Local Authority News - Vol. 42. No. 3

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• Local Authorities Renew Partnership with SEAI to Achieve 2030 Sustainability Goals • Leadership in Housing Makes all the Difference • EPA launches a National Air Quality Forecast

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CONTENTS 42 No. 3

FEATURES IRELAND’S AMBITION TO MOVE TOWARDS THE HEALTH-BASED WHO AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES WILL BE CHALLENGING, BUT WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANTLY POSITIVE IMPACT ON HEALTH (EPA) 3

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 Local Authority CE's, County Secretaries, Finance Officers, Administration Officers, I.T. Professionals, County Director of Services, Senior Architects, Chief Quantity Surveyors, Webmasters, Principal Officers, All Department Heads, Senior Engineers, Water / Wastewater Plant Superintendents, Senior Parks Superintendents, Environmental Officers in all City and County Councils, Office of Public Works, District Councils, Road Design Offices, Libraries, Regional Authorities, Regional Waste Authorities, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Transport Authority, Irish Water, EPA, RSA, SEAI, LAWPO, Government Departments, National Parks & Wildlife Service, State-Sponsored and Development Bodies, Energy Agencies, Approved Housing Bodies, Local Authority Contractors receive the online version free.

TRANSFORM YOUR ENERGY SAVINGS WITH FIREBIRD'S HIGH EFFICIENCY BOILERS

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LAHINCH LEISURE CENTRE REQUIRE A LARGE QUANTITY OF HEAT FOR ITS SWIMMING POOL AND LEISURE CENTRE. (WOODCO)

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LOCAL AUTHORITIES RENEW PARTNERSHIP WITH SEAI TO ACHIEVE 2030 SUSTAINABILITY GOALS

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EPA LAUNCHES A NATIONAL AIR QUALITY FORECAST

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GRANT AERONA³ R32 AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP CHOSEN AS THE MAIN HEAT SOURCE IN 61 HOME CO. WICKLOW DEVELOPMENT

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RECORD TAKING MADE SIMPLE, WITH IP TELECOM

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LEADERSHIP IN HOUSING MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

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SETTING THE STANDARD FOR D400 COMPOSITE ACCESS COVERS (EJ)

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EPA PUBLISHES NATIONAL CRITERIA FOR RECYCLED AGGREGATES

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IN THE PAST MONTH STORMS HAVE CAUSED DREADFUL FLOODING AROUND IRELAND, FROM CORK TO NEWRY, WRITES MICHAEL O’DONOHOE, COUNTRY DIRECTOR, WAVIN IRELAND.

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PREPARING FOR SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING ASSURANCE (ACCA, IFAC, IDI)

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REGULARS IRISH WATER UPDATES

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CLASSIFIEDS

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Irelandʼs ambition to move towards the health-based WHO air quality guidelines will be challenging, but will have a significantly positive impact on health • • • •

Air quality in Ireland is generally good, however, there are concerning localised issues.

Ireland met all of its EU legal requirements in 2022, but it did not meet the more stringent health-based World Health Organisation (WHO) Air Quality guidelines.

It is estimated that there are approximately 1,300 premature deaths annually in Ireland due to poor air quality from fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

The choices we make in how we heat our homes and how we travel directly impact the quality of the air we breathe.

25th September 2022 – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published its annual air quality report ʻAir Quality in Ireland 2022ʼ. The report shows that, while air quality in Ireland is generally good and compares favourably with many of our European neighbours, there are concerning localised issues which lead to poor air quality.

Ireland met EU legal air quality limits in 2022, however it did not meet the more stringent health-based World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines for a number of pollutants including: particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (N02), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3) due mainly to the burning of solid fuel in our towns and villages and traffic in our cities.

Poor air quality has a proven negative impact on peopleʼs health. There are an estimated 1,300 premature deaths in Ireland per year due to particulate matter in our air.

In 2022 air monitoring results from EPA stations across Ireland show that fine particulate matter (PM2.5), mainly from burning solid fuel in our homes, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) mainly from road traffic, remain the main threats to good air quality. High levels of these pollutants are often associated with cold, still weather from late autumn through to early spring, when generally short-term incidents of poor air quality occur.

Launching the report, Dr Micheál Lehane, Director of the EPAʼs Office of Radiation Protection & Environmental Monitoring, said: “The EPAʼs air quality monitoring has shown that Ireland met all of its EU legal requirements in 2022. However, we did not meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guidelines for health. This highlights the immediate challenge to move towards the WHO air quality guidelines in the Clean Air Strategy. While undoubtably challenging, the significantly positive impacts of clean air on health are clear and the report identifies some of the actions that are necessary to achieve the health-based air quality guidelines.”

The report identifies that using less solid fuel and cleaner fuels to heat our homes - and reducing our use of cars to go to school, work and play - are actions that will contribute towards achieving the WHO guidelines.

The report further identifies the critical role for local authorities in enforcement, implementation of existing plans and investment in infrastructure to encourage cleaner and healthier air quality choices: • Local authorities must provide more resources to increase air enforcement activities and implement the new solid fuel regulations.

• Dublin local authorities must fully implement the Dublin Region Air Quality Plan 2021, to improve Nitrogen Dioxide levels in Dublin Region.

• Investment in clean public transport infrastructure across the country must be maintained and increased.

• More safe footpaths and cycle lanes must be created to continue to increase active travel as a viable and safe alternative to car use and associated nitrogen dioxide emissions.

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Pat Byrne, EPA Programme Manager, said: “The localized issues that we see in the 2022 monitoring results impact negatively on air quality and health.

Monitoring stations across Ireland recorded high levels of particulate matter associated with burning solid fuels in our towns and villages and high levels of nitrogen dioxide in our larger cities associated with road traffic. We can have immediate impacts on our local air quality by making changes in how we heat our homes and finding alternative ways to travel. These actions which also have positive climate impacts”.

To find out more about how we can improve air quality read the EPAʼs How we can improve the air we breathe infographic or check out the ʻABC for Cleaner Airʼ campaign@ The ABC for Cleaner Air , from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, which highlights some simple steps we can all make and help reduce pollution from solid fuels.

The Air Quality in Ireland 2022 report is available on the EPA website.

The EPA continually monitors air quality across Ireland and provides the air quality index for health and realtime results online. Results are updated hourly on the website, and people can log on at any time to check whether the current air quality is good, fair or poor.

Further information: Emily Williamson, EPA Media Relations Office: 053-9170770 (24 hours) and media@epa.ie

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Transform your Energy Savings with Firebird's High Efficiency Boilers In these trying times of rising living costs, enhancing boiler efficiency is a top priority for both consumers and the industry. In the past, residential boilers operated at a meagre 60% efficiency, wasting a significant 40% of their energy. Surprisingly, some of these outdated models are still in use today.

