ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR IMPROVING MOBILE SIGNAL COVERAGE (NOVATEL

Advanced technology solutions for improving mobile signal coverage

Novatel make mobile phone signal problems and mobile data problems a thing of the past with Stelladoradus Mobile Phone Repeater systems that enhance signal coverage no matter where you areif you are in a well-insulated energy efficient building, in a rural area, an underground Car Park, or whatever the situation, you can rest easy knowing that we will have the perfect Mobile Phone Repeater System solution for you.

Who we are?

Novatel are Cork based distributors of world class technologies in Mobile Phone Repeaters, Antennas, Cellular Routers, and other Wi-Fi equipment. Novatel works to ensure that long waits for your phone to connect with a mobile provider and frustrating call drop offs become a thing of the past. We work to make your digital communications faster, easier, and more efficient.

What problems do we solve?

In the modern era, as buildings become more energy efficient, mobile signals can suddenly plummet off the face of the earth. If the building is made of steel or concrete, signal will not permeate inside- we sell systems that ensures that phone signals will always get through!

No matter where you are in Ireland Novatel with the use of advanced technologies will provide you with a timely, fast, and efficient connection to whatever mobile network you’d like to connect with. We provide solutions to your mobile signal problems.

Who we have worked for?

Novatel are experts at implementing full Mobile Phone Signal Booster Systems in large offices, commercial buildings, residential units, hotels, housing complexes and much more. Anyone who has ever struggled for a mobile signal, our experts will have the answer for you. No job is too big or to small! Having worked with Government Bodies, Multinational Corporations, Healthcare Companies to mention but a few, we have the experience, the expertise and the product to deliver results on every project, every time!

Whether you’re seeking to install 3g, 4g, or the latest 5g, Novatel will deliver the perfect mobile signal solution for you. One of our core values is ensuring the we build trusting relationships with clients that last long into the future and once you have hired us you can rest easy knowing that you will receive a superior service and superior end product.

Services and installations

We pride ourselves in providing a quick and no nonsense approach when it comes to our services and installations. We are dedicated to securing you the perfect signal each and every time. Novatel has extensive experience in providing commercial and domestic signal boosters, throughout Ireland. We have performed installations in hospitals, shopping centres, hotels, housing complexes, offices, and a whole host of other places. No matter what the size of job, please do not hesitate to contact us and begin your journey to superior mobile coverage. Novatel will make frustrating mobile coverage issues a thing of the past.

How we install our systems?

First of all, a team of Novatel installation experts will conduct an in-depth audit of your location and will ascertain where the signal issues are coming from. We can perform the audit through a desktop survey or a Consultancy site survey. We will perform a structural analysis of any building or location, and using sophisticated signal reading equipment we will be able to determine the best way to secure the perfect signal for you.

Whether you are attempting to boost an existing signal or secure an apparently non-existent signal our experts will surgically zone in on the correct solution. Once you hire Novatel, you will no longer suffer, second rate signals and frustrating delays in contacting people.

So why not contact us here at Novatel let us help you reconnect with the world.

Commercial mobile signal boosters

Novatel is the approved distributor for the world class StellaDoradus Repeaters, which are manufactured right here in Ireland. The advanced technology provides crystal clear voice calls and reliable mobile data solutions tosmall & large areas where phone signals are currently weak indoors. Many modern commercial buildings are built in a way to ensure that they are extra insulated, and reinforced, and this creates huge problems when it comes to signals. Dead zones, shaky coverage and unreliability are some of the major problems that business’s encounter.

Our mobile Phone Repeater Systems solve these problems by capturing even the weakest of signals, adding amplification and redistributing the signal to whatever area you desire. When it comes to commercial buildings our experts can begin by surveying the building, taking readings, and conducting a detailed analysis of the buildings overall signal structure.

We will then provide you with a comprehensive and detailed report that will advise you on how best we can solve your problem.

