayor said, “This is a fantastic new amenity for the people of the Liberties and for the city. This parkʼs design is based upon accessibility and enjoyment for all ages and abilities, encouraging physical activity and supporting ecology, biodiversity, culture and outdoor events.”

Dublin City Council and the local community collaborated in the vision, promotion, planning, design and development of the park and this collaboration will continue in the management and operation which will be key to the success of the park. The park has been under construction since 2020, however the construction program was delayed due to Covid lockdown.

Bridgefoot St Park was designed by Dermot Foley Landscape Architects in collaboration with Dublin City Council Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape Services.

When surveyed in 2015 for the Liberties Greening strategy, the access to public open space within the area was 1.07ha. With the delivery of Weaver Park in 2017 and now Bridgefoot Street Park, Dublin City Council has increased access to public green space by 1.68ha, an increase of 157% for the people of the Liberties. The new public park is approximately 1 hectare in size and has been developed utilising what would normally be considered waste materials such as calp, concrete, reclaimed stone and brick, as aggregate to create pavements, seating and play spaces.

181 new trees have been planted and the planting consists of a mixture of herbaceous and ground-cover species, with some amenity grass and ornamental hedging but the over-riding emphasis is on native wildflower seed mix, which will be sown into a mix of soil and recycled aggregate. These seeded areas will germinate, flower, self-seed and develop a naturalistic landscape which will be unique to this park, creating a biodiversity-rich environment for pollinator bees other insects and wildlife in the city.

A new undulating topography has been created using stockpiles of soil, large rocks and boulders together with an estimated 2,000 cubic metres (135 truck loads) of inert material which was imported to the site to create a playful and interesting urban landscape for all ages. Subsoil and topsoil has also been imported for the community gardens, lawns and tree planting. Larch timber seating has been installed as terraces.

Features of the park such as a sculptural piece by the participants of the Probationary Service Bridge Project and bird boxes by the participants of the Liberties Training Centre are exciting elements and will bring an added sense of local ownership and pride in the park.

Works to support the delivery of essential housing in East Cork with a major upgrade of wastewater infrastructure

Irish Water, working in partnership with Cork County Council, has today announced the signing of a new construction contract which will unlock the development of new housing in the East Cork area. Construction will shortly get underway on the Midleton Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) Wastewater Project, which will lead to significant improvements in the local wastewater network so that it can support new homes and businesses in the future.

The project consists of constructing strategic wastewater infrastructure including over 7.1km of new wastewater pipelines and two new wastewater pumping stations that will assist the future development of housing in the Water Rock Urban Expansion area in Midleton.

Mark Murray, Irish Water Programme Manager said “I am delighted to be announcing this contract signing as we commencement into the construction stage of this critical project. The project represents another great step towards the development of essential new housing and businesses in the East Cork area. Irish Water has been liaising closely with several other agencies who have planned development in the area including Cork County Council, Iarnród Éireann and EirGrid."

“This is a significant investment, and we look forward to working closely with the people of Midleton over the next 18 months as we deliver this project. Irish Water is committed to playing its part in the national drive to provide homes to people who need them by developing and prioritising the delivery of key water services infrastructure. By improving the wastewater infrastructure, Midleton will continue to thrive both socially and economically in the years to come.”

Welcoming the project, Deputy David Stanton said “I welcome the confirmation from Irish Water that construction works on the pipeline from Midleton to Carrigtwohill, the pumping stations and the associated infrastructure are shortly set to begin for completion within 18 months. This announcement gives certainty to local developers who are anxious to proceed with the delivery of much-needed housing units in East Cork.” The project, being delivered by Geda Construction Ltd on behalf of Irish Water, is due to commence in late June/early July of this year and will take approximately 18 months to complete.

Works will take place around the Water Rock area along the access road to the Nordic Enterprise Park, Castle Rock Ave Road, Ballyrichard More Road and Carrigane Road. Irish Water, Cork County Council and Geda Construction Ltd. will liaise with all stakeholders in the community regarding any traffic management plans that are required as part of the project.

Irish Water is working in partnership with all those who are committed to the goal of providing homes, to ensure the utility can deliver water infrastructure where and when it's needed.

New Stillorgan Reservoir brings big improvement to Dublinʼs water supply

IThe opening of a new state-of-the-art covered reservoir in Stillorgan means that over 200,000 Dubliners will now enjoy a much safer and more secure water supply, according to Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh OʼBrien.

The Minister was speaking at the official opening today of the new covered reservoir, which will supply water to homes and businesses across South Dublin. The new covered reservoir, which can store over 160 million litres of treated drinking water, replaces three open reservoirs that were no longer fit for purpose as they were uncovered and presented a risk of contamination by birds, animals or human activities.

