Local Authority News Vol. 38. No. 6

• Clúid Housing – Building The Next 25 Years • €525 525 million investment programme for 2020 for regional and local roads.

• N25 New Ross ByPass and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge • GAA and Local Authorities to partner for sustainable communities.

CONTENTS Vol 38. No 6.

FEATURES

Published by:

CLÚID HOUSING – BUILDING THE NEXT 25 YEARS

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GRANT OFFICIALLY OPENS NEW €14M EXPANDED FACILITIES

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THE N25 NEW ROSS BYPASS AND ROSE FITZGERALD KENNEDY BRIDGE IS NOW OPEN

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(Ej) THE DANGERS AND COSTLY IMPACT OF INCORRECTLY SELECTING AND INSTALLING MANHOLE COVERS AND DRAINAGE GRATINGS 15 GILTRON LTD RIVERVIEW LODGE, DUBLIN ROAD, NAVAN, CO. MEATH.

GAA AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO PARTNER FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 17

Tel: 00353 46 9072841

THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT, TOURISM AND SPORT, SHANE ROSS TD, ANNOUNCED DETAILS OF A €525 MILLION INVESTMENT PROGRAMME FOR 2020 FOR REGIONAL AND LOCAL ROADS. 20

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

ISSN NO. 1393-0394 LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS is available FREE OF CHARGE and ON LINE to all Local and Central Government Bodies throughout Ireland.

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

FIREBIRD BY ELCO RETROFIT BURNER

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY EXPECTED TO GROW BY 10% IN 2020 (AECOM)

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MINISTER ROSS WELCOMES AN INVESTMENT OF OVER €450 MILLION IN FUNDING TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES FOR THE NATIONAL ROAD NETWORK ACROSS THE COUNTRY 23

LAWPRO STAFF FEATURE ON RTÉ’S ECO EYE

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REGULARS IRISH WATER UPDATES

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PRODUCT INFO

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CLASSIFIEDS

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Clúid Housing – Building The Next 25 Years As 2019 moves swiftly into 2020, Clúid Housing – Ireland’s largest Approved Housing Body (AHB) – moves into its 26th year. With that in mind, the association is planning on how to build on a quarter century which has seen it go from a few houses in Clondalkin to over 7,000 across the country.Clúid Housing’s new Corporate Strategy, Building Focus, brings us from 2019 up to 2022 and is a clear statement of how we will focus our energies and resources in the next three years as we fulfil our mandate as an organisation.

While Clúid Housing operates only in the social rented area of the housing market, we are acutely aware of the interconnectedness of the different housing tenures, which means that difficulties in one part impacts on all other parts. Demand far exceeds supply across all parts of the housing market, so this all-encompassing approach is an important focus in our future planning, for the knock-on effect alone.

This approach is reflected in our identifying objectives which we feel benefit the sector as a whole. A headline objective for us is to resource efforts to create a sustainable intermediate rental sector, to assist in stabilising the housing market. A central goal of our strategy is to develop an intermediate rental model. A number of models are currently being explored, including cost rental, which relates rental payments to the cost of provision, and affordable rental, which relates rents to the market rent and tenant’s ability to pay.

The benefits of developing intermediate renting include: Providing housing to meet a neglected need; Contributing to securing our business through a diverse offering; and enabling us to develop larger mixed tenure sites.Intermediate rental will be generated in two ways: through the conversion of existing social housing in areas with a high density of social housing and through undertaking new intermediate rental housing. The model we will adopt will be one which enables us to consistently develop a viable and replicable model.

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Developing an offering We will shortly be launching our dedicated older persons housing arm of Clúid Housing which will help to consolidate it as a new and distinct offering, separate from that offered through our general needs housing.

The development of this service will be guided initially by an expert advisory group.

We believe the development will encourage approaches from AHBs who are considering exiting from housing provision, creating a place where residents can downsize.There is a gap in housing and support options for older people, between remaining at home and going into a nursing home. We are dedicated to filling that gap as a service provider through building more schemes like Broome Lodge, which has been nominated this year in the Category of Housing for Older People by the Irish Council for Social Housing.

Our dedicated schemes for older people promote independence, autonomy and choice and offer a sustainable alternative housing model to residential care. They are also significantly less expensive.

Regenerating Clúid has completed four major regeneration projects to date: Killarney Court in Dublin (originally St. Joseph’s Mansions); St. Michael’s Road in Longford; St. Patrick’s Estate in Ballina, Mayo; and part of the Cranmore Estate in Sligo. We are in the process of completing our fifth regeneration project on St Mary’s Mansions. This €21 million project will provide high quality social housing to 80 local families and single people.

The works will include the addition of two new floors and will be laid out as 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom apartments and duplexes.The regeneration of St. Mary’s Mansions is the first major redevelopment in the area following the publication of the Mulvey report in 2016 which highlighted the need for action to make the North East inner city area a safe, attractive and vibrant living and working environment for the community and its families with opportunities for all to lead full lives.Clúid’s past experience means that we are able to deliver on the community’s vision and take the responsibility to do so seriously. Clúid is committed to enabling tenants to create thriving communities within their neighbourhoods. With this in mind, we have recently advertised the role of Community Development & Resident Engagement Coordinator.

This role will link in with the work already done by our excellent Housing Services team. They will work with and support staff and residents to deliver community development initiatives, as well as identifying opportunities that secure additional resources for community activities, including grant funding, donations or partner commitments. We are excited to see our outreach with the wider Clúid community grow in this way.

For us, it speaks to the sustainability of our work.

By Fiona Cormican – New Business Director, Clúid Housing

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GRANT OFFICIALLY OPENS NEW €14M EXPANDED FACILITIES Grant, Ireland’s leading engineering company specialising in the plumbing and heating industry last month welcomed Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to officially open its newly expanded facilities which represent a capital investment of €14 million.

The major expansion plans were announced in 2016 in response to increased demand for the company’s heating products on a local and international level. In recent years Grant has enjoyed further success in Ireland, the UK and further afield including France, Greece and New Zealand and has diversified its product portfolio to meet the changing needs of its customers around the globe.