The cutting edge Phone Repeater Systems that we supply including the very latest StellaDoradus I-Repeater allowing 24-hour remote-control monitoring from the cloud ensures that we will have the perfect solution for you. Over the years, our results driven business has solved signal problems in a vast array of commercial buildings throughout Ireland. We promise to deliver results, with a focus on understanding everyone’s unique concerns, this enables us to deliver our best work, with agility and responsiveness. We know the positive impact we make for individuals and companies across the country.

Once you hire Novatel, you can say goodbye to dead zones or poor data areas! Novatel, solving signal problems no matter where you are in the world!

For further information please visit. www.novatel.ie or Phone 022 23440

Lighting systems redesigned and retrofitted at a number of large treatment plants

Irish Water working in partnership with Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council and Meath County Council has recently completed energy efficiency lighting redesign and retrofit projects at a number of large treatment plants. Inefficient lighting systems at Leixlip, Ballymore Eustace, Swords, Malahide and Navan plants have been upgraded to more energy efficient lighting systems.

Energy efficiency is an integral part of Irish Water’s business as usual activities. We are already implementing energy efficient design for all projects and we are implementing energy efficiency measures into the operation of our treatment plants where possible. The energy efficiency lighting project is one such initiative.

Speaking about the size and scale of the project, Stephen Seymour, Irish Water said, “In total, almost 1,400 energy efficient light fittings have been installed reducing energy consumption by more than half a GWh per year. This is equivalent to the electricity required to power 131 houses a year and represents a carbon emissions reduction of 240 tonnes per year. There are significant operational benefits also. The reduction of energy consumption will reduce operational costs, while the LED fittings have a lifetime of 100,000 operating hours and it is estimated that these will continue to provide energy savings for two decades.”

Treating and safeguarding drinking water and treating and returning wastewater to the sea are very energy intensive activities. Irish Water accounts for 21% of public sector electricity consumption and is one of the largest consumers of electricity in the public sector. Irish Water is committed to improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions and meeting a 33% energy efficiency target by 2020.

Commenting on the completion of this project Charlie Coakley, Irish Water Sustainability Lead, said, “By the end of 2019, we achieved over a 30% improvement in our energy efficiency performance with a corresponding saving of over 90,000 tonnes of carbon.

We are on track to meet our target of 33% energy efficiency improvement, putting us in a strong position to meet our new target of 50% by 2030. The delivery of energy efficiency projects such as this lighting project is vital to helping us achieve our targets.”

Minister Darragh O’Brien visits the Blanchardstown Regional Drainage Scheme Significant progress on the project located in Waterville Park in the Tolka Valley

Irish Water’s Managing Director, Niall Gleeson, welcomed Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, to the Blanchardstown Regional Drainage Scheme site to see first-hand this strategically important €88 million wastewater infrastructural project.

Irish Water, working in partnership with Fingal County Council, is making significant progress on the project located in Waterville Park in the Tolka Valley. The delivery of this substantial wastewater project will support existing and future residential and commercial development and will safeguard the environment in Blanchardstown and surrounding areas. Minister Darragh O'Brien visits the Irish Water site in the Tolka Valley for the Blanchardstown Regional Drainage Scheme

Progress

The existing wastewater network was constructed in the 1970s and since then the area it serves has expanded considerably. The wastewater network in Mulhuddart and Castleknock, as well as a number of towns in Meath including Dunboyne, Clonee, Ashbourne and Ratoath are all being upgraded as part of the project. The primary works are contained within an area of Waterville Park. The construction of the underground storm water management facility and pumping station is progressing on schedule. Along Tolka

Valley Park, the first of three kilometres of new wastewater network has been constructed using innovative tunneling methods, ensuring that the impact on the park and its users is being kept to a minimum.

The works, being carried out by Ward and Burke Construction Limited on behalf of Irish Water, are scheduled to be completed by 2023.