This project represents an investment of over €50 million by Irish Water, which will bring big benefits in terms of security of supply and resilience. It is the latest in a number of major upgrades of water supplies in the Greater Dublin Area designed to future-proof the supply to cater for increasing demand, population growth and the challenges that are likely to be presented by climate change.

Officially opening the new reservoir this morning, Minister OʼBrien described it as a “critical element in the ongoing modernisation of the water supply for the Greater Dublin Area”.

“Water has been supplied to generations of Dubliners from this site for over 150 years. The construction of the Vartry scheme, of which the original Stillorgan reservoirs were part, was not only a major feat of engineering for its time but it also represented a visionary plan to bring clean, safe drinking water to the people of Dublin. The development of this new reservoir is a continuation of that vision and commitment to securing the water needs of the city and its people. This is critical, not only to the health and wellbeing of the population, but also to the development of the city, enabling us to meet our commitments under Housing for All, to create more businesses and attract more investment. This represents a huge leap forward in the provision of a more secure and resilient water supply for Dublin. Congratulations to Irish Water and all their partners for delivering this landmark project.”

Niall Gleeson, Irish Water chief executive, added: “Providing safe, secure drinking water supplies for all our customers is a top priority for Irish Water. We are committed to building a world class public water infrastructure, carrying on the legacy of the committed Local Authorities that have developed and operated these sites for generations, while applying cutting-edge technology and expertise in the development of solutions for the future. We all recognise the need to improve our ageing water infrastructure and the completion of this project is another important step along the road to building a secure and sustainable water supply for the people of Dublin for generations to come.

“We would like to thank the local community for their patience and support as we carried out this essential work, as well as our delivery partners in Dublin City Council, Nicholas OʼDwyer Ltd and Murphyʼs Ireland.”

Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr. Lettie McCarthy, said: “This is great news for the people of South Dublin who are supplied with water from this site in Stillorgan. We will all benefit from the successful completion of this new reservoir and the wider investment by Irish Water in improving the water supply in the Greater Dublin Area. This is a great example of collaboration between Irish Water, Dublin City Council, their Local Authority partners, and everyone involved in the delivery of this project. I am delighted to be here on what is an historic day for Stillorgan and all of South Dublin.”

The original Stillorgan Reservoir site comprised three open reservoirs and was one of the last remaining uncovered treated water reservoirs in Europe, where treated drinking water was left exposed to the elements, with consequent risk of contamination. The construction of the new covered reservoir will eliminate that risk and enable better management of the supply of water to customers. Construction work began on the upgrade project in 2018 with the draining down of the Gray Reservoir, which had not been fully drained since it was built in the late 1800ʼs. The new covered reservoir was then constructed within the footprint of the Gray Reservoir.

The new reservoir is a key component of Dublinʼs strategic water infrastructure, which links the supply from five major water treatment plants through an integrated network of trunk mains and reservoirs. It is supplied with drinking water from water treatment plants at Vartry in County Wicklow and Ballymore Eustace in County Kildare. The completion of the reservoir marks the culmination of a total investment of €150 million in the upgrade of the Vartry Water Supply Scheme, which also delivered the replacement of the old Vartry to Callowhill tunnel in 2018 and the construction of the new Vartry Water Treatment Plant which was completed in 2021. The reservoir and associated infrastructure will have the capacity to support future water demand through 2031 and beyond.

New state-of-the-art treatment plant officially open in Ballyconnell, Wicklow

It was a historic occasion for Ballyconnell this morning as Irish Water, in partnership with Wicklow County Council, officially opened a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility following a €600,000 investment to safeguard the environment and support a sustainable future for the village. The new treatment plant and supporting infrastructure will ensure that treated wastewater is now fully compliant with EU Urban Wastewater Directives before being safely discharged back into the natural environment. It will also enable future growth and development in the area which spans Wicklow and Carlow, and has already facilitated a much-needed expansion of the local primary school, St Mary's NS which also benefits pupils in Co Carlow.

At a special event to mark the occasion which also honoured 40 years of dedication from retired Senior Executive Wastewater Executive Engineer, Larry Wolohan, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Shay Cullen welcomed the significant investment by Irish Water, adding; “Iʼm delighted to be here to witness the official opening of Ballyconnell Wastewater Treatment Plant. This significant investment by Irish Water will ensure that wastewater is collected and treated to the highest environmental standards. The completion of this project in Ballyconnell is vital to ensure we can provide a platform for future growth in the local community."

“I would also like to pay tribute to retired senior executive engineer for Wicklow County Council, Mr. Larry Wolohanretired senior executive engineer for Wicklow County Council,Mr. Larry Wolohanwhose dedication to Ballyconnell and expertise on both the old and new wastewater treatment plants span four decades.”