Firebird, a leader in high-performance heating solutions, has made substantial investments in creating more fuel-efficient products that are also eco-friendly. This innovation has propelled Firebird to the forefront with liquid fuel boilers achieving an impressive 97.5% efficiency and remarkably low NOx emissions, half the EU limits.

According to The Sutherland Tables' 2022 findings, switching from an older boiler to a Firebird condensing boiler can save an average of €1,300 annually on heating expenses.

These savings provide much-needed relief for households and businesses grappling with rising oil prices.

Additionally, by using less oil, Firebird's boilers contribute to greener and more budget-friendly heating solutions.

Firebird's boilers are also fully compatible with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a sustainable alternative to Kerosene that can reduce household emissions by up to 90%. Firebird has successfully piloted HVO in Ireland and the UK, demonstrating its immediate applicability. The conversion is cost-effective and requires minimal adjustments to existing home heating systems.

Mark Doyle, General Manager at Firebird, envisions HVO as a game-changer for home heating. He emphasises, "HVO can make homes nearly carbon-neutral right away. Firebird argues that a mixed technology approach is the best method in tackling decarbonisation in rural Ireland. By facilitating the consumer adoption of biofuel enabled boilers, over 700k homeowners with existing oil fired boilers homes will have access to financially viable technology choices that meet their unique needs and allow them to positively support Ireland achieve its climate action targets.”

Trials in Ireland have shown that household greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by up to 90%, with annual CO2 emissions dropping significantly. Firebirdʼs manufacturing site in Ireland and offices in England and Northern Ireland are already fuelled by HVO and the benefits can be seen every day.

For more i nform at io n visit www.f ireb ird .ie 7

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Lahinch Leisure Centre require a large quantity of heat for its swimming pool and leisure centre.

SeaWorld were previously using oil which had become very expensive, and they wanted to switch to a renewable source of heat. WoodCo installed two SUPERMAX Wood Pellet Boilers (300kW + 100kW).

Lahinch Leisure Centre had an initial Capex of €135,000 for the biomass heating system.

They were able to avail of the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat from the SEAI, this means they get paid for the heat they produce for 15 years at a rate of €0.04/kwh.

The biomass running cost is currently (wood pellet) €0.09kwh, so this results in a net heating cost of €0.05kwh. The Wood Pellet is sourced in Ireland, and they use 200 tonnes per annum. This results in savings of 100 tonnes of CO2 per annum. This is resulting in significant savings compared to oil.

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Local Authorities Renew Partnership with SEAI to Achieve 2030 Sustainability Goals

Photo No 3 (L to R) Frank Curran Chair Chair County and City Management Association (CCMA) William Walsh CEO Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) during a signing ceremony at LGMA offices on Ushers Quay, Dublin

• Local Authorities sign commitment to work with SEAI towards achieving 2030 targets • Local Authorities account for 10 % of Public Sector final energy consumption and 11% of emissions.

• To reach 2030 targets Local Authorities will need deep retrofit of their Leisure centres and large offices and decarbonise their fleets.

Local Authorities held a joint meeting with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI to demonstrate their commitment on working together towards their decarbonising targets through SEAIʼs Public Sector “Partnership” Support Programme. The SEAI has a long-standing relationship with Local Authorities focusing on their energy efficiency and now on their decarbonisation journey.

Partnership is a vehicle for Local Authorities to access expert advice on energy efficiency and energy related decarbonisation including bespoke supports for partners which focuses on data analysis and pathway to targets modelling, project identification and prioritisation, bespoke training, energy awareness and behavioural supports.

Within the programme, the SEAI provides all partners with a Partnership Support Manager (PSM), who assesses their status against 4 criteria that the SEAI has identified as Critical to achieving their targets. These are; Energy Management, Project Pipeline, Strategy and Overall Performance. Upon assessment, the SEAI recommends actions and areas which can be improved. The programme also liaises the SEAI Pathfinder programme which brings capital to bear for building deep retrofit projects.

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William Walsh CEO of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) said: “Collaboration is at the heart of what we do in the SEAI, and our partnerships with Local Authorities will be critical to enabling the delivery of Irelandʼs climate obligations. Local Authorities are key to supporting the role that citizens, communities, businesses, and the public sector will play in the sustainable energy transition.

Living within our carbon budgets is essential, and Local Authorities touch every part of society and are pivotal to influencing systemic change in the way we do things nationwide. The impact of our partnership will support a continued commitment to achieving 2030 targets.”

Back Row (L to R) Paul Dunne, CEO Local Government Management Agency (LGMA ) Ciaran Byrne, Director of National Retrofit Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Declan Meally, Director of Business & Public Sector & Transport Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)

Frank Curran, Chair of the County and City Management Association (CCMA) said: “Local authorities are key to the delivery of Irelandʼs national climate action ambitions. The local government sector leads communities, integrating energy efficiency and emission reduction across our operations. With the continued support of the SEAI, local authorities will remain committed to meeting the challenge of sustaining, if not increasing, business operations and services for our growing population, while aiming to deliver net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. As we design and implement local climate action plans, we look forward to continuing to build on the achievements we have made to date in substantially reducing energy use, with the valuable support and advice of the SEAI.” The Public Sector faces challenging targets and the journey to achieving this will not be easy, but the SEAI are here to help.

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EPA launches a National Air Quality Forecast • • •

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a national air quality forecast available on airquality.ie.

The forecast will provide maps showing the predicted daily air quality for up to three days "Today", “Tomorrow” and the “Day after Tomorrow”.

The air quality forecast is an important resource for everyone, but especially people who may be sensitive to poor air quality (e.g. those with asthma and heart conditions).

The air quality forecast will help people plan their activities to follow public health advice, such as reducing physical activity when air pollution levels could affect their health.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a national air quality forecast to provide greater information to the public regarding expected air quality in Ireland for up to three days - “Today", “Tomorrow” and the “Day after Tomorrow”.

Forecasts include daily Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH), Particulate Matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3). PM, NO2 and O3 are the three main air pollutants impacting human health in Ireland. All pollutants mapped are presented on the Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH) scale (1 – 10).

Marking the launch of the forecast, Dr Micheál Lehane, Director of the EPAʼs Office of Radiation Protection & Environmental Monitoring, said: “Air pollution can seriously impact peopleʼs health; the air quality forecast will provide an important health and air quality resource for everyone, and will be even more impactful for those of us who are particularly affected by poor air quality, including those suffering from respiratory disease and asthma. The forecast will also serve policy makers as a valuable tool for analysing air quality in Ireland.ʼʼ There are concerning localised air quality issues in Ireland. Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) from burning solid fuel and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from vehicle emissions are the main pollutants impacting on peopleʼs health.

This forecast will help people plan their activities in line with the Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH) recommendations, such as reducing physical activity when air pollution levels are predicted to increase. The forecast maps will be uploaded twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.

The CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland, Eilís Ní Chathnia, welcomed the forecast launch: "The air quality forecast will be an important resource for our members and everyone with respiratory conditions. Ireland has the highest incidence rate of asthma in Europe with one in ten children and one in thirteen adults developing the condition - with 890,000 people likely to develop asthma in their lifetimes. The Asthma Society welcomes the opportunity to be associated with the launch of the forecast.ʼʼ The forecast and further information on air quality and the Air Quality Index for Health are available on airquality.ie.

The air quality forecast maps are produced by computer models which have been developed under the EU LIFE Emerald project. The models use Irish and European data such as air quality measurements, forecast weather and land cover data. The EPA has partnered on this with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), the Health Service Executive (HSE), VITO, a Belgian research institute, University College Cork (UCC) and the Asthma Society of Ireland.

Sample air quality forecast map from www.airquality.ie

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Grant Aerona³ R32 air source heat pump chosen as the main heat source in 61 home Co. Wicklow Development Leading heating technology manufacturer Grant has been providing innovative, efficient and carbon reducing heating solutions for over 45 years. In recent years, Grant has largely transformed into a renewable heating company and its award-winning heating technologies are playing an important part in helping homes become sustainable on the journey towards a zero-carbon future. The development of the Grant integrated heating packages for new build homes in recent years has further accelerated Grant as the number one manufacturer of innovative heating technologies throughout Ireland.

Social housing development in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow

A recent social housing development of 61 homes in Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow has benefited from bespoke Grant integrated heating packages by installing the 6kW Grant Aerona³ R32 air source heat pump as the main heat source alongside a 210L Grant AWave Integrated Cylinder for efficient heating all year round. The Grant hot water cylinders are designed to heat water faster and more efficiently than standard cylinders and will supply the properties with 24/7 hot water.

To ensure long-term heating efficiency, the homes were installed with bespoke integrated heating packages which were expertly designed by the Grant technical team. The Grant team worked closely with The Woodfort Group and Total Energy & Plumbing and all products were supplied by SKC Providers, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow.

Grant Aerona³ R32 air to water air source heat pump

For a cleaner, more environmentally friendly home heating solution, a 6kW Grant Aerona³ R32 air to water, air source heat pump was installed in the properties as the main heat source, which can achieve high SCOPʼs and is sustainable at low temperatures. The Grant Aerona³ range has an ErP of A+++ and is amongst the most efficient air to water heat pumps in Ireland and is easy to install with its compact size.

Furthermore, the Grant Aerona³ R32 air source heat pump range helps to achieve required compliance under building regulations.

Grantʼs technical team work with building developers, specifiers and engineers daily to design bespoke integrated heating systems for one off new builds to multi-home developments. The Grant team will design, size and specify individual heating systems free of charge, to ensure each propertyʼs heating system performs to its optimum efficiency.

Those working on new build properties can avail of Grantʼs heating design service by sending house plans, contact information and preferred choice of heat emitters – underfloor heating, radiators or both, to heatpump@grant.ie Think Heating. Think Grant.

Visit www.grant.ie for more information on Grantʼs range of innovative heating solutions.

X: @GrantIRL • Instagram: @Grant_IRL • LinkedIn: Grant Engineering ULC

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Record taking made simple, with IP Telecom

Maintaining strong records of transactions and discussion between colleagues and end users is vital to ensuring that the business of local authorities is carried out in an efficient and timely manner.

Email and paper-based records provide a physical record of what was discussed, but whatʼs the best way of ensuring that phone-based discussions are noted to ensure that you have something that provides both a record and is searchable. And one that works across all the different device types that we now use in our dayto-day conversations.

Thatʼs where Call Recording from IP Telecom makes all the difference. Unlike traditional call recording services which works with a traditional phone line, VoIP based call recording works in any situation across all devices and endpoints. Calls can be set for either passive (opt in) or active (record all) depending on the situation and user preferences.

By taking the call recording to the cloud, you record is then accessible to those who need it. If you want to play back a call to recall the details of a particular discussion that can be made available to you (and you alone) or if the call is part of a call centre type operation and you need to keep records of all conversations for reporting/quality control purposes, then these recordings can be made available to the call centre manager or senior management.

Keeping recordings secure is vital so only those who need the access, across multi-factor authentication, can access these records on systems such as IP Telecomʼs. However, being cloud based means that these recordings are available to you wherever you are based, on site, in the office or remote working.

If required, speech to text can be used to provide written transcriptions of conversations – particularly useful when taking a record of something thatʼs part of a wider project or negotiations. And the latest in AI can even be used to analyse sentiment and tone of voice to ensure quality of service.

All-in-all, call recording from IP Telecom is a great, cost-effective, way of providing a record of conversations, removing ambiguity from discussions whilst providing a safe, secure and accessible environment for your record.

Rory Whelan is Head of Marketing at IP Telecom, for more visit www.iptelecom.ie

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Leadership in housing makes all the difference

Article originally printed in the Business Post, Sunday 8th October 2023

Everyone needs a roof over their heads and somewhere warm, safe and comfortable to call home – and the Housing Agency, a state-funded body, working mainly with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) works to meet the nationʼs housing needs.

The agencyʼs work includes providing evidence-informed insights to help inform policy development and supporting policy implementation, enabling the delivery of housing for different groups and building capacity and agility across the housing sector.

As part of its remit to build capacity in the sector, the agency organised a Leadership in Housing Conference which took place on Friday, September 29 in Dublin Castle. It brought together senior housing professionals to network and engage with expert speakers.

The aim of the event was to inspire senior leaders in housing to bring about change with the key message being that leaders who are “impactful and agile” are crucial to ensuring the housing sector adapts to change and overcomes challenges to deliver new homes and vibrant communities.

Bob Jordan, chief executive of the Housing Agency, said that leaders in housing faced several challenges as they made decisions today which would impact Irelandʼs long-term future. He said that it was important to incorporate social changes into housing stock for future generations. He invited delegates to “step outside their comfort zone” in order to deal with challenges.

“The purpose for the conference is to bring together leaders in the housing sector to discuss the type of leadership that will bring us through the challenges we are currently facing,” he said.

“The conference is an opportunity for attendees to stand back from their day jobs and think about how they are approaching leadership currently. The broad range of speakers from across all sectors provides an opportunity for us to move outside our own sector and start new conversations.”

Michael Carey, chairman of the Housing Agency, agreed and said that everyone in attendance could play a role in shaping the agenda for housing – and the leadership issues across both private and public sector were the same. He said that progress could only be made through “clarity of plan, allocation of resources and unambiguous monitoring of progress and consequently taking action when a plan is not making progress”.

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“The Leadership in Housing conference is a real opportunity to bring together the best of our senior housing professionals working across the sector to give them an opportunity to share ideas and hear from expert speakers about the importance of effective leadership,” he said.

“As we all know, we face significant challenges in the housing sector – but effective leadership can have a profound impact on our progress in providing good quality, affordable homes in sustainable communities.

We must strive to continue to implement innovative solutions, promote policy changes, and foster collaboration among various stakeholders.”