Minister O'Brien

Speaking from the site, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien said, “The Irish Water Managing Director Niall Gleeson discusses aspects of the Blanchardstown Regional Drainage Blanchardstown Regional Drainage Scheme with Minister Darragh O'Brien. Scheme project demonstrates how Irish Water, working in partnership with Fingal County Council, is delivering infrastructure that is critical for our communities and our economy. The delivery of this project will support existing and future residential and commercial development in Blanchardstown and surrounding areas and is one of a number of wastewater projects being delivered in the Greater Dublin Area.”

Niall Gleeson

Niall Gleeson, Managing Director of Irish Water said, “Irish Water is working to support social and economic growth in Ireland through the delivery of essential water and wastewater services. The size and scale of the task to deliver efficient wastewater services for a modern growing economy while safeguarding the environment shouldn’t be underestimated. We have made significant progress but there is work still to do as we continue to build world class wastewater infrastructure through our multi-billion programme of investment. This particular Aerial view of the massive storm water management facility in the Tolka Valley project will provide Blanchardstown and the surrounding areas with the infrastructure needed to support the building of houses and schools; to attract new industry and to allow companies to expand and grow.”

Irish Water continues to work at this time, with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical wastewater services. For further information regarding this project check out the Blanchardstown Regional Drainage Scheme project page.

Works are progressing for the next phase of the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme

Works involve the construction of new wastewater network in several locations

Irish Water, working in partnership with Kildare County Council, is progressing with the next phase of the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme with works scheduled to start in Naas and Newbridge on 17 August, 2020. Improvements to the sewer network in Naas and Newbridge will safeguard the environment and support the economic and social development of the town. Clane, Johnstown, Kill, Prosperous and Sallins will also benefit from the Upper Liffey Valley Sewage scheme. These works involve the construction of new wastewater network in several locations across Naas and Newbridge. To minimise disruption, the works will be completed in phases and traffic management will be in place. Diversion routes will be clearly signposted and, where possible, emergency and restricted local access will be maintained. Access to all businesses in the impacted areas will also be maintained. In Newbridge, works will start in Pairc Mhuire, Bars Alley and Moorefield Road on Monday 17 August and are scheduled to be completed in October. Details of further works and locations will be provided as they are scheduled.

Works to be delivered in phases

In Naas, works will be delivered on a phased basis.

• Phase 1 will start in Devoy Road, Newbridge Road and Pacelli Road on 17 August 2020 and is scheduled to be completed on 28 August. • Phase 2 will start on John Devoy Road on 31 August, with a scheduled completion date of 2 October; • Phase 3 will start on R445 Newbridge Road on 6 October with a scheduled completion date of 18 October; • Phase 4 will start on R445 Newbridge Road on 20 October with a scheduled completion date of 13 November; • Phase 5 will start on R409 Jigginstown and R445 Newbridge Road on 18 November with a scheduled completion date of 27 November; • Phase 6 will start on St Martin’s Ave & Pacelli Road on 30 November with a completion date of 4 December; • Phase 7 will start on Sarto Road & Pacelli Road on 4 December and is scheduled to be completed on 10 December. Irish Water and Kildare County Council apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause.

Investment plan

These works form part of a significant €38 million investment in the wastewater infrastructure in Kildare that involves laying 18km of new sewers to improve the wastewater network and safeguard the environment. This project is essential as the current wastewater infrastructure is unable to support the needs of the area and it is not compliant with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 2001 and conditions as set out in the Environmental Protection Agencies Wastewater Discharge Licence. Speaking about the project, Olive Marshall Regional Lead with Irish Water, said “Irish Water is committed to investing in the wastewater treatment infrastructure in Kildare to support the needs of the growing population and to safeguard the environment. These works are part of the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme, a €38 million project that is needed to provide East Kildare and the surrounding areas with the infrastructure needed to support the building of houses, schools, attract new industry and allow companies to expand and grow.”