The new facilities include a state-of-the-art R&D innovation centre, a customer services centre, a dedicated training academy featuring an auditorium and training suite, and an extension to the existing manufacturing facilities which has also seen further investment in robotics and automation.

Speaking at the event Grant Engineering Founder Stephen Grant said: “We are delighted to be starting the new year with the opening of our new facilities. This investment demonstrates our commitment to innovation, growth and to the local economy. In recent years we have expanded into new markets and developed new products to meet the needs of our customer base. Our focus on sustainability continues to grow and to help achieve de-carbonisation I believe that home heating fuel needs to follow in the footsteps of transport and transition to electric or 100% biofuel heating. This is impossible to do in the short to medium term in an affordable way, however the introduction of a Biofuel Obligation for home heating could enable homes to become sustainable. We have future-proofed our products over the last 5 years so that they can operate using biofuel but to aid transition and further reduce emissions we need the support of fuel suppliers and government.”

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“Accelerating the electrification of heat is another way to aid transition and this is helped by current building regulations with new houses being predominately fitted with a heat pump. We have been supplying air to water heat pumps for nearly 10 years and these appliances are ideal for new build homes where the house design is matched to the heat pump, however, there is a huge issue for deployment of heat pumps to the retrofit market which is based on the affordability of deep retrofitting which can be very expensive.

Grant Engineering founder, Stephen Grant (left) and director, Niall Fay.

Together with my R&D team, I am excited to announce that we have developed new hybrid technology called EVOLINK which will be available later this year. EVOLINK is the first of its kind in hybrid technology and enables the smart integration of heat pumps to a property by combining with existing technology in a home whether oil, gas or biomass. EVOLINK uses intelligent software and complex algorithms to optimise the use of the heat pump throughout the year, optimising the operating temperatures of the two appliances through modulating pumps and hydraulic mixing circuits. It also incorporates smart features like in-built weather compensation and can effectively reduce carbon emissions by 70% - 80% overnight at a fraction of the cost of deep retrofitting, thereby offering an affordable way to transition with minimal disruption. The EVOLINK hybrid can play a substantial role in the transition to full decarbonisation of residential heat as will biofuel” Grants innovative product portfolio includes the awardwinning range of Vortex condensing oil boilers, Aerona3 R32 air source heat pumps, solar thermal panels and pre-plumbed hot water cylinders. The company has also diversified its offering to include heat emitters ranges Afinia aluminium and Solo fan convector radiators and Uflex underfloor heating which are key features of its full home heating design, specification and supply solution.

Visit www.grant.eu for more information on Grant’s range of innovative heating technologies and multiple package solutions or contact the Technical Team on 057 9126966. You can also follow Grant on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @Grant_IRL @MyGrantNI

Think Heating. Think Grant.

For more information visit www.grant.eu 9

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Member of; Water Jetting Association; Construction Line

Hydroclean Ltd provides the complete concrete demolition and repair package. Our specialist services include Hydro Demolition; Gunite Spraying; Resin Injection and Concrete Repair.

As well as work on the N25 New Ross Bypass; our previous and ongoing contracts include works on Bridges Harbours Hospitals LUAS lines, Railway Tunnels, Sewer Tunnels

Underground Carparks and Basements Wind Farms.

Water Treatment Tanks Universities

We work predominantly in Ireland and the UK.

Contact Us; Hydroclean Ltd 24C Moss Road, Ballymaguigan, Magherafelt, BT45 6LJ. Northern Ireland T: + 44 (0)28 79659734 Mob; + 44 07711818631 email: sales@hydroclean.Ltd.uk www.hydroclean.ltd.uk

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The dangers and costly impact of incorrectly selecting and installing Manhole covers and Drainage gratings.

The rattling manhole cover, road degradation around covers and substandard locking mechanisms on castings are a familiar sight on our roads and footpaths today.

The additional hassle for Local Authorities in relation to traffic disruption due to re-instatements with the added risk of public safety issues which can result from product failures can prove very costly in the long run.

A small saving in cost at the procurement /installation stage can lead to a larger cost implication for asset owners over the lifetime of a manhole cover.

In Ireland, there are many examples of ironworks that are procured and installed in a non-compliant way.

This has led to road traffic issues as well as posing risks to the public on footpaths as potential trip and slip hazards.

In this context the role of a specifier, procurement officer or contractor in the selection of manhole covers and drainage gratings is hugely significant.

It is important to remember that for safety critical products such as manhole covers and gully gratings your choice cannot be taken lightly. You are responsible for the whole life performance of an installation, which in turn will influence on-going public safety and can deliver real cost savings.

The standards in Ireland I.S EN 124:2015 is the current standard for Manhole Covers & Drainage Gratings superseding EN 124:1994 in Ireland. It provides a clear framework for access cover manufacturers to adhere to (applicable for covers under a clear opening of 1 meter) with rigorous testing procedures and defined product markings specified. To request a guide to correctly specifying manhole covers and gratings please contact EJ on 057 91 23100.

Roadmastic Ironwork Reinstatement System EJ and Tarstone combine our product offerings of high quality, third party certified ductile iron castings with accredited ironwork reinstatement services, to offer a complete solution that will address your road maintenance needs.

Since road surfaces are essentially “flexible” in performance while ironwork is “rigid” it follows that over time with transition dynamic traffic loading and changes in temperature (freeze/ thaw effect) deterioration will take place around the manhole cover leading to a potential safety hazard for road users.

Using engineering bricks combined with a mastic asphalt (strain absorbing proprietary polymer type) as bedding mortar and as an ironwork surround provides a smooth transition mechanism from a rigid to a flexible performance.

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The two materials - mastic asphalt and the ductile ironwork can function together to enhance the longevity of the installation.

Summary Budgets are already stretched on most projects but it must come down to more than costs in evaluating products; much more consideration must be given to the suitability of a proposed solution. The below cost tendering forced on contractors in the past few years in the face of weak demand drove down prices to win work and made imported, minimum performing manhole covers more attractive. There are many examples of projects where such product has had to be removed.

Working with a reputable supplier /manufacturer/ Installer will guarantee you independently certified, high quality castings– assuring you of improved durability and fit for purpose products, minimising risk to the public and will deliver greater performance and value to the end user.