Pictured delivering his address during the second panel discussion at The Housing Agencyʼs Leadership in Housing conference was Dr Sam Tsemberis, clinical psychologist and founder of Housing First.

Photo by Marc O'Sullivan The speakers addressing the conference came from a broad range of professional backgrounds, both inside and outside the sector, and drew on their own personal experiences, while looking at the characteristics of effective and impactful leadership when facing complex issues.

These issues can cover a multitude of situations, each as relevant at the last – and Noeline Blackwell, chief executive at the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said that being a good leader and helping to make the right decisions was vital, regardless of the problems to be solved.

She said that it was important to focus on the people who “deserve to have their rights vindicated in a country which can afford it, and the need for a framework to voice it”.

“Although my experience is mostly outside the housing sector, the characteristics of a good leader are always the same,” she said.

“What Iʼve learned as a leader is the importance of keeping your focus on the bigger picture even when you are constantly reacting and are in a sector that somehow always feels like itʼs in crisis.

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“What is particularly relevant to me is coming to terms with the end of my time as a leader in my current role and how to make the transition, paving the way for those who are coming next. A good leader will never lose sight of the person at the centre of the work, especially when they are often on the outside of the conversation.”

With a lot of conversation on the importance of strong leadership, Eileen Patterson, board member of Clanmil Housing and Circle VHA said that being a good leader involved a number of important qualities including being calm, hopeful, positive and constant.

With a wealth of experience as a housing professional, Patterson is committed to the delivery of high quality, affordable housing and support services and said it was crucial to be able to set out a vision and strategy to achieve desired goals while empowering others to also lead and grow.

“I have had a long career in the housing sector in Northern Ireland where I have seen many changes,” she said. “What stands out to me when we talk about good leadership is the ability to lead through periods of growth. Growth and change can be exciting, but also risky and as leaders we need to be able to express this to staff around us and lead them through it confidently.

“As the demand for housing continues to grow, so too will the number of those working in the sector. As leaders, when building new teams and departments, we need to be cognisant of the needs of our staff, empowering them with training and professional development to become leaders in their own right.”

Also speaking at the event was Mushtaq Khan, of the Housing Diversity Network, who relayed the importance of training when it came to becoming a diverse leader. Lucy Cronin, vice president of EU public policy at Amazon delivered an impassioned speech on the barriers women could face in leadership roles, and how organisations could strive to address these, and Dr Sam Tsemberis, founder of Housing First, discussed how social movements required leadership at every stage and the importance of representing the people you served.

John Concannon, director general at the Department of Foreign Affairs, also observed the importance of authenticity in a leaderʼs message, and discussed his experience of working on the Wild Atlantic Way project, which involved collaboration with many different stakeholders.

Despite the many issues facing the sector at present, Grainia Long, chief executive, of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, said she was against the idea of it being in “permanent crisis”, and discussed why a positive mental attitude was important in order for real change to take place.

Indeed, according to Bob Jordan, the future is looking bright.

“In the midst of challenges, the innovation, progress and leadership within the sector is sometimes overlooked,” he said. “The work is complex and multifaceted, and the issues we currently face wonʼt be resolved with quick-fix solutions, but progress is happening. There are strong leaders across the entire sector who are working diligently and consistently to address housing needs.”

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Setting the standard for D400 composite access covers For more than 100 years, cast iron covers and drainage gratings have been an integral part of infrastructure planning. In recent times, the arrival of composite access products to the market has delivered new advantages and a new level of choice for project managers of utilities and municipalities as well as consultant engineers and contractors.

For the construction product specifier, expertise in this market has never been more important. EJ, as a specialist manufacturer of access solutions in multiple materials - ductile iron, fabricated steel and composite, have amassed years of experience when it comes to producing composite covers to industry standards.

They are now leading the industry with the first D400 composite cover fully in compliance with the rigorous testing requirements of EN 124:2015. One of the more stringent requirements is the fatigue test which involves a load of 13.6 Tons applied to the composite cover 100,000 times. The cover must show no visible damage and be capable of withstanding a subsequent 400kN load test to meet the standard. This demonstrates the long term durability and performance of the STRETO for road installations, with repeated loading and unloading conditions.

Lightweight. Durable. Strong.

Combined with the ergonomic benefits of lightweight composite covers, this high strength solution is ideal for municipal applications and areas subject to vehicular traffic. The STRETO comprises of a composite cover in a twin wall ductile iron frame, and is independently third party certified ensuring optimum performance and a high factor of safety for clients and users. Another key advantage is the ability to incorporate a logo or match a RAL colour to suit Public Realm and Active Travel projects Composites – A greener solution.

Made in Ireland, the STRETO offers you a greener solution for utility access. It requires a low temperature manufacturing process and combined with reduced transport loads due to their lightweight structure, composite covers contribute to a lower carbon footprint. To acknowledge their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, EJ production facilities have attained a Silver medal in CSR, awarded by EcoVadis, the worldʼs largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings Expertise in Composite Access Solutions EJ are the only Irish based manufacturer of composite access covers and have received notable industry awards, including the Impact Award by University of Limerick. Their industry legacy gives them the edge in creating the best composite access covers in the market for local authorities, contractors and utility operators, that are manufactured to the highest industry standards, and that will ensure optimum long term performance and peace of mind for specifiers and clients For industry leading solutions on water, sewer, telecommunication and utility networks choose the experts, choose EJ.

If you require any further information, contact EJ on 057 91 23100 or email Ireland.sales@ejco.com.

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EPA publishes national criteria for recycled aggregates • Construction waste is Irelandʼs largest waste stream, and current recycling rates are too low.

• Implementation of new national end-of-waste criteria will reduce construction waste going to landfills, and increase recycling rates.

• Use of end-of-waste criteria for recycled aggregates will support green procurement in the built environment.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published National End-of-Waste Criteria for Recycled Aggregates. The criteria apply to aggregates recycled from construction and demolition waste, including soil and stone, concrete, bricks and ceramics. These criteria will allow for the safe reclassification of recycled aggregates from a waste to a product, which can be subsequently placed on the market.

There is a strong demand for recycled aggregates in Ireland to support development of new infrastructure with a low carbon footprint.

The criteria allow for the replacement of virgin aggregates with recycled aggregates, in uses such as general fill, road construction, railway ballast and other non-structural uses.

Keeping materials in use is one of the fundamental elements of a circular economy.

These criteria support and facilitate increased recycling in the construction, demolition and waste sectors.

Commenting on the criteria, Micheál Lehane, Director of the EPAʼs Office of Environmental Sustainability, said: “The publication of national end-of-waste criteria for recycled aggregates is a significant milestone for both the EPA and industry. The criteria will help tackle construction waste, the largest waste stream in the country and support the development of markets for recyclable materials. This is the type of progress which is needed if Ireland is to move in a meaningful way from the linear to the circular economy.”

End-of-waste criteria for recycled aggregates will also support national green procurement ambitions. A publicly-available register on the EPA website will enable buyers to confidently choose a registered supplier of quality recycled aggregates.