Kilkenny sludge management project wins at UK Water Industry Awards

Kilkenny Project awarded Asset Optimisation Initiative of the Year

Irish Water’s Kilkenny Sludge Project has been recognised at the prestigious Water Industry Awards, which recognises excellence in the water industry across the UK and Ireland. The Kilkenny Project was awarded Asset Optimisation Initiative of the Year at a digital award ceremony on 30 July 2020. Projects financial svaings

The Kilkenny Sludge Project involved taking a combined approach to sludge management across the Troyswood Water Treatment Plant and the Purcellsinch Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project has resulted in financial savings of over €140,000 per annum, as well as significantly reducing energy consumption, chemical use and the amount of sludge going to landfill. The project was a result of collaboration between Irish Water’s Process Optimisation and Regional Operations teams and Kilkenny County Council.

Sludge is a natural by-product of the water treatment process which is typically sent to landfill. Under the new approach, the sludge was transferred to the Purcellsinch wastewater treatment plant, where it can be used as part of the wastewater treatment process.

Martin Dunne, Irish Water Process Optimisation Specialist, said “We are delighted with the outcome of this project. As well as improving the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the service we provide in Kilkenny, it was also very valuable to Irish Water as a proof-of-concept and proof-of-benefit pilot project. It provides a clear template which we can apply to our facilities around the country.”

Speaking about the award, the Water Industry Awards judges described the project as a great example of resource recovery to produce operational benefits.

Benefit to local environment

John Ormond, Senior Executive Engineer at Kilkenny County Council, said “Kilkenny County Council is honoured to be part of the recent success at the UK Water Industry Awards in the Asset Optimisation Initiative category. This success reflects the positive collaboration with Irish Water and the significant input by Kilkenny County Council staff at both the wastewater treatment plant in Purcellsinch and the water treatment plant in Troyswood. The most pleasing outcome of the project is the overall benefit to the local environment resulting from the elimination of sludge disposal to landfill, the reduction in overall sludge produced at both treatment plants, reduced chemical usage and reduced energy consumption.”

The Water Industry Awards recognise excellence in innovation, best practice and customer service across UK and Irish water companies and their supply chain. While the awards are in their fourteenth year, Irish Water is the first winner of the Asset Optimisation Initiative of the Year category.

Essential works progressing to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in Kildare Upgrade works in Clane part of the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme

Irish Water is working in partnership with Kildare County Council to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in Clane as part of the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme. Improvements to the sewer network in Clane will safeguard the environment and support the economic and social development of the town. Sallins, Prosperous, Naas, Kill, Newbridge and Johnstown will also benefit from the Upper Liffey Valley Sewage scheme. The construction of 3km of new sewer pipe between Clane and Sallins will start today, Wednesday 8 July and is scheduled to be completed on Tuesday, 15 September. In addition, 500m of new sewers have been constructed from L1023 Balinagappa Road to the R403 and along Central Park and a further 400m of new sewers are currently being constructed on Prosperous Road. To minimise disruption, the work will be completed in phases and traffic

management will be in place. In order to safely facilitate the works a stop/go system will be necessary on the R407. Local access and access to all businesses in the impacted areas will be unaffected. Irish Water and Kildare County Council regrets any inconvenience caused by these works and thanks customers for their patience while we complete these essential works. Irish Water is working at this time, with our local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.

Investment plan

The works in Clane form part of a significant €38 million investment in the wastewater infrastructure in Kildare that involves laying 18km of new sewers to improve the wastewater network and safeguard the environment. This project is essential as the current wastewater infrastructure is unable to support the needs of the area and it is not compliant with Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 2001 and conditions as set out in the Environmental Protection Agencies Wastewater Discharge Licence. Speaking about this vital project, Olive Marshall, Irish Water, said “This project will safeguard the environment by improving the wastewater system. It will ensure that there is capacity for future growth in Clane as well as other towns in Kildare. The works in Clane form part of a larger €38 million project called the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme that is needed to provide Newbridge, Sallins, Prosperous, Naas, Kill and Johnstown with the infrastructure needed to support the building of houses, schools, attract new industry and allow companies to expand and grow."