EJ and Tarstone offer Lunch and Learn seminars on the Roadmastic Ironworks Reinstatement system please contact 057 9123100 or email caroline.obrien@ejco.com for more information.

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GAA AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO PARTNER FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES The GAA and the local authority sector, represented by the County and City Management Association (CCMA) today (Friday, 24th January) announced an innovative new initiative pledging to work together to lead their communities in promoting sustainability and climate action.

The partnership will capitalise on the leadership roles both organisations have within their communities, and the potential they have to engage with citizens of all ages to promote sustainable local development, environmental awareness and climate action.

The partnership builds on the GAA’s status as a Sustainable Development Goal Champion and aligns with local government commitments under the National Climate Action Plan and Local Authorities’ Climate Action Charters.

A steering group, composed of representatives from the Local Authority sector, the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association, have begun work on the development of a Green Club toolkit, which will be piloted in 2020 ahead of the roll-out of a National Green Club Support Plan in 2021.

The Green Club toolkit, which will be piloted across a small number of clubs throughout the country, will be focused on the key action areas of Energy & Water Efficiency, Biodiversity, Waste Management & Plastic Use and Transport Sustainable Club and Community Partnership projects include: • Development of a Sustainable Club • Sustainable Club Workshops • Promotion and Support of Sustainable Energy Communities • A Sustainable Development Goal Action Module in the GAA/PDST TY Future Leaders Programme, with contributions across GAA/LGFA/Camogie Association input at all levels of the Mainstream Education System (with the Department of Education and Skills) • Green Procurement Guidelines and Support • Further Developing Croke Park as a World Exemplar Stadium in Sustainable Development • Alignment to Statutory Funding Streams Speaking at the launch, Uachtaran CLG John Horan said, “An increasing number of clubs are seeking guidance in the area of sustainability, and our members are very anxious to play their part in the fight against climate change.

The collaboration with the Local Authority Sector is an ideal partnership to help us to develop our clubs sustainability within and for communities and to reach people in every corner of Ireland with information that will help them to make changes in their own lives to support the effort against climate change and adapting to evolving challenges.”

Michael Walsh, CCMA Chairman said, “The GAA and local authorities both represent local leadership, community, legacy and vision. We each have relevant networks, knowledge, existing partners and facilities.

Working together we can have huge impact and enable the necessary behavioural change in our communities.”

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Firebird by Elco Retrofit Burner The Firebird by Elco low NOx burners which were introduced into the market in 2018 have exceeded all expectations in delivering outstanding combustion performance and clean burn technology.

A major advantage of the Firebird by Elco burners is that they can be retrofitted to the full Firebird condensing and standard efficiency boiler range. Engineers and installers who require any information, such as compatibility settings, please call our Technical Support on 026 45253 or visit our website.

Go green without costing the earth The Firebird by Elco low NOx burners were introduced to meet challenging and stringent NOx emission levels demanded by the 2018 ErP Directive legislation changes (ErP Directive NOx emission limit at 120 mg/kWh).

Independent evaluation of the NOx levels measured has demonstrated levels in the region of 60-80 mg/kWh depending on the model (outputs available from 12 to 100 kW) and has proven reduced carbon emissions.

The Firebird by Elco burners easily beat the ErP Directive limits and are future proof against possible further legislation.

By retrofitting a new Firebird by Elco burner to an existing boiler, or by purchasing a new Envirogreen boiler, you will contribute significantly to reducing NOx emissions.

The “light blue flame” single stage burner solution, based on Elco patented combustion technology and efficient settings means using less liquid fuel, good for the environment and costing less to run.

Easy to install, service and maintain All Firebird by Elco burners are factory pre-set (12.5% CO2 when 20°C ambient temperature) in order to achieve the highest level of efficiency, requiring only minor adjustments in fuel pressure and air for field conditions.

The Firebird by Elco burners have been manufactured with installers in mind, featuring a design that is straightforward to fit and simple to maintain. Key components can be removed and adjusted with a single 4mm Allen key.

All parts are easy to access thanks to a dedicated servicing position and a simple layout, plus a “Plug & Play” system for component removal. There is an informative video on how easy the burner is to install on our website.

For advice on reducing NOx emissions and reducing your carbon footprint either by retrofitting our burners or fitting new boilers, please contact us at 026 45253 or visit our website: www.firebird.ie.

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The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD, announced details of a €525 million investment programme for 2020 for regional and local roads.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD, announced details of a €525 million investment programme for 2020 for regional and local roads.

Minister Ross said: “Roads funding will increase by over 8% this year. The funding package will allow approximately 2,700kms of roads to be maintained and 2,300kms to be strengthened. Well maintained roads are crucial to road safety, to saving lives and to minimizing road collisions. Road fatalities and injuries can be cut drastically by smart investment in better roads."

"In light of the 2018 condition study of regional roads, I will also continue the pilot scheme which targets highly trafficked wide former national roads which are in poor condition. Funding for this work has increased to €7 million for 2020. Ring-fenced funding for the Community Involvement Scheme was introduced in 2018. A new two year work programme under the Scheme is starting this year and I can confirm that €16 million will be allocated to the Scheme in 2020.”

Funding of €48 million has also been allocated for road improvement schemes.

The Minister noted that three NDP projects were completed in 2019; namely: • Upgrade of Nangor and Adamstown roads (facilitates Grange Business Park) • Portlaoise Southern Distributor Road • Dingle Relief Road Two NDP projects are due to be completed in 2020; namely: • Sallins By-Pass • Sligo Western Distributor Road It is expected that the following NDP projects will go to construction in 2020 • Coonagh to Knockalisheen upgrade • the Athy Southern Distributor Road and • the Bettystown to Laytown Link Road Other NDP projects are also being progressed i.e.: • Shannon Crossing / Killaloe By-Pass / R494 upgrade • Eastern Garavogue Bridge in Sligo • Tralee Northern Relief Road • R498 Latteragh Realignment Upgrade works on a number of other significant projects are also being progressed in 2020 including the rehabilitation of a number of critically deficient bridges on regional roads around the country such as: • R194 Dunancorry Bridge widening (over Blackwater River), Co Cavan • Brackly Bridge Replacement, Co. Monaghan Projects which support employment through improved infrastructure such as: • Tralee to Fenit realignment phase 1 in County Kerry • A number of schemes in the Ballymahon area of County Longford

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There is also provision for 315 bridge rehabilitation schemes and 297 safety improvement projects to be carried out. The main focus of the safety improvements scheme is to improve safety at locations where collisions have taken place.