Warren Phelan, Programme Manager of the EPAʼs Circular Economy Programme noted: “The publication of the criteria show the EPAʼs commitment to streamlining the regulation of secondary products. This represents a shift away from the assessment of case-by-case applications to a national criteria available to all authorised producers. These criteria will introduce a level playing field for industry and introduce a single set of rules that are easy to implement.”

The EPA calls on industry and the waste sector to now adopt, implement and build upon the criteria established.

Further information on the national end-of-waste criteria and other initiatives of the circular economy programme are available on the EPA website.

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In the past month storms have caused dreadful flooding around Ireland, from Cork to Newry, writes Michael OʼDonohoe, country director, Wavin Ireland.

And so it continues. Met Éireann recently published a report on Irelandʼs climate averages for 1991-2020 which revealed an increase in rainfall of about 7% over the last 30 years with annual average rainfall for Ireland at 1,288mm over that period.

Urban centres and parched greenfield sites simply canʼt absorb the extreme rainfall events. Because water canʼt soak directly into the soil, surface water run-off is increasing – overwhelming drainage networks and causing water bodies like rivers and lakes to overflow, resulting in flooding.

But there are ways to mitigate the effects of extreme rainfall and protect homes, businesses and people from flooding.

One of the key ways to achieve this is through a commitment to Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS).

Manage rainfall SuDS help a developed site to manage rainfall and surface water as well as – and potentially better than – it would have done as a greenfield site. By managing surface water run-off as close to source and surface as possible, SuDS mimic natural drainage and help water to naturally soak into the ground, to evaporate from surface water and to provide transpiration from vegetation, mitigating flooding, reducing pollution, and providing green spaces and creating amenity for the community,

Michael OʼDonohoe, country director, Wavin Ireland.

There are a wide range of SuDS components available; including green roofs, rain gardens, tree pits, permeable paving, swales, perforated pipes, rainwater harvesting, soakaways and various types of underground attenuation and storage tanks.

Successful SuDS schemes typically prioritise early stakeholder engagement and careful planning in order to create effective and cost-efficient solutions.

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Engineers, landscape architects, urban designers, local authorities, water companies and developers all have a role to play in developing SuDS schemes, with the best designs incorporating the four pillars of SuDS. They are: managing water quantity; managing water quality; creating amenity and creating a habitat for biodiversity.

With their strong contribution to place making in urban areas, and ability to mitigate increasing flood risk, SuDS are seemingly an obvious choice for developers. However, although SuDS technology has been available for decades, it is yet to become ubiquitous on new developments in Ireland.

SuDS are increasingly required by local authorities across new developments, redevelopment and retrofit projects. In the Cork County Development Plan 2022 an advice note on Surface Water Management says that "every application for development must submit a Drainage Impact Assessment (DIA) demonstrating how the development successfully uses Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) and nature based solutions to manage surface water within and adjacent to the site”.

Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is also actively recommending the implementation of SuDs as part of new developments and redevelopments while the Dublin City Council Development Plan (2022-2028) has identified SuDS as preferred, firming up the cityʼs 2005 commitment to mandatory SuDS on new developments in the Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study.

Around the country, councils like Wicklow County Council are following suit, and have made a firm commitment to SuDS. In its latest development plan, the council stated that it “requires all new developments to adopt the SuDs approach”. But while thereʼs clear progress in some regions, others, continue to exercise less stringent requirements for city development plans.

While SuDS have achieved significant uptake in parts of Ireland, itʼs vital to keep this momentum going.

Ideally, all water management stakeholders will come together to strengthen regulations and deliver a coordinated, effective strategy for surface water.

SuDS need to become a mainstream part of surface water management – a compulsory stage in developments and a key consideration in schemes to regenerate or improve existing urban environments.

Launching in 2024 Wavin AquaCell NG, the latest generation of AquaCell, attenuation/soakaway units to manage Stormwater. With its nested design, units require 1/4 of the space on site, with four times fewer deliveries and four times lower CO².

For more information on Wavin Geocellular modular units for attenuation and infiltration see: wavin.ie/aquacell or Contact projects.ie@wavin.com

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Introduction It is crucial for the public sector to demonstrate leadership and drive action to progress sustainability agendas globally. Governments and other public sector bodies need to be able to measure and report on how they are addressing sustainability challenges.

They should be transparent and demonstrate accountability for the long-term impacts of their decisions.

As a result, sustainability reporting and assurance in the public sector is gaining momentum, and as it does, the concept of sustainable development should be at the heart of the public sectorʼs approach. An emphasis on sustainable development focuses reporting on those activities that have the most significant impact. Sustainability-related disclosure in the public sector should be of high quality and usable for decision making. Importantly, it should be subject to effective audit and assurance arrangements to help build public trust.

the public sector and outline the key principles for governments, other public sector bodies and supreme audit institutions (SAIs) to consider in this journey.

Sustainability reporting and the public sector.

What does sustainability reporting mean for the public sector?

Although sustainability reporting is a frequently used term, it is difficult to identify a single definition. Taking a step back, the concept of ʻsustainable developmentʼ provides a useful starting point. The best-known description of sustainable development comes from the United Nationsʼ (UN) Brundtland Commission, which describes it as the goal of: ʻMeeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.ʼ World Commission on Environment and Development 1987.

This executive summary provides an outline of the forthcoming introduction to sustainability reporting and assurance, intended for the public sector globally, to be published by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). It draws on two global roundtables, held in August and September 2023, with professionals involved in both reporting and audit in the public sector.

The concept of sustainable development helps to emphasise that sustainability includes not only environmental considerations, but also the social and economic impacts of human activities. The UNʼs 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all UN member states, builds on this with a ʻplan of action for people, planet and prosperityʼ (UN 2015). It sets out 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Following discussions at these sessions, we highlight what sustainability reporting and assurance mean for

ʻWith each government setting its own national targets guided by the global level of ambition but taking into account national circumstances.ʼ UN 2015

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the size and scope of the organisation but comprehensive enough to reflect the needs of the wide range of stakeholders representing the public interest.

For the public sector, a broad definition for sustainability reporting is important. At the heart of sustainability reporting for public sector entities should be measuring and reporting on their positive and negative contributions to sustainable development. The definition of public sector sustainability

Why should the public sector undertake sustainability reporting?

Acting in the public interest is a fundamental purpose of the public sector; public sector entities have the ability to make a positive impact on people and planet. As the roundtable participants highlighted, the public sector plays a pivotal role in both setting the conditions for sustainable development and taking action towards that goal. The consultation by the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) on advancing public sector sustainability reporting emphasises that: ʻPublic sector action is needed to bring about the widespread changes across the globe required to deliver the benefits of sustainable development.ʼ IPSASB 2022

reporting discussed at our roundtables was: ʻThe practice of an organisation reporting on its impact on sustainable developmentʼ. As a roundtable comment highlighted, the focus should be on defining sustainability at a broad level, recognising that ʻcountry contexts vary significantly and the question of compliance with a very narrow definition could be trickyʼ.