Works commencing on Loughshinny wastewater project Improvements to the sewer network in Loughshinny will safeguard the environment

Irish Water, working in partnership with Fingal County Council, is starting work on the Loughshinny wastewater project next week. Improvements to the sewer network in Loughshinny will safeguard the environment by stopping the discharge of inadequately treated wastewater into the Irish Sea. The delivery of this project will provide wastewater services that meet the needs of both domestic and commercial customers in Loughshinny and the surrounding area while also providing some capacity for future growth of the village in line with the Fingal Development Plan 2017-2023.

About the works

The works involve the decommissioning of the overloaded septic tank, the construction of a new wastewater pumping station at Loughshinny beach carpark and the construction of 2.5km of new wastewater pipeline from the pumping station to the Skerries wastewater collection network via Harbour Road, Mine Road and the R128. Wastewater from Loughshinny will be transferred for treatment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Balbriggan. In order to safely facilitate the works, a section of the Loughshinny beach carpark will be closed until January 2021. Access will be maintained to both the car park and the beach for the duration of the works. As part of the project, the entire car park will be resurfaced. The project is scheduled to be completed in September 2021.

Speaking about this vital project, Peter Kehoe, Irish Water, said, “This project represents an investment of €4.5million by Irish Water and is essential as the current wastewater infrastructure is unable to support the needs of the area. The Loughshinny wastewater project will safeguard the environment by ending the discharge of inadequately treated wastewater into the Irish Sea. It will ensure that the wastewater infrastructure meets the needs of homes and businesses in Loughshinny whilst also providing some capacity for future growth.”

Plans progressing to upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Buncrana and Ballybofey-Stranorlar Planning proposals will include upgrades to the sewer network and pumping stations

Irish Water will shortly submit planning applications to Donegal County Council for upgrades to two separate wastewater treatment schemes in the county. The planning proposals for both Buncrana Sewerage Scheme and Ballybofey-Stranorlar Sewerage Scheme will include upgrades to the sewer network and pumping stations. These upgrades will address capacity deficiencies and also reduce the risk of sewer flooding and storm overflows.

The completed project will also allow for social and economic growth in the surrounding areas, and ensure the treatment of wastewater is fully compliant with current legislation.

Submission of planning application

The planning application for Buncrana which will be submitted shortly, will include provision of storm water storage at the Westbrook Pumping Station and an upgrade to parts of the sewer network to increase its capacity and reduce overflows. Works will take place in the following locations: Cahir O‘Doherty Avenue, Aileach Road, Railway Road, Cockhill Road and Westbrook Pumping Station.

Proposed upgrades for the Ballybofey-Stranorlar Sewerage Scheme will include replacement of the existing pumping station at Navenny and flood alleviation measures to protect the site from flooding. The proposed upgrade works will resolve ongoing overflows and flooding from the St Joseph’s Pumping Station. There is also a proposal to upgrade parts of the sewer network to increase its capacity and eliminate overflows.

Where will works take place?

As part of this project works will take place in the following locations: Mill Brae Road, Chapel Lane, Chapel Close, Stranorlar Main Street, Navenny Street, Chestnut Road, St Joseph’s Pumping Station and Navenny Pumping Station.

Speaking about the planning proposal Eunan Canavan, Irish Water commented “Both areas will hugely benefit from these wastewater scheme improvements. Sewer flooding during heavy rainfall will be significantly reduced which will improve water quality in the receiving environment. The upgrades will increase capacity of the current sewer networks and will allow for population growth and development in Buncrana and in the twin towns of Ballybofey and Stranorlar and in their surrounding areas.”

Investment plan

The two schemes are part of the Irish Water’s Donegal Towns & Villages Sewerage Schemes project which is part of Irish Water’s investment plan. Works in the investment plan have been prioritised to address the most critical issues in line with commitments outlined in Irish Water’s Business Plan. Delivery of the business plan will involve a €5.5 billion investment in capital spending on drinking water and wastewater quality and capacity and new infrastructure up to 2021. These works are vital to ensuring a clean, safe and reliable public water supply and fit for purpose wastewater system to support our growing population and economy.