The main features of the investment programme include: • €245m for road pavement strengthening works • €68m for surface dressing • €84m for maintenance and strengthening works for which Local Authorities have discretion in the selection of roads • €48m for Specific and Strategic Regional and Local Roads Projects • €14m for Bridge Rehabilitation works • €11m for Safety Improvement works • €20m for Drainage works • €16m for Community Involvement Schemes • €15m approx. of miscellaneous grants including, training, speed limit funding, severe weather repairs, salt purchase, velocity patching machines

Minister Ross added: “I would also like to emphasise again that I consider that local authorities are best placed to assess priorities within their areas and considerable autonomy is therefore given to local authorities under most grant headings to decide their work programme. I would also explain that these grants supplement local authorities own resources expenditure on regional and local road projects and do not represent the total investment in regional and local roads for this year.”

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Construction industry expected to grow by 10% in 2020 • • •

Almost 60% believe lack of government planning is the main challenge facing companies trying to deliver largescale projects Talent remains a challenge for the industry 85% of construction companies reported to have less than 30% female employees

Leading construction consultancy firm AECOM has published its annual construction industry review ‘Foundations for Future Growth; Building a Sustainable, Connected Ireland’. The review which is supported by the findings of an industry wide survey analyses the industry outlook and potential barriers facing the construction sector in Ireland focussing on five key areas; Creating Inclusive Infrastructure, Investing in Long-term Growth, Greening Infrastructure, Transforming Infrastructure, and Unlocking Smart Infrastructure.

The report indicated that the construction industry in the Republic of Ireland is expected to grow by circa 10% in 2020 while a smaller level of growth is expected in Northern Ireland. However, although the island is expecting a surge of new infrastructural developments, the survey findings show that 46% of construction workers are not convinced Ireland has sufficient infrastructure in place to sustain this economic growth.

The survey identified a number of additional challenges facing companies trying to deliver largescale infrastructure projects such as lack of government planning (58%) and lack of government funding (40%).

The review also highlighted that Ireland has not yet overcome the talent shortage the country has been experiencing in recent years, backed by the finding that almost 40% of US investors outlined finding the right talent as a challenge when considering relocating to Ireland.

One stark realisation from the survey results was the shortage of women working within the construction industry. While 61% believe the Inclusion and Diversity agenda is of high importance within their business for reasons such as increasing the size and quality of the talent pool available and improving equality and social justice across society. The makeup of 85% of construction firms includes less than 30% women working for them.

John O’Regan, Director AECOM Ireland said, “we are predicting another strong year for industry with 10% growth rate across the sector. While this is down from last year, it is still an impressive level of output.”

“To manage our growth, an increase in the number of people entering into the construction industry will be needed. Showcasing construction as an attractive career choice to young people who are considering their future career prospects will be an important element of recruitment.”

“Unfortunately, we are still witnessing inadequate skilled people which can add to the challenges of delivering large projects on time and on budget. Part of the challenge is that historically we have put a halt on infrastructure investment during downturns. This has resulted in construction workers leaving the industry and emigrating. This exacerbates the problems when we need talent to deliver a significant infra-structure programme” “Our report also identified that inclusion and diversity as well as social impact, has become an integral element of the design process in creating infrastructure as our communities become more diverse. With both in mind, we are seeing developments come to fruition that have revolutionised life for people in the vicinities local to them. Also, of note, after analysing the data, we found that female respondents valued the diversity and inclusion agenda more than their male counterparts. We found similar results for the concept of social impact.

Recognising these differences, I think there is an obligation on businesses to introduce initiatives that can help to create a balance in the workforce which would further support an attitudinal change to how and why we are delivering infrastructure”.

AECOM’s report is now available online at Ireland.aecom.com

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Minister Ross welcomes an investment of over €450 million in funding to Local Authorities for the national road network across the country The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross welcomes confirmation from Transport Infrastructure Ireland that, as a result of funding secured in Budget 2020, €450 million will be invested in maintaining and upgrading the national road infrastructure.

Minister Ross confirmed that approval has been given to continue to progress a number of long-awaited projects, which range in scale from the M20 Cork to Limerick project to N56 Cycleway from Illistrim to Letterkenny. All of these projects will deliver local, regional and national benefits.

Minister Ross said; “I’m committed to providing funding that will improve road user safety for all road users, not just drivers. We are dedicated to improving road safety for all of our citizens in whatever way possible, whether through legislation, education or road maintenance. TII share my commitment to improving safety across the national road network.”

Minister Ross added; “I am also delighted that TII have confirmed funding for other significant projects identified in the National Development Plan which include projects such as the N2 Adree to South of Castleblaney Bypass, N2 Clontibert to the Border, N3 Virginia Bypass, N4 Carrick-onShannon to Dromod, N4 Mullingar to Longford, N21 Abbeyfeale Relief Road, N21 Newcastle West Relief Road and the N22 Farranfore to Killarney.”

The Minister noted that funding has also been confirmed to commence with the construction of the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom project. This scheme is 22 km in length and will improve safety along one of the country’s most dangerous stretches of national road connecting Cork and Kerry.

Additionally, TII has indicated to the Minister that the N67 Ballinderreen to Kinvara realignment phase 2 will be funded and there will be funding to progress the Galway to Athlone cycleway.

Michael Nolan CEO TII said: “Today’s approval for funding by our Board allows TII to work with our local authority partners in delivering projects that will improve road user safety and enhance regional accessibility across the country for all road users. This level of investment allows us to continue to maintain and improve our national road network.”

Project Ireland 2040 is a strategic delivery programme that will balance regional accessibility with local improvements project.