Moreover, within the public sector in each country there are generally a wide range of different organisations and bodies, including national, regional and local governments and their associated entities, such as agencies, commissions and boards. In addition, sub-sectors of the public sector, such as health and education services, include numerous organisations of varying sizes. Sustainability reporting for the public sector must be appropriate to

Given these roles, policymakers and other stakeholders, including the public, need information to understand the sectorʼs impact on sustainable development. The information provided through the sustainability reporting and assurance process should advance sustainable development.

In addition, there are other important reasons why the public sector should engage in sustainability reporting.

Public spending represents a significant part of the global economy: the proportion of public spending as a share of GDP varies across countries, but in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries, it amounted to almost half of GDP (46.3% on average) in 2021. As sustainability reporting is increasingly being adopted by the private sector, reporting by the public sector will enable a better economy-wide understanding of the impact of public spending on sustainable development.

Transparency and accountability: given the scale of public spending and the impact of the public sector on achieving sustainable development, the ability for the public to hold governments and organisations to account is important. The public sector can demonstrate its impact on sustainable development through accurate sustainability reporting, enabling stakeholders to identify areas where progress is good and issues that require more action.

Providing information to capital markets and development partners: Increasingly, investors in sovereign bonds, as well as bodies funding development initiatives, require information about the climate and nature-related risks and opportunities facing governments.

Sustainability reporting by governments enables countries to better attract investment and donor funding, where applicable, to put these goals into action.

Supporting internal decision-making: As well as the external-focused rationales outlined above, sustainability- related information supports better informed policy, budget, and investment decisions made by those working in the public sector.

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Promoting public trust: Sustainability-related information can promote public trust in governments and public sector entities by providing more details about efforts to achieve national targets and outcomes aimed at sustainable development.

Principles for sustainability reporting in the public sector Our roundtables demonstrated that there is enthusiasm for sustainability reporting in the public sector.

Nonetheless, specifying a single approach to sustainability reporting for the whole sector is difficult, given the varying sizes, capabilities and activities of different public sector bodies. Roundtable participants pointed out that public sector sustainability reporting practices vary even within countries.

Whatever a public sector entityʼs specific role, social value is a primary concern across all activities because, fundamentally, every public sector organisation should act in the public interest to provide governance or services and therefore has an impact on society and environment. In addition, governments play a critical role in establishing good governance through the institutional, policy and regulatory frameworks in which society as a whole operates. Consequently, the potential breadth of sustainability reporting for the public sector could be huge. From our roundtable discussions and the previous work of ACCA, IDI and IFAC in this area, we identify four key principles for public sector sustainability reporting.

• Focus on the areas of greatest impact.

• Align reporting with overarching strategies.

• Lead by example.

• Select an appropriate framework.

Focus on the areas of greatest impact: at the beginning of the sustainability reporting journey governments and other public sector entities cannot realistically report on every element of their impact on sustainable development.

Instead, each one needs to review its remit and operations methodically and identify the areas of activity in which it has the most impact on sustainable development. This is known as a ʻmateriality assessmentʼ.

Align reporting with overarching strategies: at the organisational level, if a public sector entity has set out a strategy for sustainable development or sustainability more broadly, reporting should be structured consistently with the goals outlined in the strategy. Wherever possible an organisationʼs sustainability reporting should also be aligned with the overarching approach the national government takes to sustainable development.

Lead by example: In many countries, governments and public sector organisations, in their role as regulators, are increasingly mandating sustainability reporting requirements for private sector organisations, particularly for large companies. While there may be differences in reporting methods, it is important that the public sector demonstrates best practice by achieving the same levels of transparency in sustainability reporting as it requires from other entities. In the longer term, creating clear links between sustainability and financial information is important.

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WHATEVER A PUBLIC SECTOR ENTITYʼS SPECIFIC ROLE, SOCIAL VALUE IS A PRIMARY CONCERN ACROSS ALL ACTIVITIES BECAUSE, FUNDAMENTALLY, EVERY PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANISATION SHOULD ACT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO PROVIDE GOVERNANCE OR SERVICES AND THEREFORE HAS AN IMPACT ON SOCIETY AND ENVIRONMENT.

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Select an appropriate framework: identifying a suitable framework for sustainability reporting provides confidence that disclosures are being made according to agreed standards and enables assurance to be conducted more easily. IFAC's analysis of the 'state of play' for sustainability disclosure and assurance shows standards such as those developed by the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures or the Global Reporting Initiative support assurance engagements (IFAC 2023). The IPSASB is also intending to publish an exposure draft on climate-related standards for the public sector in 2024, which will provide alternative reporting criteria.

Sustainability assurance and the public sector What does sustainability assurance mean for the public sector?

As sustainability reporting develops, independent external assurance of this reporting will become increasingly necessary to build trust in the information being disclosed. The external assurance provided by public sector auditing gives confidence to those using the information that it is reliable and accurate.

As sustainability reporting is less well established than financial reporting, it is important to choose the appropriate approach to providing assurance, and this is explored further below.

Value added by SAIs:External independent oversight on sustainability reporting SAIs already play a fundamentally important role in the accountability of the public sector and public spending in particular. In the same way, roundtable participants saw SAIs as taking the lead in providing independent external oversight on sustainability reporting, building on the experience they have developed more broadly in auditing progress towards sustainable development. Ultimately, the independent and objective assessments provided by SAIs through assurance of sustainability information will support the public sectorʼs drive towards sustainable development.

Principles for sustainability assurance in the public sector Roundtable participants recognised that external assurance of sustainability information in the public sector is at an early stage, and they identified three key elements for SAIs and other providers of external assurance to consider when developing their approach to providing such assurance.

• Identifying the right audit approach • Providing the appropriate level of confidence or assurance • Supporting the development of frameworks for the public sector.

Identifying the right audit approach: SAIs undertake threemain types of audit: financial audits, compliance audits and performance audits. Categorising SAIsʼ work in this way clarifies the objective of the audit. In the same way, identifying the purpose of an audit of sustainability information will determine how the audit is conducted.

In an audit where the focus is on providing assurance on the accuracy of the information disclosed, such as reporting on greenhouse gas emissions, a similar approach to financial audit is likely to be required. In contrast, a performance audit approach would be more appropriate for assessing the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of a particular public sector organisationʼs policy or programme in relation to sustainable development. This approach can also be extended to assessing governmentsʼ progress towards outcomes at an overarching national level.

Providing the appropriate level of confidence or assurance: enabling users of sustainability information to trust its reliability and relevance for decision making is important. Assurance for sustainability information can be communicated in two main ways: through an engagement which explicitly provides an opinion on the level of assurance or in another form where auditors provide users with appropriate confidence. External auditors choosing the most suitable approach need to consider the type of audit being conducted, the risk of material misstatement and the time and effort required to obtain assurance.

