Local Authority News - Vol. 40. No. 4

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• Vulnerability of Ireland’s drinking water supplies must be urgently addressed

by Irish Water, says EPA. • Historic Opening of New Edgeworthstown Community Library.

• Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage project to prevent daily discharge equivalent of 40,000 wheelie bins of raw sewage awarded Engineering Endeavour of 2021 accolade.

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CONTENTS Vol 40 No. 4

FEATURES CORK LOWER HARBOUR MAIN DRAINAGE PROJECT TO PREVENT DAILY DISCHARGE EQUIVALENT OF 40,000 WHEELIE BINS OF RAW SEWAGE AWARDED ENGINEERING ENDEAVOUR OF 2021 ACCOLADE. 3 MINISTER O’GORMAN ANNOUNCES SUITE OF NEW MEASURES TO SUPPORT THE EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE SECTOR IN LATEST WAVE OF COVID-19 4 Published by:

GRANT AND THE IRISH GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL (IGBC) TO PARTNER FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

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NATIONAL BUILDING CONTROL AND MARKET SURVEILLANCE OFFICE (NBC&MSO)

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GILTRON LTD RIVERVIEW LODGE, DUBLIN ROAD, NAVAN, CO. MEATH.

“TÁIM AG OBAIR LE FIREBIRD” MULTINATIONAL COMPANY WITH GAELTACHT ROOTS RUNS IRISH CLASSES FOR COLLEAGUES

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Tel: 00353 46 9072841

NEW WEBSITE OFFERS INFORMATION ON MORE THAN ONE-THOUSAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES 15

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.

SKILLS GAP OF QUALIFIED POLYETHYLENE ELECTRO FUSION WELDERS PROMPTS DESIGN OF NEW TRAINING COURSE 17 SWITCH YOUR PHONE SYSTEMS AND SWITCH TO A BETTER WAY OFWORKING (IP TELECOM)

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HISTORIC OPENING OF NEW EDGEWORTHSTOWN COMMUNITY LIBRARY

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UNACCEPTABLE DELAYS AND THE PACE AT WHICH ESSENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS IN WASTE WATER TREATMENT ARE BEING DELIVERED IS TOO SLOW, SAYS EPA 23 VULNERABILITY OF IRELAND’S DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES MUST BE URGENTLY ADDRESSED

BY IRISH WATER, SAYS EPA 26

REGULARS DEPARTMENT BRIEFS

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IRISH WATER UPDATES

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CLASSFIEDS

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Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage project to prevent daily discharge equivalent of 40,000 wheelie bins of raw sewage awarded Engineering Endeavour of 2021 accolade. wastewater drainage project that has ended the decades-long practice of discharging raw sewage directly into Cork Lower Harbour has been awarded the prestigious Engineering Endeavour of 2021 accolade by Engineers Ireland.

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Undertaken by Irish Water, the Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Project was awarded the prestigious accolade having featured in Engineers Irelandʼs Engineering Excellence Digital Series, held in association with ESB, and was chosen by the public and members of Engineers Ireland as the top engineering project of 2021 following an online vote.

Following seven years of extensive engineering works and completed in September 2021, the drainage scheme now prevents the equivalent of 40,000 wheelie bins of raw sewage from Ringaskiddy, Carrigaline, Crosshaven, Passage West, Monkstown and Cobh Town being discharged untreated each day into Cork Harbour, the second-largest natural harbour in the world.

The project was completed in a number of phases by Irish Water, which invested €144m to ensure that wastewater was collected and fully treated before its safe discharge into the harbour. In addition to constructing a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant in Shanbally, the project also involved two of the longest horizontal directional drills ever undertaken in Ireland to install sewer pipes over 1km long, some 60m below the Lee Estuary.

Over 20,000 businesses and homes are now connected to the new wastewater scheme, which will protect the environment and support the sustainable development and growth of local communities.