Larry Wolohan who spoke at the event said: “After 40 years of working as an Engineer with Wicklow County Council and other local authorities it is a momentous occasion to witness the opening of the new Ballyconnell Wastewater Treatment Plant. A lot of hard work went into the design and construction of the plant, and it is an honour to be standing here to see the project brought to reality and serving the community of Ballyconnell.”

Irish Waterʼs Wastewater Asset Operations Lead, Brendan Cahalin, said: “The completion of this essential piece of infrastructure for the area will ensure that wastewater from homes and businesses is treated and discharged locally in compliance with Irish and European environmental standards and will unlock the potential for future growth and housing development in the area."

Brendan added “Prior to the completion of this project, the original wastewater treatment plant did not meet the needs of a growing community and surrounding areas. Tankered wastewater had to be transported each week to a second wastewater facility for treatment. Following this investment by Irish Water tankering is no longer required, providing significant cost savings as well as a sustainable wastewater treatment for homes and businesses now and into the future."

The project represents a significant investment by Irish Water and included the construction of a new stateof-the-art wastewater treatment plant and associated infrastructure which will significantly increase treatment capacity and support future growth and development in the area.

The project was delivered by David Walsh Civil Engineering Limited as Contractor and Ryan Hanley as Employers Representative on behalf of Irish Water.

Irish Water and Wicklow Country Council also acknowledge the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin with regards to acquiring the site to facilitate the new plant.

Works continue to eliminate raw sewage in Arklow

Irish Water, working in partnership with Wicklow County Council, continues to progress a landmark project which will provide wastewater treatment for the first time in Arklow. The project includes the construction of a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant and associated pipeline, bringing significant benefits to the local community including environmental protection and improved water quality in the River Avoca for angling, water sports and marine life. It will also act as an enabler for housing and support economic growth and development in the town.

Works continue at an impressive rate with construction already underway on the long sea outfall pipe which will safely discharge the treated wastewater from the town almost a kilometre out to sea. Following months of planning, the new pipeline was recently shipped in three sections, each measuring almost 310m in length, over 1,000km across the open sea from Norway to the Port of Arklow. The sections of pipeline were then tugged carefully and with acute precision towards the harbour by AMS Retriever and assisting tail tug, AMS Husky, before being moored in the North Quay where they were fitted with concrete collars. The new pipeline will be sunk next week, weather permitting, in a pre-excavated trench using specialised equipment and a number of marine vessels. Imagery is included of the arrival of the cargo from Norway with the specialised dredger which will help install the outfall pipe at sea.

In addition Irish Water is delighted to announce that the first phase of construction on the new interceptor sewer pipelines along the North and South quays have been completed which will bring untreated wastewater to the new plant. To minimise the impact on the local community, the majority of this work continues to be carried out using modern trenchless technology (Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) pictured), meaning most of the construction is taking place almost entirely underground without the need for large open excavations. The next phase of tunnelling will progress over the coming months including underneath the River Avoca, where a new sewer will be installed, connecting the North and South Quay wastewater network.

Speaking about the precious cargo, Conor Delaney, Irish Water Project Manager, said “The arrival of the new outfall pipe is a significant milestone in this critically important project. The pipes are moored in the North Quay where they have been fitted with concrete collars and will be sunk next week, weather permitting. The whole exercise took months of planning and has gone extremely smoothly thanks to our contractors, Ward and Burke and Van Oord Ireland. I would also like to sincerely thank Paul Ivory and his crew in Arklow Harbour for their excellent planning and teamwork."

Welcoming this key milestone in the project, Senior Marine Officer with Wicklow County Council, Paul Ivory, said: “It is very exciting that the outfall pipes have finally arrived after months and months of planning. I am delighted to be part of this historic milestone and support the progress of this vital project for Arklow."

“This significant investment by Irish Water will finally ensure that wastewater is treated to optimum standards, meaning a cleaner harbour for the local community to enjoy. The sea outfall, which forms an integral part of the overall project, will help protect the Avoca River and this scenic coastline, and will add to the tourism value of our beautiful town.”

The project, which is being carried out by Ward and Burke Water Limited on behalf of Irish Water, represents an investment of €139 million and includes the development of a new, state of the art, wastewater treatment plant that has been designed to provide an ultimate treatment capacity for a PE (population equivalent) of up to 36,000, at the Old Wallboard Factory site located at Ferrybank in Arklow, two interceptor sewer pipelines (along North and South Quay) to bring untreated wastewater to the proposed plant and a marine sea outfall pipe to safely discharge the treated wastewater effluent to the Irish Sea.

