14 minute read
IRISH WATER UPDATES
Government approval for major investment in Athlone project
Located in the heart of the country, Athloneʼs growth will continue to a strong beat thanks to a significant Irish Water project coming its way.
News that Minister for Housing Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OʼBrien TD, announced cabinet approval for the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme was a milestone moment for Athlone and Irish Water's project team.
The project will significantly increase the capacity of the townʼs sewer network allowing for the development of homes and commercial premises and put an end to sewer overflows into the River Shannon in Athlone.
“Today's news follows a huge effort by the team in Irish Water and means we can now look forward to awarding the contract for the project and work beginning before the end of the year,” explained Irish Waterʼs Regional Delivery Lead Eunan Canavan."
The current network doesnʼt have the capacity for growth and there are frequent out of sewer floodings in the town, but this will all change when the upgrade is completed.
“When completed, this project will address non-compliant sewer overflows into the River Shannon and allow for current and future development,” added Eunan.
Announcing the approval Minister OʼBrien TD described the project as “pivotal” for the successful delivery of housing in the town.
“The project will cater for a growing population in Athlone and will facilitate economic development and importantly, safeguard the environment.”
The project includes the construction of new pumping stations, installing more than 2.8km of sewer network and decommissioning underperforming pumping stations and pipework all by the end of 2025. Irish Water is conscious of minimising disruption in the town and, where feasible, plans to install the new sewers using specialist tunnelling techniques.
Irish Water previously invested €5.6million to increase the capacity of the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Plant in June 2018 and this latest project is further progress in the delivery of infrastructure to support housing and economic growth.
“Irish Water is working in partnership with all those who are committed to the goal of providing homes to ensure Irish Water can deliver water infrastructure where and when it's needed,” said Eunan.
Upgrade to wastewater infrastructure to facilitate new housing development in Navan and Limekiln
Irish Water, working in partnership with Meath County Council, is progressing a major project to upgrade and improve the wastewater network, by constructing new sewer connections along the Dublin Road in Navan, Co Meath. The delivery of this essential sewer upgrade will support future economic growth and development, facilitating new housing development for Navan and Limekiln. It will also improve the capacity and performance of the existing sewer network, providing additional capacity within the network for new development and forms part of the greater Strategic Sewer Scheme for Navan.
The project, which is due to begin next week will involve the upgrade of over 235 meters of new sewers along the R147 Dublin Road in Navan, and the project is expected to be completed by mid-October.
To deliver these works efficiently and safely temporary lane/road closures will be necessary during the works. The sections impacted by these closures include a lane closure along the R147 from Monday, 15 August until Sunday, 11 September 2022 which will be in place from the Athlumney Abbey bus stop to the Springfield Glen/Bothar Sion junction. An additional lane closure will be required south of the junction from Monday, 26 September until Friday, 14 October 2022, while a road closure will be required along the Bóthar Sion Road from Monday, 12 September until Sunday, 25 September 2022.
Diversions for the Bóthar Sion Road closure will include the R147 (North Bound), R153-Metges Road-Bóthar Sion and the R147 (South Bound) Metges Road-Bóthar Sion.
Commenting on the project, Dave Murphy, Asset Delivery Lead at Irish Water said, “Working with our colleagues in Meath County Council, we are delighted to announce the progression of these vital works for Navan. A sewer network that is fit for purpose is essential to support business, housing, and social development in the community. These works will support existing and future development in the areas of Navan and Limekiln.”
Dave added. “We understand that the works may cause some inconvenience to commuters, and our crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption and complete the project as quickly as possible. On behalf of Irish Water, I would like to thank the people of Navan in advance for their support and co-operation.”
To minimise the impact on the local community during construction, a phased approach will be taken. Areas of work will be limited to short sections to limit the impact on the local community. Where works are along the public road, traffic management will be in place in the form of a stop/go traffic light system and diversions. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times. Where potential road closures are required, Irish Water will ensure communication is provided locally.
This project is being delivered by Farrans Construction on behalf of Irish Water. Irish Water and Meath County Council regret and any inconvenience these essential projects may cause. Our customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For general updates, visit the Supply and Service Updates section of 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.