“A high degree of engineering ingenuity and skill was required across all phases of this project, and we are incredibly proud to receive the Engineering Endeavour of 2021 title,” commented Déaglán Healy, Project Manager, Irish Water. “We have come a long way since we started work on this project in 2014. Irish Water has eliminated 60% of raw sewage discharges across Ireland, and we are on track to remove 95% by 2025.

This project brings huge benefits to communities around Cork Lower Harbour by protecting the environment and supporting the development of homes and businesses.

“This scheme and its benefits have been delivered safely through a hugely collaborative effort between Irish Water and our delivery partners, Cork County Council, Engineering Representatives and contract supervisors Nicholas Oʼ Dwyer Limited and Long OʼDonnell Limited, Contractors Farrans Sorensen Joint Venture, OʼConnor Utilities, Ward & Burke, EPS and Sisk and of course, all the communities and businesses whose cooperation and patience have allowed these works to succeed,” Healy added.

Professor Orla Feely, President of Engineers Ireland, said: “Engineers have a vital role to play to protect our environment and support our communities. The Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Project is a fantastic example of how Irelandʼs engineers develop creative and innovative solutions for society. By eliminating raw sewage discharge in these areas in Cork, this project has not only created a cleaner harbour for local communities, but it has also provided new opportunities for sustainable social and economic development.”

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Minister OʼGorman announces suite of new measures to support the early learning and childcare sector in latest wave of Covid-19 The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic OʼGorman ,T.D., has announced a suite of new Covid-19 measures to support the early learning and childcare sector, including: •

€10 million Grant Programme for Improved Ventilation and Other Measures to Reduce Transmission

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Student Temporary Employment

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Updated Covid-19 Resource Pack

€10 million Grant Programme for Improved Ventilation and Other Measures to Reduce Transmission The objective of this once-off exceptional Grant Programme is to support services to improve ventilation, given the need to mitigate risks associated with Covid-19 in line with the current National Public Health guidance.

HEPA filters will be among eligible items under this Programme. The Grant Programme will also enable providers to introduce other measures to reduce Covid-19 transmission.

Student Temporary Employment Arrangements On a temporary basis Further and Higher Education Institutions will, where possible, facilitate the temporary release of students (until end January 2022) who are undertaking relevant studies and who meet eligibility criteria to work in early learning and childcare settings.

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To enable students to work temporarily in the sector to assist with the Covid-19 response, on a temporary basis, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has introduced an accelerated process for assessment of eligibility to work in the sector for students who are currently enrolled on a recognised level 6, 7 or 8 course and have completed the equivalent of a level 5 award. Details will be available here.

In addition, a facility for advertising temporary posts will be available on www.myccc.ie, week commencing 13 December. Early learning and childcare services that wish to advertise a temporary post on this site should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee.

Updated Covid-19 Resource Pack An updated Covid-19 Resource Pack will be disseminated to support early learning and childcare providers, including childminders to raise awareness among staff and parents of the current public health guidance. It will also signpost services to additional Covid-19 supports available to sector.

The announcement follows the recent announcement to restore the enhanced rate of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) until the end of January. Since August 2020, registered early learning and childcare employers have been eligible to access the EWSS without having to demonstrate the 30% reduction in turnover required of other employers.

EWSS at enhanced rates amounts to an investment of €34 million per month in the sector and is estimated to cover, on average, 80% staff costs and 50% operating costs.

Commenting on the new suite of measures, Minister OʼGorman said: “Childrenʼs health and well-being is at the forefront of all our work. Early Learning and childcare providers have risen to the challenge of adapting to the current Covid-19 restrictions. To further support their efforts and make these critical services safer for children, their families and the early learning and childcare workforce, I am pleased to announce this grant programme to improve ventilation.

"I am also announcing temporary employment arrangements for students, where colleges will – where possible – facilitate students of early learning and care education programmes to work in settings until the end of January 2022 to relieve current staff supply pressures owing to Covid-19. I would like to thank Further and Higher Education Institutions for their support with this measure. Thanks also to the students for their offers of help.