A list of some of the other national road improvement schemes from across the national roads network can be found at this link. https://www.tii.ie/news/press-releases/allocations-announced-2020/

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Total (All Allocations) for Carlow County Council ..............................................€2,082,783 Total (All Allocations) for Cavan County Council ..............................................€10,863,534 Total (All Allocations) for Clare County Council ................................................€2,932,040 Total (All Allocations) for Cork City Council ......................................................€1,674,776 Total (All Allocations) for Cork County Council .................................................€60,914,093 Total (All Allocations) for Donegal County Council ...........................................€44,577,790 Total (All Allocations) for Dublin City Council ...................................................€400,000 Total (All Allocations) for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council ..............€2,655,002 Total (All Allocations) for Fingal County Council ..............................................€1,092,000 Total (All Allocations) for Galway City Council ..................................................€4,876,933 Total (All Allocations) for Galway County Council ............................................€28,848,266 Total (All Allocations) for Kerry County Council ................................................€25,293,386 Total (All Allocations) for Kildare County Council .............................................€7,465,377 Total (All Allocations) for Kilkenny County Council ..........................................€11,426,503 Total (All Allocations) for Laois County Council ................................................€9,477,717 Total (All Allocations) for Leitrim County Council .............................................€7,902,089 Total (All Allocations) for Limerick City and County Council ............................€15,755,901 Total (All Allocations) for Longford County Council .........................................€6,352,040 Total (All Allocations) for Louth County Council ...............................................€4,334,039 Total (All Allocations) for Mayo County Council ................................................€56,685,737 Total (All Allocations) for Meath County Council ...............................................€7,278,918 Total (All Allocations) for Monaghan County Council .......................................€7,728,541 Total (All Allocations) for Offaly County Council ...............................................€3,150,855 Total (All Allocations) for Roscommon County Council ....................................€22,695,636 Total (All Allocations) for Sligo County Council ................................................€54,516,285 Total (All Allocations) for South Dublin County Council ...................................€3,660,320 Total (All Allocations) for Tipperary County Council .........................................€6,262,116 Total (All Allocations) for Waterford City and County Council .........................€7,501,367 Total (All Allocations) for Westmeath County Council ....................................... €15,541,817 Total (All Allocations) for Wexford County Council............................................€9,596,659 Total (All Allocations) for Wicklow County Council ...........................................€7,027,126

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LAWPRO staff feature on RTÉ’s Eco Eye recent episode of RTÉ’s long-running environmental series Eco Eye featured staff from LAWPRO (Local Authority Waters Programme). The episode is titled ‘On the Water Front’, which is appropriate given that it focuses on efforts by communities and local authorities to protect and enhance water quality, with examples in both rural and urban areas. LAWPRO is driving a new approach for managing water quality on behalf of local authorities that involves:

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• Coordinating the activities of the 31 local authorities and relevant State agencies

Basil Mannion, Community Water Officer,

• Applying catchment science to create an understanding of the issues impacting on water quality • Supporting local communities to get involved in the management of their local rivers, lakes and coasts.

Eco Eye is produced by Duncan Stewart and Earth Horizon, an independent Irish production company. Each series covers ‘big issues’ that affect the environment, wildlife and human health, and presents solutions and glimmers of hope for future directions. ‘On the Water Front’ was a great opportunity for LAWPRO to deliver water-quality messaging to a wide audience from a national platform. The episode of Eco Eye generated a lot of positive engagement on social media and comments in support of LAWPRO’s involvement and collaboration with the EPA. Mary Gurrie, Programme Manager, EPA, had this to say:

‘Thanks to all the LAWPRO participants and community groups for getting involved [in Eco Eye]. They were great and it was a powerful way to get the message out about how we can all work together to protect our water quality.’

A key focus for LAWPRO is raising awareness of water-quality issues at a local level and potential solutions.

The opportunity to deliver that messaging on a national scale allows both LAWPRO and local authorities to highlight ongoing efforts to tackle the causes of declining water quality in Ireland.

There is an initial idea for a follow-up episode of Eco Eye that will focus on LAWPRO’s work in more detail and show areas where this approach is resulting in improvements in water quality, with added benefits for biodiversity and communities. The episode ‘On the Water Front’ aired on Tuesday 11th February and may be still available on RTÉ player.

Joan Martin, Catchment Scientist, LAWPRO

Margaret Keegan, Catchment Manager, LAWPRO

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First of two pipes installed underneath estuary between Cobh Dockyard and Monkstown as part of Cork Lower Harbour Project

Another major milestone for Cork Lower Harbour Irish

Water, in partnership with Cork County Council, is working to end the decades-long practice of discharging raw sewage directly into Cork Lower Harbour with the Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Project.

Irish Water this week completed the installation of the first of two sewer pipes extending for over 1km under the Estuary between Cobh and Monkstown - the longest such directional drill in Ireland. This was a significant engineering feat that involved feeding 1.3km of pipe along Laurel Hill and the Glen Road to the point where the pipe goes underground near Monkstown playground and under the Estuary to Cobh. We would like to thank the local community for their patience and support as we carried out this unique operation.

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Ending the raw discharge of sewage from Cobh town The completion of the Cobh to Monkstown Estuary Crossing is a key enabler to ending the raw discharge of sewage from Cobh town. When works in Cobh are complete in 2021, the raw sewage from Cobh town will be collected and transferred for treatment via the Cobh to Monkstown Estuary Crossing to Monkstown pumping station, from where it will be pumped to Shanbally Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment before its safe discharge to the harbour.

Déaglán Healy, Project Manager for Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Project, said “I’d like to thank the local community for their patience with the works to date and particularly for their cooperation this week during the operation to pull the pipe into place into the bore under the estuary. The first drill was completed last weekend between Cobh and Monkstown, the longest horizontal directional drill in Ireland. Then, in a huge effort over 24 hours, O’Connor Utilities, our Contractor for the works, in partnership with Long O’Donnell, Nicholas O’Dwyer and our own Major Projects team, brought pipe along the Laurel Hill site and pulled it into place under the estuary. At one point during the pulling operation - the pipe stretched over 1.3 kilometres along the road between the Laurel Hill site and Monkstown Park, the starting point of the bore under the estuary, before being pulled into place under the estuary. This success is thanks to the collaboration of the contractor, the local residents and the broader project team – and most importantly – it was all done safely.”