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In engagements where an explicit level of assurance is given, assurance can either be limited or reasonable. Given the emerging development of sustainability reporting across the public and private sectors, audit engagements for this information have generally given only a ʻlimited assuranceʼ opinion, which provides negative assurance (assurance that the information appears not to be materially misstated). In contrast, positive assurance, given by a ʻreasonable assuranceʼ opinion, provides a significantly higher level of certainty.

there is a real opportunity for finance, accountancy and audit professionals to demonstrate leadership and drive this agenda forward. Their knowledge and experience of reporting processes, systems and controls, regulatory compliance, adherence to standards and, in the case of auditors, internal and external assurance, are vital in establishing and embedding sustainability reporting and assurance in the public sector.

The goal of sustainability reporting and assurance in the public sector must be to strengthen progress towards sustainable development. Ultimately, the sustainability disclosures reported must provide useful information that can form a basis for decisionmaking. Itʼs time for public sector finance and audit professionals to take the lead on the sustainability reporting and assurance agenda.

Alternatively, in circumstances where auditors, do not give an explicit statement of assurance on the subject matter, they can instead explain ʻhow findings, criteria and conclusions were developed in a balanced and reasoned manner, and why the combinations of findings and criteria result in a certain overall conclusionʼ (INTOSAI 2022a)

Supporting sustainability reporting and assurance.

Supporting the development of frameworks for the public sector: as sustainability reporting develops, the engagement of SAIs in the process of developing frameworks and standards is vital. Some SAIs are mandated to set accounting and auditing standards for the public sector, while in some countries other organisations set reporting requirements.

For many public sector organisations, integrating sustainability reporting processes will be a new challenge.

It will require finance professionals to build on their existing skills and work with experts in other fields.

It will also need existing systems and processes to be adapted to capture new types of relevant information.

Similarly, providing assurance on sustainability reporting will involve audit professionals in reviewing and assessing these new types of information.

Developing existing skills to provide appropriate forms of assurance or confidence in sustainability information is important for building public trust.

ACCA, IFAC and IDI are committed to supporting both public sector bodies, to help them report effectively on their impacts on sustainable development, and SAIs, in their assurance of sustainability information.

SAI engagement or leadership in establishing frameworks for sustainability reporting will help ensure that disclosures are based on clear reporting frameworks that enable ʻassurabilityʼ.

It is important, for this purpose, that SAIs engage with a wide range of stakeholders at the national, regional and international level. These could include academia, development bodies and the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI). Broad engagement can highlight potential difficulties and challenges that may arise in the auditing of information. Identifying problems at an early stage can help ensure that the right data is collected and the reporting system is designed well, so audit outcomes are positive and public trust is enhanced.

For sustainability assurance, IDI has developed resources for auditing SDGs (INTOSAI 2022b), including IDIʼs SDGs Audit Model (ISAM), which has practical ʻhow-toʼ guidance to SAIs for conducting audits of SDGs implementation (INTOSAI 2022c).

Across all sectors, IFAC has dedicated resources on sustainability standards (IFAC 2021) and assurance for the wider profession and ACCA recently published a report on the challenges currently faced in meeting rapidly increasing demands for sustainability assurance (ACCA 2023).

Finance professionals adding value through sustainability reporting and assurance As IFAC has highlighted, the accountancy profession is best positioned to lead sustainability reporting and assurance (IFAC 2021). Professionals working in financial accounting, reporting, internal and external audit roles can all apply their expertise to this agenda.

As many organisations are at the start of their sustainability reporting journeys,

Working towards a professionalised finance and audit workforce in public sector bodies and SAIs is also 20 important in generating credibility, trust and confidence.

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ACCA and IFACʼs Global Guide for Professionalisation in Public Sector Finance outlines the benefits and the journey to professionalisation, with examples from SAIs and public sector bodies (ACCA and IFAC 2022).

The INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) is an autonomous implementing body that is not-forprofit. Its mandate is to provide support to Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in developing countries to enhance their performance and capacity in a sustainable manner. The work done by IDI is based on the needs and challenges experienced by SAIs. The support provided is focused on a needs-based and sustainable approach.

Finally, it is important that the perspectives of those working in public sector bodies and SAIs are considered as frameworks and standards are developed. The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board )IAASB) is currently consulting on an exposure draft for a new International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSSA 5000) (IAASB 2023). Both the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GRI 2023) and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB 2023) are expected to produce exposure drafts on climate change- related standards. Ensuring that all these standards incorporate a broad range of public sector considerations is essential and we encourage governments, public sector bodies and SAIs to engage with these consultations.

IDI seeks to empower SAIs by promoting gender-responsiveness and peer-to-peer cooperation as essential elements of long-term capacity development.

As an INTOSAI body, IDI works with 196 SAIs across the world.

In each country, there is a Supreme Audit Institution that is tasked with auditing public funds to ensure that it is an effective, accountable, and inclusive institution. IDI is convinced that its contribution to strengthening Supreme Audit Institutions can make a difference in the lives of citizens for several reasons.

About ACCA

We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognised professional accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide.

Firstly, government audits are key components of effective public financial management and good governance. Secondly, SAIs contribute to the quality of government engagement and better state-society relations through their work. Lastly, SAIs are key stakeholders in supporting the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). www.idi.no/ About IFAC

Founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession, weʼve long championed inclusion and today proudly support a diverse community of over 247,000 members and 526,000 future members in 181 countries. Our forward-looking qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgement to create, protect, and report the sustainable value delivered by organisations and economies.

IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 180 members and associates in more than 135 jurisdictions, representing millions of professional accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce. www.ifac.org/

Guided by our purpose and values, our vision is to develop the accountancy profession the world needs.

Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other accountancy bodies, weʼre strengthening and building a profession that drives a sustainable future for all.

Find out more at accaglobal.com About IDI 27

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Works progress on €31 million Buncrana, Ballybofey and Stranorlar Sewerage Scheme

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Donegal County Council, are progressing works in Buncrana as part of a €31 million investment to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in Buncrana, Ballybofey and Stranorlar. The sewerage scheme will result in significant improvements to water quality in Lough Swilly and the River Finn by eliminating stormwater overflows, safeguarding the environment and supporting social and economic development.

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The sewerage scheme is a significant development for the towns of Buncrana, Ballybofey and Stranorlar, which will see knock-on benefits to the local natural environment of Lough Swilly and the River Finn, as well as supporting the social and economic development of the towns. To date, construction of the new pipeline has progressed without impacting customersʼ water supply. As part of the next phase of works, a water main diversion is needed to allow for new sewer construction on Cockhill Road.

In order to safely facilitate the new connection, it will be necessary for the water supply to be switched off for a period of time until the connection works are completed. To minimise disruption as much as possible to homes and businesses.

The outage will impact customers in the following areas: Cockhill Road, Tullyarvan, Ballymacarry, Ardarava, Cleenagh, Upper and Lower Ballymagan, Clonblosk and surrounding areas.