"Information on these announcements together with the new digital pack of resources on responding to Covid19 is being disseminated to early learning and childcare services nationally.”

Further measures, including the introduction of an antigen testing programme for early learning and childcare services (similar to the programme in schools) will be announced shortly.

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Grant and the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) to partner for a more sustainable built environment Grant has announced a new partnership with the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC), which will see the leading home heating solutions company supporting the IGBC in accelerating the decarbonisation of residential heating.

Pat Barry CEO at the Irish Green Building Council said, “Decarbonising our homes is critical to reach carbon neutrality. As it currently stands, the residential sector accounts for about one quarter of the energy used in Ireland. Grant is the first heating company to join our organisation as a partner member and we are looking forward to working with them to support the decarbonisation of our built environment.”

Pictured: Grant Founder, Stephen Grant (left) and Director, Niall Fay

Speaking about the partnership Stephen Grant, Founder of Grant, added, “We are delighted to join the Irish Green Building Council, bringing over four decades of knowledge, innovation and expertise in the heating industry. We are committed to the decarbonisation of residential heating and will continue to focus on helping homeowners throughout Ireland reduce their carbon footprint and future-proof their homes.”

The Government Climate Action plan requires Ireland to install 600,000 heat pumps by 2030. To make the shift to heat pump technology, Grant is ramping up education of installers, architects, engineers and local authorities, offering free CPDs. Niall Fay, Director at Grant commented, “We look forward to working together with the Irish Green Building Council and fellow members, to educate homeowners but also installers, architects, engineers and local authorities alike, on how making the shift to renewable. Heat pump technology can deliver a fully decarbonised, resource efficient home heating system, whilst also allowing long term cost saving and increased comfort.”

Grant has been at the cutting edge of sustainable and innovative product development for over 40 years and during this time has expanded its product portfolio to include a wide range of renewable heating technologies including air to water, air source heat pumps, solar thermal panels, underfloor heating, hot water cylinders, aluminium radiators, and condensing wood pellet boilers.

The companyʼs introduction of its Grant Vortex condensing oil boiler was the catalyst for a sustained increase in boiler efficiencies throughout the industry and a reduction in running costs for homeowners. The higher efficiencies from these appliances have, over the past 15 years, contributed to a reduction in carbon emissions in Ireland amounting to many millions of tonnes.

Looking to the future and continuing to lead the low carbon transition, over the past six years the Grant R&D team has worked with third level institutions, industry partners and renewable fuel producers, focusing on more sustainable and carbon saving fuels and innovating its oil boilers to be biofuel compatible.

Further demonstrating its commitment to education, Grant has recently launched a new Knowledge Hub section on its website. Dedicated to giving homeowners easy access to information and advice to help them make informed decisions when selecting heating technologies to best suit their needs, the Knowledge Hub emphasises the importance of making sustainable home heating choices.

Think Heating. Think Grant.

For further information visit www.grant.eu Follow Grant on Facebook and Twitter @GrantIRL or Instagram @Grant_IRL

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National Building Control and Market Surveillance Office (NBC&MSO) The NBC&MSO is managed as a separate Business Unit on behalf of the 31 Building Control Authorities by Dublin City Council (DCC). The 31 Building Control Authorities are represented by the City and County Managers Association (CCMA). The County and City Management Association (CCMA) is the "representative voice" of Ireland's local government management network. Its members are the Chief Executives of the 31 County and City Councils and the Assistant Chief Executives of Dublin City Council. The CCMA are Council to the board of The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), the vehicle/agency of the local government sector, working for Local Authorities with Local Authorities. The LGMA operates through several established committees, each concerned with a specific policy area, and the NBC & MSO reports to the Housing and Building Committee.