The Cobh to Monkstown Estuary Crossing Contract involves the drilling of two bores under the Lee Estuary by horizontal directional drilling and installation of a 500mm sewer pipe in each of those drilled bores.

Work progressing on the Cobh Networks Work is progressing well on the Cobh Networks, with approximately two kilometres of the total seven kilometres of sewer pipes laid to date as well as work started on the construction of two of the five pumping stations.

Planned works for early 2020 include work in Whitepoint Moorings, East Beach and Harbour Row. Information on all these works is available from our project team at corklowerharbour@water.ie or by visiting the Cork Lower Harbour project page.

When construction on the Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Project commenced in 2015, the equivalent of 40,000 wheelie bins of raw sewage was discharging into the Harbour every day. We are now treating the equivalent of 30,000 of those 40,000 wheelie bins by completing the Shanbally Wastewater Treatment Plant and pipelines and pumping stations on the south side of the harbour so that wastewater from Ringaskiddy, Crosshaven, Carrigaline, Passage West and Monkstown is now being treated.

When all the Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage works are complete in 2021, the project will, in compliance with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, treat all wastewater from the agglomerations of: •

Ringaskiddy-Crosshaven-Carrigaline

•

Ringaskiddy village

•

Passage West-Monkstown

•

Cobh town

This means 20,000 homes and businesses will be connected to the new scheme and that raw sewage from these areas will no longer be discharged into the harbour, positively impacting the local economy and greatly improving the amenity value of the Cork Lower Harbour for the surrounding communities.

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Wor ks be gin for new wastewater treatment plants in Coachfor d, Innishannon, Dripsey and Ball yvour ney/Ball ymakeer a

Commencement of project to deliver new wastewater treamtment plants in Cork Irish Water has today announced the commencement of a project to deliver new wastewater treatment plants in Coachford, Innishannon, Ballyvourney/Ballymakeera and Dripsey.

Existing wastewater infrastructure in these areas is overloaded and outdated. This project will deliver new wastewater treatment plants in each of the four areas, as well as the additional associated infrastructure required to connect the new plants into existing infrastructure in each village.

Irish Water, working in partnership with Cork County Council, will invest over â‚Ź27 million in this project. On completion, the new infrastructure will end the discharge of poorly treated effluent and improve water quality in the receiving waters in each area. Once operational, the new plants will ensure compliance with wastewater discharge regulations.

EPS Group Ltd. is working on behalf of Irish Water to deliver this project.

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Accommodate for future population growth “All new infrastructure is sized to accommodate future population growth of each village and surrounding areas. These projects will enhance the local environment and provide a platform for social and economic development of each area well into the future,” said Seamus Glynn, Regional Infrastructure Lead with Irish Water.

“We look forward to working with the local communities to deliver these projects in conjunction with our partners Cork County Council and EPS Group Ltd over the next two years. Wastewater treatment is mainly by septic tank in these villages at present and this technology is outdated and not meeting the required standards.”

Project Information Evening Irish Water is holding an information event on the on the Coachford and Dripsey sewerage scheme upgrades.

This event will take place on Monday 9 December 2019 at 6:00pm to 7:30 pm in the Coachford National School. This information evening will provide the local communities with an opportunity to learn more about the delivery of these two projects.

Proposed programme of works in each area: Coachford Site investigation works began in Coachford in mid-November and will continue throughout November and December 2019. Construction of the new wastewater treatment plant, sewer network and outfall pipe will begin early in 2020, with works to be completed by mid-2021.

Dripsey Works, including site investigations, are scheduled to commence in November 2019. Earthworks will commence early in 2020, with construction of the new wastewater treatment plant scheduled to commence in Q3 of 2020. All works are due to be completed by mid-2021.

Ballyvourney/Ballymakeera Works, including earthworks and construction of the new wastewater treatment plant, are scheduled to commence by the end of this month. Construction of a new pumping station and river crossing, as well as upgrades to the sewer network are scheduled to commence early in 2020, with works to be completed by mid-2021.

Innishannon Works are due to commence late in 2019. These works will include site investigations initially in December, with construction of the new wastewater treatment plant and associated sewer infrastructure to commence in mid- 2020. All works are due to be completed by Q3 of 2021.

Irish Water and our appointed Contractor, EPS Group Ltd., will be in contact with the local communities throughout the works.

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Improved drinking water supply for Grangemore following €2.4m investment Works completed to extend Boyle Water Supply Scheme to Grangemore

Irish Water and Roscommon County Council today marked the completion of works to extend the Boyle Water Supply Scheme to Grangemore to benefit over 1,600 customers. The works were carried out by Source Civil Ltd on behalf of Irish Water to improve the quality of drinking water supplied to customers in the Grangemore area.

At a special event this morning to mark the occasion, Senator Frank Feighan welcomed Irish Water’s continued investment in Co Roscommon which has amounted to over 40 million in capital projects alone over the past few years.

What is involved?

This project involved the extension of the Boyle Water Supply Scheme, which is supplied by Rockingham Water Treatment Plant, and the decommissioning of the Cavetown Water Treatment Plant in Grangemore. As part of this project 4.7 kilometres of new water mains were constructed and a new pumping station at Carrickmore Reservoir was also built.

Speaking at the official opening event Senator Frank Feighan said “I am honoured to be here today to officially open these important works which will greatly improve drinking water quality for the people of Grangemore.

Irish Water has to be commended for the level of investment the utility has put into Roscommon since its inception and we look forward to this continuing for years to come.”

Speaking on behalf of Irish Water Diane Carroll added “Since taking over responsibility for the public water and wastewater infrastructure in 2014, Irish Water has developed a cohesive plan to address many of the challenges facing us.

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“This particular project that we are celebrating today represents an investment of €2.4m by Irish Water in Co Roscommon and is part of our commitment to improve water services throughout the country.