Irish Water, working in partnership with Cork County Council, is delighted to announce that construction to build new wastewater infrastructure for the Castletownshend area has commenced. This important project will eliminate the discharge of untreated wastewater into Castlehaven Harbour, resulting in improved water quality that will enhance local amenities and add to a platform for social and economic development.
Glan Agua, who are carrying out the works on behalf of Irish Water, are expected to have the construction completed by mid-2023.
Speaking about today's milestone, Anthony Kavanagh, Asset Delivery Regional Lead with Irish Water, said: “We are delighted to be delivering this important project on behalf of the local community in one of the most beautiful coastal villages that Ireland has to offer."
“This significant investment will boost Castletownshend by enhancing the local environment and improve water quality for the likes of swimming, rowing, and sailing. Eliminating the discharge of untreated wastewater into Castlehaven Harbour will only add to the scenic views and coastal walks around Castletownshend."
Anthony added: “This project will involve the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and new pumping station. It also involves upgrading the existing sewer network and construction of nearly a kilometre of new pipeline and outfall."
“We look forward to working with the local community in Castletownshend to deliver this essential project that will ensure cleaner and safer effluent being discharged into Castlehaven Harbour.”
Irish Water and our appointed contractor, Glan Agua, will continue to communicate with the local communities throughout the project. For more details on the project, please click here.
Any person or business wishing to get a new connection to public wastewater collection infrastructure must contact Irish Water. You can make a pre-connection enquiry to establish whether a connection to the public network is feasible, where the connection can be made and any associated charges. For more information, please visit www.water.ie/connections.
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.
In Cork, construction is underway to install wastewater treatment infrastructure in Castletownbere, Inchigeelagh and Whitegate-Aghada. Works are also planned to eliminate the discharge of raw sewage in Ballycotton.
Irish Water is delighted to announce that construction has commenced on the Clarecastle Sewerage Scheme. The new sewerage infrastructure to be constructed as part of this scheme will eliminate the discharge of raw sewage into the River Fergus and Shannon Estuary.
Irish Water, working in partnership with Clare County Council, are commencing with the installation of new below-ground infrastructure at the site of the existing Quay Road Pump Station and construction of a new rising main pipeline along Quay Road, Barrack Street and the Ennis Road that will transfer sewage from Quay Road Pumping Station for treatment at the existing Clareabbey Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Irish Water aim to have the project completed by mid-2023. Once operational, this infrastructure will ensure compliance with wastewater discharge regulations. It will also improve water quality in River Fergus and Shannon Estuary and protect recreational water whilst protecting the integrity of the local marine environment. Speaking about the project, Seamus Glynn, Infrastructure Delivery Regional Lead with Irish Water, said: “We are looking forward to delivering this important project on behalf of the local community in Clarecastle. This project will put an end to the discharge of untreated wastewater into River Fergus and Shannon Estuary. It will enhance the local environment and provide a platform for social and economic development of the area well into the future."
“Starting to work on the the Clarecastle Sewerage Scheme is another milestone in eliminating the discharge of raw sewage throughout the Banner County. Works are also progressing to construct wastewater infrastructure in Liscannor and Kilrush."
“We look forward to working with the local community to deliver this essential project in conjunction with our partners Clare County Council. As we have to construct 1800 meters of pipeline, there will be traffic management in place. Works have initially commenced on private lands and will move onto public roads in the coming weeks and months where traffic management will be required. However, our intention is to cause as little disruption to the local community as possible. Irish Water and our appointed Contractor, Shareridge, will continue to communicate with the local community in Clarecastle regarding the upcoming works as well as throughout the project."
Any person or business wishing to get a new connection to public wastewater collection infrastructure must contact Irish Water. You can make a pre-connection enquiry in order to establish whether a connection to the public network is feasible, where the connection can be made and any associated charges. For more information, please visit www.water.ie/connections.
Kilcummin Sewerage Scheme one step closer as Coffey Construction are appointed contractors
There was more positive news today for the community of Kilcummin as Irish Water, working in partnership with Kerry County Council, announced Coffey Construction as the contractor for the Sewerage Scheme works that will commence in the coming months.