Innovative Inspections using the latest Drone technology

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The purpose of the NBC&MSO is to provide oversight, support & direction for the development, standardisation and implementation of the Building Regulations and Market Surveillance of Construction Products Regulations as an effective, shared service in the 31 Building Control Authorities; through Training, Inspections, Compliance & Support; ISBCMS (www.nbco.localgov.ie).

Collaboration is through an Advisory Committee and three regional Building Control Committees. The overall vision is to promote a "Culture of Compliance" with the Building and Construction Products Regulations among owners, builders, designers, and certifiers to ensure a good, compliant building stock.

The NBC&MSO Advisory Committee is chaired by Richard Shakespeare Visibility on site and communication with owners, builders, certifiers, and product suppliers (Assistant Chief Executive of is paramount to promoting compliant, safe, accessible and sustainable buildings.

Dublin City Council), with membership from The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), Construction Industry Council (CIC), National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), Building Control Authorities, Chief Fire Officers Association(CFOA), Mairéad Phelan Head of the NBC&MSO. BACKGROUND NATIONAL BUILDING CONTROL OFFICE AND MARKET SURVEILLANCE OFFICE The Regulatory Framework for Building Control includes the Building Control Acts 1990-2014, Construction Products Regulations, Market Surveillance and Energy Performance in Buildings Regulations. The purpose of regulation in a civilised society is for the health and safety of the citizen and the protection of the environment. Therefore, the purpose of the NBC&MSO is to promote a culture of compliance with the building and construction products regulations through a five-pillar programme which includes: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Education and training -31 building control authorities, professions and stakeholders involved in the building process.

Inspections for Compliance and Enforcement of these regulations; the EU Energy Performance in Buildings Regulations and Construction Products Regulations EN standards system. We are using the latest innovative technology, i.e., Drones.

Compliance Support through a customer relationship management system.

Project managing the National Information System to administer building control in Ireland, i.e., the Building Control Management System, which is a bespoke system designed by this Office Market Surveillance of Construction products for which the Office is the national designated authority or regulator; and contact in Europe for coordinated enforcement and international cooperation; a member of the Union Product Compliance Network and a member of the EU administrative cooperation groups for CPR.

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“Táim ag obair le Firebird” Multinational company with Gaeltacht roots runs Irish classes for colleagues Firebird, Irelandʼs market leading designer and manufacturer of commercial and domestic boilers, headquartered in Baile Mhic Íre, Co Cork, has taken a “trailblazing” approach to offer Irish classes for its staff.

As a nod to its Gaeltacht heritage, Firebird, which has sites in Cork, Northern Ireland and England has been running weekly classes for its staff to learn and re-engage with Gaeilge.

Firebird, Irelandʼs market leading designer and manufacturer of commercial and domestic boilers, has rebranded to reflect its business strategy and ambition for growth. General Manager Mark Doyle (left) and Company Director Colm Murphy (right) and their Firebird team recently celebrated the launch of the rebrand at its site in Ballyvourney.

Rather than the modh coinníollach, the classes are focused more on casual conversations and tips ʻas Gaeilgeʼ which has proven popular for Firebirdʼs staff.

Mark Doyle, General Manager of Firebird who attends the weekly class said: “Our Gaeltacht heritage is something we take great pride in. ʻAn rogha is fearrʼ is part of our company tagline so it was a natural decision for us to bring that use of the Irish language deeper into our work and to support our colleagues to get back in touch with using and speaking Irish if they had a desire to do so.”

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He added: “Weʼre really delighted with the feedback and engagement so far. Itʼs certainly brought a new and very positive dimension to our workplace and weʼre very grateful to our teacher Eibhlín Ní Lionáird who has been so passionate and encouraging of us speaking the language. She brings great energy and a lot of laughter to our classes.”

Mary Murphy who works as an accountant with Firebird and came to work in Ballyvourney over two years ago described how she has been enjoying the Irish classes.