“Irish Water continues to invest in Roscommon where 10 boil water notices were lifted over the past few years. When Irish Water was established there were already four boil water notices in place affecting over 15,000 customers and over the coming few years Irish Water issued six more to protect a further 10,000 customers whose water was compromised for different reasons. Thankfully all 10 boil water notices have been lifted and Roscommon is a boil water notice–free zone.”

New treatment plants and upgrades Irish Water in partnership with Roscommon County Council has invested over €40m constructing six new treatment plants in Killeglan, Lisbrock, Boyle/Ardcarne, Roscommon Central, Arigna and North East Roscommon. There have also been two major upgrades in Castlerea and North Roscommon. Ballinlough has also benefited from necessary investment and customers there now receive their water supply from Lough Mask.

As well as the capital projects, Irish Water continues to invest significantly in Roscommon through its Leakage Reduction Programme. Almost 10 kilometres of new water mains have been installed in the county to replace ageing and damaged pipes. These works took place in Rooskey Village, Ballinlough, Lanesborough Road, Castlerea, Ballaghadereen, Roscommon town, Athleague and Kilteevan Village.

As part of the Find and Fix programme 2.1 ml/day of leaking water has been saved. These works were carried out in Granlahan Tower North, Cloonfad, Loughglynn, Cloonkeehan, Ballaghadereen and Granlahan Tower South. The largest savings were from Loughglynn and Ballaghadereen, which totalled a saving of almost 1 ml/day.

On top of this First Fix repairs were carried out in numerous locations throughout the county and had total savings of 350m3/day.

Lead replacement works were carried out in Roscommon town, Athleague and Athlone Road with 79 lead pipes replaced.

Investment plan These works form part of Irish Water’s investment plan where works have been prioritised to address the most critical issues. Delivery of the investment plan will involve a multi-billion euro investment programme on drinking water and wastewater projects for years to come.

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Upgrade works begin on critical part of Dublin’s wastewater infrastructure to safeguard the Grand Canal

Project will repair a partial collapse on one of Dublin’s major sewer pipelines Irish Water is starting work to repair and upgrade a section of a critical part of Dublin’s wastewater infrastructure and to safeguard the Grand Canal. The works are taking place along 75 metres of sewer pipeline which crosses under the Grand Canal, the Red Luas line and Suir Road, Dublin 8.

The project will repair a partial collapse on one of Dublin’s major sewer pipelines which happened in July 2019. Although the sewer has remained operational and no sewerage was released since the partial collapse, these works are essential to protect the environment and amenity value of the Grand Canal, to minimise the risk of further collapse and to upgrade a key piece of Dublin’s wastewater infrastructure.

Works expected to be completed by May Irish Water has been working closely with Waterways Ireland and Dublin City Council to develop a project that will repair the sewer and the canal bank, while protecting the natural environment in the area.

Works are expected to be completed by May 2020. Irish Water anticipates that there will be minimal disruption in the area during works. GMC Utilities Group is working on behalf of Irish Water to deliver this project.

Olive Marshall, Irish Water Regional Lead on the project, says “This is a complex project due to the location and the age of the pipeline. We have worked extensively with our partners in Waterways Ireland and Dublin City Council to develop an appropriate solution that will allow us to ensure the wastewater network continues to work effectively, while protecting the waterway. We would like to thank the local community for their patience while we carry out this work.”

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Castleblayney Wastewater Treatment Plant modernised and upgraded to the tune of €6m

Upgrade to Castleblaney Wastewater Treatmemt Plant complete Irish Water, working in partnership with Monaghan County Council, has completed the upgrade of Castleblayney Wastewater Treatment Plant which was originally constructed in the 1980s. The mechanical and electrical equipment had exceeded its operational life and required an upgrade. These works will ensure the wastewater treatment plant is fully compliant with EU Urban Wastewater Directives and will bring environmental benefits to the area as well as providing the capacity for future growth.

EPS Group carried out the works on behalf of Irish Water.

Irish Water invited the Carrickmacross-Castleblayney municipal district councillors on a tour of the newly upgraded site today, Monday 9 December. EPS and Irish water staff showed the councillors around the site and answered questions.

Project to bring significant benefits This project will bring significant benefits to the area in terms of health, development potential and improved water quality for all. By ensuring that all discharges meet the requirements as set out in the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, it will help the continued protection of the receiving waters in Lough Muckno. This in turn will enhance the tourism and amenity value of Castleblayney and provide a platform for future growth in the area.

The upgraded treatment plant includes a new inlet works, a new sewer from Muckno Pumping Station to the wastewater treatment plant pumping station (which has eliminated the need for the Muckno Pumping Station) and associated infrastructure which has been designed to improve the standard of wastewater treatment and accommodate the local population into the future.

Colm Boyd, Irish Water, commented “The newly upgraded wastewater treatment plant will bring notable benefits to Castleblayney in terms of health, integrity of the environment and improved water quality for all.”

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Progress on work to end raw sewage discharge in Ballyvaughan

Project to involve building of new wastewater treatment plant Irish Water, working in partnership with Clare County Council, is progressing with plans for a proposed new wastewater treatment plant in Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare. This project will eliminate the discharge of the equivalent of over 800 wheelie bins of raw sewage per day into Ballyvaughan Bay. Wastewater in the Ballyvaughan area is currently treated by a septic tank system which discharges untreated effluent into Ballyvaughan Bay through an outfall. The discharge of wastewater threatens water quality, damages the amenity value of the area and does not comply with EU regulations relating to the treatment of wastewater.

The project will involve building a new wastewater treatment plant to serve a population equivalent of 1,050 as well as a new pumping station and 1.4km of new sewer pipelines.

Why is this needed?

Anthony Kavanagh, Irish Water’s Infrastructure Delivery Lead, said “This new wastewater treatment plant will bring big benefits to the area by protecting the environment, improving the water quality in the bay and supporting growth and development.

“The new pipes, pumping station and treatment plant have all been sized to accommodate projected growth in the local population.”

Following consultations with all landowners affected by the proposed scheme, Irish Water has submitted a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire all the lands and wayleaves required to progress this project.