Minister O’Brien welcomes response to 2020 Voids Stimulus Programme

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, has welcomed the response to the 2020 Voids Stimulus Programme which will see up to 2,500 social housing units refurbished and re-let to individuals and families, struggling with homelessness or on the social housing list.

As part of the July Stimulus Programme Minister O’Brien announced over €40 million for the refurbishment of voids, the largest single amount ever announced under the voids programme. Nationally 2,398 applica-tions from Local Authorities across Ireland have been approved at a cost of €39.8 million, with further applications anticipated.

All 31 Local Authorities have made applications which are categorised into three funding streams: standard voids at an average cost of ap-proximately €11,500, homeless voids at an average cost of €17,300 and long-term voids at an average cost of €47,000.

Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “I am very glad to see such an up-take in the scheme and at such a swift pace. The Department is now in a position to approve applications and Local Authorities can get to work in bringing vacant social housing units back into use.

“I have made it very clear that I want to see works carried out and all units allocated by the end of this year and local authorities will be provid-ing status updates to the Department.

“We know that COVID-19 has had an impact on housing delivery targets this year so the refurbishment and re-letting of voids is vitally important. I would like to thank local authorities for their engagement with this pro-gramme and urge them to refurbish and re-let their units as soon as possible,” he concluded.

Minister O’Brien approves some €18 million in funding for the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme and the Improvement Works in Lieu of Local Authority Housing Scheme

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD has approved funding of approximately €18 million for the Disabled Persons Grant scheme (DPG) and Improvement Works In Lieu of social housing scheme (IWILs).

The DPG scheme provides funding for extensions and adaptations to existing social housing stock for older people and people with a disability such as grab rails, disabled access ramps, wet rooms, downstairs bedrooms etc. The scheme also provides extensions in cases of overcrowding.

The Improvement Works in Lieu of social housing scheme (IWILs) allows local authorities to improve or extend privately owned accommodation, where the applicant has been approved for social housing. It allows those who are otherwise eligible for social hous-ing to remain in private housing and for enhancements to that housing.

Welcoming the funding Minister O’Brien said, “This will greatly improve the housing conditions for our older tenants and those living with disabilities. It will also address issues of overcrowding in existing social housing stock, while improvement works on private homes in lieu of social housing also provides an alternative for those currently experiencing overcrowding in private accommodation.

“These grants have a huge impact on the quality of life of the many beneficiaries and play a vitally important role in helping people with a disability and people who are reaching an age in life when they are less mobile, to continue to live independently in their own homes.

“Funding has been increasing year on year under this scheme and this year’s allocation is a 19% increase on 2019 levels. It is a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to improving the lives of older people and people with a disability,” the Minister con-cluded.

• The Disabled Persons Grant scheme (DPG) and Improvement Works In Lieu of social housing scheme (IWILs) are adminis-tered directly by Local Authorities.

• Exchequer funding meets 90% of the cost of the works in each property, with the local authority providing the remaining 10%.

• The €18 million in funding being allocated today, comprises almost €2 million in accrued commitments from 2019, prelimi-nary allocations of €13.5 million towards the 2020 funding re-quests based on percentage of housing stock in local authority ownership, while a contingency of €2.5 million has been set aside. It is acknowledged that some local authorities may have contractual commitments which will give rise to financial com-mitments in 2020 that will exceed the allocation now being no-tified to them.

The contingency therefore, will ensure that those local authorities are not placed in a difficult financial situation and it will be open to them to apply for additional funding in re-spect of contractual commitments

Local Authority 2020 Preliminary Depart- Local Author COM mental Allocation -ity funding -BINED - Exchequer Funding (10%) TOTAL (90%)

Carlow County Council Cavan County Council Clare County Council Cork City Council Cork County Council Donegal County Council Dublin City Council Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council Fingal County Council Galway City Council Galway County Council Kerry County Council Kildare County Council Kilkenny County Council Laois County Council Leitrim County Council Limerick City & County Council Longford County Council Louth County Council Mayo County Council Meath County Council Monaghan County Council Offaly County Council Roscommon County Council Sligo County Council South Dublin County Council Tipperary County Council Waterford City & County Council Westmeath County Council Wexford County Council Wicklow County Council