“Itʼs been really lovely to resurrect the Irish I would have learned back in my school days,” she explained.

“Itʼs surprising to see how much you do remember. The classes are very conversational. Theyʼre actually a good laugh and itʼs been really interesting to get to know the people we work with in a different way, outside of work through the classes.”

Liadh Ni Riada, former MEP and Language Planning Officer for Gaeltacht Mhúscraí commended Firebird for taking an innovative approach to the personal development of its staff.

“Itʼs fantastic to see what Firebird is doing to embrace the Irish language,” she stated. “They really are trailblazers in that sense. Most people have Irish from their school days and classes such as the ones Firebird have facilitated for their staff give people the confidence and encouragement to realise and feel like the Irish language belongs to everybody. It really is a great credit to Firebird.”

For more information visit firebird.ie

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NEW WEBSITE OFFERS INFORMATION ON MORE THAN ONE-THOUSAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES Services.LocalGov.ie will provide the public with clear, accessible and user-friendly information about local government services all in one place.

Minister for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke TD, has launched a new website called Services.LocalGov.ie which provides information on the 1,100 services provided by local authorities across the country.

The website was developed by the Local Government Management Agency with support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the County and City Management Association (CCMA).

The public can now access information on services such as housing, planning, business supports, parks and outdoor amenities, arts and culture, libraries, and much more all in one location.

Services.LocalGov.ie aims to make services more accessible and to improve communications and engagement with the public by presenting all local government service information in one website. It links to the websites of individual local authorities for convenient access to local information, applications, and engagement.

The website provides, for the first time, a comprehensive list of the services provided to the public as well as a pathway to access those services locally. It presents that information in a clear and accessible manner, in both the Irish and English languages, and the site will be continually updated as new local authority services become available or are updated.

Minister Peter Burke said: “I am delighted to launch Services.LocalGov.ie and am proud of my departmentʼs role in developing the website. Members of the public who use public services should expect to access information about those services in a clear, accessible and convenient manner. This website makes local government service information available to the public in one, user-friendly environment and delivers on government strategy to make more public services available online. The important work of local authorities in their communities is vital to the social and economic life of the country, and this website will encourage more effective engagement between members of the public and their local authority.”

Brendan McGrath, Chief Executive of Galway City Council and Chair of the CCMA said: “Local authorities provide hundreds of services to the public every day, all year round, and local authority employees are at the frontline of public sector engagement with communities throughout Ireland.

Services.LocalGov.ie provides a convenient source of information about all those services and demonstrates the local government sectorʼs ability to innovate, collaborate to create efficiencies, and deliver more effective services to the public. The website provides a window into the broad range of services local authorities provide and the many aspects of individual and community life that the local government sector has a positive involvement in.”

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Switch your phone systems and switch to a better way of working As another business year gets into full swing and the country looks forward to the lifting of restrictions postOmicron, many organisations are looking for ways to optimise communications and optimising expenditure.

Perhaps one of the easiest ways of achieving both these objectives is to make the switch to a VoIP based phone system now. This is particularly relevant now as weʼre just a few short years from a shutdown of the old, expensive, PSTN network across Europe.

Unlike standard PSTN landlines, VoIP not only eliminates your line rental costs but also gives you a host of advanced features like smart call routing, HD Call Quality, call recording, diary-based forwarding, and video conferencing. All with the benefit of a simple to use online interface to make adjustments.

The flexibility that VoIP brings to your communications cannot be underestimated. When the pandemic struck, we were able to pick up our laptops, knowing that if a call came to our deskphone in the office, we could answer it on our laptop or via an app on our mobile phones. Once you have a data connection, youʼre connected to your organisationʼs phone system.

Internal calling is reinvigorated too. No more dialling the extension and having the call forwarded to a mobile (meaning the organisation bears the cost of the forwarding leg) – dial the extension, and the app rings - all across the data connection – so no additional costs here.