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Works to end discharge of raw sewage in Castletownbere

Progress on works to end discharge of raw sewage in Castletownbere Irish Water, working in partnership with Cork County Council, is progressing the Castletownbere Sewerage Scheme, which will end the unacceptable practice of discharging raw sewage into Bantry Bay. At present the equivalent of 1700 wheelie bins of untreated sewage are being discharged into the bay every day. This presents a threat to water quality, marine life and human health.

To rectify this long-standing issue, Irish Water and Cork County Council are planning to build a new wastewater treatment plant and associated network to ensure that any discharge to the bay meets all appropriate discharge standards. This will help protect the environment and improve water quality in Bantry Bay with many followon benefits for local health, the environment, tourism and future growth and development in the area.

Why is this needed?

Seamus Glynn, Infrastructure Programme Regional Lead, says “This project is of vital importance for Castletownbere. The new sewerage scheme will safeguard the environment and water quality in Bantry bay as well as providing a platform for the future growth and development of Castletownbere village, which is currently constrained by the lack of wastewater treatment.

“We will continue to engage with the local community as this project progresses with a view to delivering the project with the minimum of disruption, while delivering the maximum benefit to the people of Castletownbere.”

What is involved?

The project will include the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, four pumping stations, gravity sewers and rising mains, and a 100m outfall pipeline to safely discharge treated wastewater.

To date the project team has consulted extensively with the local community, including holding information evenings and meeting local groups to discuss the proposals. Consultations have also been on-going with all landowners identified on the proposed scheme. Irish Water is now applying to An Bord Pleanála to use or acquire the wayleaves and lands required for this vital project by a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), and has submitted a CPO application to An Bord Pleanála. A planning application has also been lodged. The timeline for the commencement of works is subject to the Planning and CPO statutory approvals.

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Commencement of Gweedore Sewerage Scheme celebrated with ‘Most Innovative Use of Technology’ award Gweedore Sewerage Scheme wins ‘Most Innovative Use of Technology’ award Irish Water in partnership with Donegal County Council and the local community has cause to celebrate after the Gweedore Sewerage Scheme wins the ‘Most Innovative Use of Technology’ award at the 2019 National Procurement Awards.

What is involved in the project?

Gweedore does not currently have adequate wastewater treatment. Irish Water is working in partnership with Donegal County Council and the local community to deliver a sewerage system for Gweedore. The initial Demonstration Project, which is currently underway, includes constructing a pressure sewer pipe network and installing pods at 40 properties. The collected wastewater will then be treated at the existing Údaras na Gaeltachta wastewater treatment plant which will be upgraded. The collection network will subsequently roll out to the wider area.

The technology being deployed in this new sewerage scheme was recognised for its ‘innovation’ at this year’s 2019 National Procurement Awards ceremony which took place on Thursday, 14 November, at Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin. The National Procurement Awards recognises and celebrates the most impressive and transformative procurement projects over the past 12 months and the teams who drive them.

The awards ceremony saw trophies being awarded to some of Ireland’s most deserving procurement teams, within companies such as Coillte, Iarnród Éireann, Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals and Verizon Sourcing Ireland, to name a few. Irish Water in partnership with Donegal County Council was delighted that the Gweedore Sewerage Scheme was recognised for its innovative approach to wastewater treatment in County Donegal.

Why is this scheme needed?

This innovative new sewerage scheme will ultimately lead to a reduction on the reliance of septic tanks in the area. This will also reduce untreated wastewater in the environment by having enhanced treatment of wastewater.

The new sewerage scheme will improve the water quality in Gweedore Bay and local rivers and streams; provide better treatment of wastewater to protect the environment and ensure Gweedore is in compliance with Irish and European regulations. Improved wastewater can also contribute to future growth in the area.

Impact of the project Explaining further as to the importance of this project, Irish Water’s Mark O’Callaghan said “Irish Water is delighted to be able to use this combination of US and Australian technologies to deliver an innovative sewerage scheme to the people of Gweedore. Its benefits will have an immediate positive impact on the natural environment whilst supporting growth and development in Gweedore.”

Currently, the main pressure collection network for the Demonstration Project serving over 40 properties has been completed and we will be awarding the contract for the installation of the pods and associated works at individual properties early in the new year.

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Roundstone residents to benefit from new wastewater treatment plant

Plans progressing to end discharge of raw sewage Irish Water working in partnership with Galway County Council is progressing plans to build a much-needed wastewater treatment plant in Roundstone which will end the discharge of the equivalent of 645 wheelie bins of raw sewage into Roundstone Bay every day.

As part of the project three new underground pumping stations will also be built to transfer wastewater from the network to the new plant. Wastewater from the village is currently collected in the existing sewer system and is discharged with no treatment in three separate locations into Roundstone Bay. New plant to serve approximately 1,000 people The new plant, which will serve a population of approximately 1,000 people, will end the unacceptable practice of discharging raw sewage into Roundstone Bay. It will improve the quality of water in the bay and ensure the treated wastewater is in compliance with Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 2001 and the EPA Wastewater Discharge Licence. The newly upgraded scheme will also allow for growth and development in Roundstone and surrounding areas.

To progress the project Irish Water has published a Compulsory Purchase Order for lands required to deliver the new scheme.

Why is this needed?

Commenting on the project, Colm Boyd, Irish Water’s Infrastructure Regional Lead said “The discharge of untreated wastewater threatens water quality, is a risk to aquatic ecosystems and detracts from the amenity value of the bay. Action is required to stop untreated wastewater being discharged directly into these receiving waters.

“Consultations have been on-going with all landowners identified on the proposed scheme. Irish Water was unable to acquire consent for all of the required wayleaves and lands on a voluntary basis. Given the importance of the project to environmental protection and public health, Irish Water will now endeavour to acquire the wayleaves and lands by way of Compulsory Purchase Order pursuant to the provisions of the Water Services Act, 2007 (as amended). Irish Water has submitted the Compulsory Purchase Order to An Bord Pleanála.”

Investment plan In addition to the land acquisition process, Irish Water will be seeking planning permission for the Roundstone Sewerage Scheme from Galway County Council in 2020. The timeline for the commencement of works is subject to the Compulsory Purchase Order and Planning approvals.

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