€164,427.64 €195,559.02 €239,605.58 €1,300,000.00 €739,731.61 €461,669.63 €2,106,408.00

€409,461.00 €502,246.60 €309,033.09 €246,593.59 €405,286.18 €393,913.11 €228,810.79 €206,835.71 €120,535.26 €828,750.00 €187,752.08 €367,408.07 €200,667.26 €260,363.00 €148,524.61 €174,740.51 €142,810.07 €226,349.80 €918,134.64 €481,331.55 €491,162.51 €183,896.80 €432,947.81 €425,044.48

€18,270 €21,729 €26,623 €144,444 €82,192 €51,297 €234,045

€45,496 €55,805 €34,337 €27,399 €45,032 €43,768 €25,423 €22,982 €13,393 €92,083 €20,861 €40,823 €22,296 €28,929 €16,503 €19,416 €15,868 €25,150 €102,015 €53,481 €54,574 €20,433 €48,105 €47,227

€182,697.38 €217,287.80 €266,228.42 €1,444,444.44 €821,924.01 €512,966.26 €2,340,453.33

€454,956.67 €558,051.78 €343,370.10 €273,992.88 €450,317.98 €437,681.23 €254,234.21 €229,817.46 €133,928.07 €920,833.33 €208,613.42 €408,231.19 €222,963.62 €289,292.22 €165,027.34 €194,156.12 €158,677.86 €251,499.78 €1,020,149.60 €534,812.83 €545,736.12 €204,329.78 €481,053.12 €472,271.64

TOTALS €13,500,000.00 €1,500,000.00 €15,000,000.00

Solving the Microplastics problem in artificial playing surfaces

Regular usage of artificial playing surfaces results in 250-300 kgs of microplastics ending up in the surrounding environment and water courses every year. Galco and their international drainage partner, Hauraton, are overcoming this challenge with a safe and effective solution for filtering and retaining microplastic particles.

Artificial playing surfaces use synthetic blades of grass as well as plastic and rubber granulates as infill material. But use and drainage of this result in microplastics being flushed out into the surface waters. To prevent water pollution, the plastic particles must be filtered out of the collected surface water before it is passed on.

The Sportfix Clean drainage system has a simple but effective filter substrate that can trap particles as small as 0.45 µm (0.00045 mm). The patented filter substratum Carbotec 60 consists of crushed mineral stone and all captured particles are kept safely at the filter surface while still allowing permanent permeability. This particle size includes microplastics from the infill material and broken grass blades as well as potentially harmful heavy metals like copper and tin. The performance of the filter leaves the outgoing water clear enough for direct filtration into an open water body or infiltration elements under the pitch.

Testing and performance

This substrate has been developed for over 10 years and monitored in statefunded research projects in Germany. This shows a 98.5% efficiency in keeping microplastics out of the outflow while allowing the captured infill material to be available for re-use. This system has received the Blue Angel certification as an environmentally friendly product as well as winning the Environment Technology Award from Baden-Wurttemberg for „Emission Reduction, Treatment and Separation“ in 2019.

Increased maintenance intervals

The system has been proven to work reliably over very long periods. Long maintenance intervals and simple cleaning represent additional benefits. The filter buckets should be inspected every 6 months and the filter cake that develops should be removed approx. every 3-5 years. Then you simply refill the quantity of substrate removed. After many years of use, filter cake forms on the surface of the filter. This is stripped off during maintenance and then only the filter substrate that was removed is replenished. The removed filter cake can be cleaned and reused using reprocessing equipment i.e. machines with washing and cyclone filters.

Circular economy

This has important implications for complying with the EU’s principles for a Circular Economy. These require that a ‘take back’ and ‘product as a service’ must exist or be created for used products and materials. • The recovered infill material can be cleaned and reused • The outflow of cleaned water can be stored in tanks for re-use • It is also fit to be irrigated directly • This allows a Sustainable use and re-use of water resources