As per best practice, most homes and businesses will have on-site water storage to provide a backup source of water for sanitation purposes. Uisce Éireann advises customers to familiarise themselves with their storage capacity.

Uisce Éireannʼs Eunan Canavan explained: “Uisce Éireann is committed to enabling communities across Donegal to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing our critical infrastructure. These essential works along Cockhill Road, Buncrana are necessary to install new sewer pipes and increase capacity, allowing for current and future population growth of the town. The works will also include the decommissioning of two existing storm overflows which will improve water quality in the River Finn ensuring compliance with Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 2001 and the EPA Wastewater Discharge Licencing."

Eunan continued: “We understand that this type of work may be disruptive to the local community which is why our experienced water services crews will work hard to complete the works and restore normal water supply as quickly as possible.”

In order to complete the works safely and efficiently, traffic management in the form of a stop/go system will continue to be in place for the duration of the works.

Ward & Burke Water Limited are carrying out the works on behalf and of Uisce Éireann.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours.

Following this type of work, occasionally issues such as cloudy water (air bubbles), discolouration or internal airlocks may arise.

For advice on how to resolve these issues, please visit our Supply Issues Following an Outage page.

The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is also open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries.

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Next phase of €16.3 million investment in Ballycotton Sewerage Scheme commencing

Uisce Éireann, Cork County Council and Glanua have been hard at work in the picturesque village of Ballycotton since April. The project, a significant €16.3 million investment that will end the daily discharge of over 860 wheelie bins of untreated wastewater into Ballycotton Bay, involves the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and sewer network for the village.

Uisce Éireannʼs Delivery Programme Manager, Darran OʼLeary said: “Ballycotton is one of our beautiful coastal villages in County Cork and is hugely popular for tourists and natives alike for fishing, walking, and outdoor sports."

“Ending the daily discharge of 860 wheelie bins of raw sewage into Ballycotton Bay will provide cleaner water, enhance Ballycottonʼs value as an amenity and encourage social and economic development."

“Works are progressing well to date with significant progress made at the wastewater treatment plant site and Cow Lane Pumping Station. We have been working closely with the community, and now we are set to commence the next phase of works that requires traffic management on main roads in the village. These works, which involve installing a new sewer network, will require a temporary lane closure along the main street from the first week of October and are expected to take four months to complete. A manned stop-andgo system will be in place during working hours, with traffic lights in place by night. We are also replacing a problematic watermain while the sewerage works are ongoing to minimise disruption."

“I want to thank everyone in the community for their continued support while we deliver this vital project for the people of Ballycotton.”

The project is due for completion in Summer 2024.

Any individual or business wishing to get a new connection to public wastewater collection infrastructure in Ballycotton must contact Uisce Éireann. You can make a pre-connection enquiry to establish whether a connection to the public network is feasible. For more information, please visit our Connections page.

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Significant milestone underway in Athlone with €114 million wastewater project charging ahead Upgrade to Athloneʼs wastewater collection system will facilitate sustainable growth and development The beautiful lake county of Westmeath is the place that more than 95,000 people proudly call home. Over 250,000 visitors from home and abroad visit the county annually for boating adventures along the River Shannon, and to experience the rich cultural heritage of Athlone, which sits proudly in the heart of Ireland.

Ever since the sod was turned in April of this year, the €114m landmark project to upgrade Athloneʼs wastewater collection system is progressing full steam ahead. The scheme is pivotal to meeting the growing needs of homes and businesses, while providing capacity for current and future growth and development.

Currently, there are 18 storm water overflow outlets within the Athlone Town main drainage system with frequent sewer flooding in the town due to insufficient capacity in the sewer network. Once completed the new scheme will enhance the environment, especially the water quality in the River Shannon and significantly reduce the risk of sewer flooding to homes and businesses.

Tunnelling works have now commenced, involving the installation of an additional 2.8km of new sewers to convey wastewater from homes and businesses to the wastewater treatment plant, where it will be treated to a high standard before being safely discharged into the environment.

The new pipeline is being installed using a technique called micro-tunnelling utilising a specialised Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). This will minimise disruption to the local community, as a significant proportion of the construction will take place underground without the need for open-cut excavation.

Commenting on the importance of the project, Eunan Canavan, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: “This is a landmark project for Athlone and its surrounding communities, and we are looking forward to delivering it on their behalf."

“The project itself is one of the largest capital investments by Uisce Éireann to date and will bring numerous benefits to the local community and environment. It is a massive undertaking for us and our delivery partners, and today marks another major milestone as tunnelling works are now underway, which takes us one step closer to ensuring that wastewater is adequately treated and meets appropriate standards before being safely discharged to the environment.”

Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Liam McDaniel added: “I am delighted to see the significant progress made to date with this essential investment for Athlone which is fundamental to the growth of our area. The provision of adequate wastewater infrastructure, not only for our existing population but for our future growth, is vital so that we are ready to meet the opportunities of the coming years. I would like to thank Uisce Éireann and Westmeath County Council and commend them for their hard work, 24/7, to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services.”

Uisce Éireann will continue to engage with the local community throughout the duration of the project. For more information on this project, visit the Dedicated Project page.

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Boost for Newcastle as Uisce Éireann set to upgrade key wastewater infrastructure

Uisce Éireannʼs commitment to supporting future social and economic growth in Dublin continues with confirmation that works will commence over the coming days to upgrade the existing wastewater pumping station near Greenogue Business Park in Newcastle, Co. Dublin. The upgrades will also support current demand and help protect the local environment.

This significant investment by Uisce Éireann, in partnership with South Dublin County Council, will provide the required wastewater treatment capacity to support current and future growth, including planned residential development. It will also substantially improve network performance, ensuring the delivery of reliable, highquality wastewater services for Newcastle and the surrounding areas.

As part of the project, Uisce Éireann will modernise the existing pumping station, which will include essential upgrades to the pumps and valves, as well as upgrades and improvements to the local wastewater network, to facilitate current and future demand in this thriving Dublin village.

Outlining the benefits of this important project for the local community, Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann, Padraig Hanly said: “We are delighted to be progressing this project for the people of Newcastle with works commencing over the coming days. The works will be completed by Q2 of 2024, and the project upgrade will benefit the local community for decades to come. Once completed, the upgrade works will ensure adequate wastewater capacity to facilitate current and future demand while supporting social and economic development."

“We would like to thank the local community for their support and co-operation as we carry out this work.

We look forward to working with our colleagues in South Dublin County Council, and most importantly the people of Newcastle as we deliver this vital upgrade to the wastewater infrastructure.”

GMC Utilities Group Ltd will carry out the upgrade works on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

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Positive Coverage Positive Achievements Tel: 00353 46 9072841 Email: info@localauthoritynews.ie GILTRON LTD

Website: www.localauthoritynews.ie

LAN 42 No.3 Cover:Layout 1

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17:36

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