This project marks another major milestone in Irish Waterʼs work to end the unacceptable practice of discharging untreated sewage into our waterways and sea. More than half of all raw sewage discharges have been eliminated since the establishment of Irish Water and Arklow is the largest remaining town without treatment. The commencement of this project and the progress made throughout 2021 and next means that we are on track to eliminate the vast majority of raw sewage discharges by 2025. For more information, visit the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant section of our website. Irish Water and Wicklow County Council would like to thank the people of Arklow for their continued support and cooperation while we progress this important project.

Wastewater infrastructure upgrade to improve water quality and support growth in Stamullen

Irish Water, working in partnership with Meath Country Council, is delighted to announce the signing of a major new construction contract that will result in significant improvements in wastewater infrastructure for Stamullen, Co Meath. The project will provide significant social and economic benefit, facilitating future growth for the village.

This project follows on from works already completed last year with the construction of approximately 2kms of mains and a gravity sewer on the R132 road from Delvin Bridge to Cardy Rock, Balbriggan. These additional works will involve the construction of a new state-of the-art pumping station at the existing Stamullen Wastewater Treatment Plant site. Approximately 4kms of pipeline will be constructed predominantly in public roads to connect to the Balbriggan sewer network at Cardy Rock for onward piping of the wastewater to the Balbriggan Wastewater Treatment Plant. Following the completion of the new pumping station and associated pipeline, the existing Stamullen Wastewater Treatment Plant will be decommissioned.

Commenting on the importance of the project for Stamullen and Co Meath, Dawid Wozniak, Regional Delivery Lead with Irish Water, said: “This project is an important and an essential milestone for Stamullen and Co Meath. The existing wastewater treatment plant in Stamullen has limited spare capacity. The planned improvement works will address this by converting the existing wastewater treatment plant to a pumping station, enabling the pumping of all wastewater to Balbriggan for treatment at the wastewater treatment facility there. This new pumping station and associated pipeline network will provide enough capacity to meet current and future demands of homes and businesses across Stamullen and surrounding areas for decades to come.

Dawidadded,

“Today, in Ireland and across the world, we can see the impacts of climate change bringing with it long spells of warmer weather leading to greater demand for essential services, alongside the continued need to support housing, businesses, and economic growth. This upgrade will mean that wastewater treatment in Stamullen will to be more resilient to periods of high demand which is why we are building future capacity into our wastewater infrastructure.

“Projects such as these are essential to allow Irish Water to continue to support social and economic growth in Meath through the delivery of essential wastewater services. The size and scale of the task to improve our wastewater services and to cater for a modern, growing economy shouldnʼt be underestimated. We have made significant progress but there is work still to do as we continue to build and upgrade world-class wastewater infrastructure through our multi-billion programme of investment.”

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 growth in our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.

David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd have been awarded the construction contract and will deliver the project on behalf of Irish Water. Construction is due to begin later in the year.

Irish Water continues to keep customers informed about their water and wastewater supplies across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us on Twitter @IWCare and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and by setting their location on our website.

Key contract signed for critical upgrade to the drinking water supply in South Dublin and North Wicklow

Irish Water, working in partnership with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Wicklow County Councils, is delighted to announce the signing of a major new construction contract that will result in critical upgrades to the drinking water supply in South Dublin and North Wicklow. The project will provide a more reliable water supply for existing homes and businesses. It will also support social and economic growth and provide capacity for future growth for up to 12,000 homes.

The project, known locally as the Old Connaught-Woodbrook Water Supply Scheme, will involve the construction of of two new state-of-the-art reservoirs and more than 13km of new watermains, providing new drinking water infrastructure for the area which will provide network resilience and flexibility for South Dublin and North County Wicklow.

Ward and Burke Construction Limited have been awarded the construction contract and will deliver the project on behalf of Irish Water. Works are commencing later this month.

Commenting on importance of the project for the GDA, Alan Morrissey,Regional Delivery Regional Lead with Irish Water, said: “This project is an important milestone in the Greater Dublin Areaʼs water supply. These new reservoirs and associated pipelines will provide enough storage capacity to meet current and future demands of homes and businesses across South Dublin and North Wicklow for decades to come, and to attract new industry and allow existing companies to expand and grow.

“Today, in Ireland and across the world, we can see the impacts of Climate Change bringing with it long spells of warmer weather and warnings, alongside the continued need to support housing, businesses and economic growth. The East and Midlands of Ireland and the GDAʼs water network needs to be more resilient to periods of high demand which is why we are building future capacity into our water infrastructure.

“Projects such as these are essential to allow Irish Water to continue to support social and economic growth in Ireland through the delivery of essential water and wastewater services. The size and scale of the task to improve our water services and to cater for a modern, growing economy shouldnʼt be underestimated. We have made significant progress but there is work still to do as we continue to build world-class water infrastructure through our multi-billion programme of investment. This project is just one of a number of critical steps in safeguarding Dublinʼs water supply to ensure it is capable of meeting current and future demand.”