When complete, the scheme will provide a new sewer collection system for Kilcummin village, that will ensure wastewater from the village is treated appropriately.
Once operational, the new sewerage scheme will connect into the sewer network in Killarney town, where it will be collected and transferred to Killarney wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for appropriate treatment. Speaking about the works, David Shalloo, Wastewater Regional Delivery Lead with Irish Water, said, “The appointment of Coffey Construction illustrates our commitment to delivering this project for the community. All new infrastructure has been sized to accommodate future population growth and the project will enhance the local environment and provide a platform for social and economic development well into the future”.
The scheme will ensure compliance with wastewater discharge regulations. It will also improve water quality in the River Deenagh and Lough Leane and protect recreational waters for swimming, fishing, boating and sightseeing, as well as protecting the integrity of the local environment. The new wastewater infrastructure will enhance local amenities and provide a platform for social and economic development.
The new sewerage infrastructure to be constructed as part of this scheme will include a sewer network for Kilcummin village, a pumping station, and approximately 6 kms of sewers. The scheme will reduce the reliance on on-site systems such as septic tanks and package treatment plants.
Works on the project are expected to commence late in 2022, with the entirety of the project due for completion in 2024.
Irish Water and Kerry County Council will continue to update the local community in Kilcummin as we progress our work on this project.
For more information on this project please see:
https://www.water.ie/projects/local-projects/kilcummin-sewerage-scheme/
Turfs up in Sligo as sod is turned on new sewerage scheme for Rosses Point
Rosses Point renowned for its stunning beaches and natural environment is undoubtedly a jewel along the Wild Atlantic Way. This week, the community of Rosses Point was riding high on the crest of a wave as Irish Water, working in partnership with Sligo County Council turned the sod on a new Sewerage Scheme for the village. Upon completion, the flagship project will eliminate all non-compliant sewer over-flows, improve water quality and support housing and commercial development.
A sod turning ceremony to mark the start of the works was performed by Leas Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Marie Casserly, Martin Lydon, Chief Executive of Sligo County Council and representatives from Irish Water and Sligo County Council.
Speaking about the project Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Michael Clarke said: “Iʼm delighted that works on Rosses Point Sewerage Scheme has commenced. The importance of this project for the local community and visitors alike cannot be underestimated. It will make a huge difference to the water quality of coastal areas in the Rosses Point area."
Michael continued: “Not only will we see a significant improvement in water quality in the natural environment but equally there will be improvements in the built environment. The benefits of these works in terms of the development of Rosses Point Village are immense – the capacity increase in the wastewater network will support social and economic development. People want to live and work in their own communities and this project is supporting the growth of Rosses Point Village now and into the future.”
Martin Lydon, Chief Executive of Sligo County Council also attended the event and added: “I am honoured to be here in Rosses Point to see works commencing on this hugely significant project. The provision of a reliable wastewater service, in a manner that protects the natural environment, is essential to the economic and social development of Rosses Point and Sligo County as a whole. Together with Irish Water we are witnessing yet another step in the right direction to achieving this overall goal.”
Irish Waterʼs Wastewater Programme Manager John Joyce is proud of the progress made on the project to get it to construction stage and is looking forward to the works progressing. He thanked the people of Rosses Point for their support as work continues over the coming months to deliver the vital infrastructure.
“Irish Water is committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy. This project will also protect our environment by eliminating all non-compliant sewer over-flows and improve water quality in bathing waters in the area."
“Together with our partners Sligo County Council, Coffey Construction Ltd and Jennings OʼDonovan Consulting Engineers, we are excited to deliver this project which will benefit the entire region when itʼs completed in 2023. Weʼll continue to work with the local community and keep them updated as we deliver this vital project.” The project includes the decommissioning of the old Ballyweelin Wastewater Treatment Plant, construction of a new pumping station at the existing Ballyweelin site, upgrade of Rosses Point Village Pumping Station, construction of an underground stormwater storage tank as well as increasing the capacity of the existing sewer network. A new pipeline will also be constructed between the Rosses Point Village and Sligo Town. Once the project is completed, all wastewater from Rosses Point Village will be pumped into the Sligo Town wastewater network for treatment at the main Sligo Wastewater Treatment Plant.