This anytime anywhere approach allows organisations the flexibility to maintain communications no matter where colleagues are based. With hybrid working set to be the model as we return to the workplace, organisations are embracing VoIP based communication solutions that allow this approach.

VoIP based phone systems such as the IP Telecom Hosted Phone enhances processes and eliminates duplicated efforts. Because of the way itʼs built, our phone solution integrates fully with your existing software and platforms. Calls can be made through CRM platforms such as Salesforce and Zoho, allowing colleagues to make and receive calls that both pulls up the customer record instantaneously (making for a great customer experience) and makes a record of the latest interaction with the customer, which gives you the metrics you need for quality control.

Collaboration software such as GSuite, Microsoft Teams and Slack are also integrated, allowing for enhanced collaboration internally and externally to your company and making your team super productive.

Switching to VoIP is easy with IP Telecom, and we pride ourselves in providing an exceptional, industry leading service to ensure customer satisfaction. All existing phone numbers are kept when you move, and our dedicated porting desk will look after all the arrangements on your behalf. When we put a solution in place for a customer, once the customer is on the platform, everything is working fully from day one and built only around the organisationʼs needs.

Our dedicated training resources ensure that customers have knowledge of our easy-to-use online interface and if thereʼs anything else thatʼs needed our dedicated support team are always on hand. Our platform is super robust too with multiple points of presence and carrier-grade data centres that offer 99.999% uptime and full network redundancy.

Your phone system is at the centre of your organisationʼs communications and so is central to your objectives.

Itʼs time to make the move to a phone system thatʼs built with your organisation in mind.

Rory Whelan is Head of Marketing for IP Telecom, one of the leading providers of dedicated business phone services and cloud-based communications to thousands of businesses, charity and public sector organisations in Ireland.

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Historic Opening of New Edgeworthstown Community Library Iconic new building and plaza to have transformative effect on town centre Longford County Council is delighted to welcome the opening of Edgeworthstownʼs magnificent €4.3 million new community library, which was officially opened to the public on Monday 22 November 2021.

Paula Mulry; Helen Sheridan; Longford County Librarian Mary Carleton Reynolds; Cathaoirleach, Longford County Council Cllr Peggy Nolan; Catherine Lee; Chief Executive, Longford County Council Paddy Mahon; Nicola Kenneally; Director of Services Longford County Council Barbara Heslin; and Margaret Mulligan.

The project, which is jointly funded by Department of Rural Community Development and Longford County Council in partnership with the community in Edgeworthstown, is the culmination of many years of planning, design and construction.

This new state of the art library is located prominently on the Main Street where it is easily accessible to all.

A carpark to the rear provides much needed parking for the library and the town. This spacious and welcoming community facility has all the latest technology as well as a wonderful selection of inviting new books and lots of comfortable seating and study spaces for students and those working remotely who need a quiet space with highspeed broadband etc. It is also the first NZEB nearly zero energy rated civic building in the county.

The childrenʼs library located on the ground floor includes a sensory wall, a tiny tots storytelling corner with a reading tree and lots more to engage children of all ages. It also hosts a cosy corner for adults to sit and relax and read the newspaper or choose from a “quick-pick” selection of popular reads to suit all tastes.

The main adult area is located on the first floor which has lots of spaces for quiet study, research and for book clubs and writersʼ groups to meet with views overlooking the plaza and the busy main street below.

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Cathaoirleach Cllr Peggy Nolan cutting the ribbon on the new library

The valuable Edgeworth reference collection is on display here. Scholars of Maria Edgeworth and all of the members of this extraordinary family are encouraged to come here to the place where this unique family of writers, scientists, economists, botanists and of course the Abbé Edgeworth - confessor to the French king Louis XVI - lived and gave the town its name.

Under the percent for art scheme, outside on the spacious plaza a bust of Maria Edgeworth by the artist Mel French reminds the community of the strong links with this great writer. Meanwhile, inside, an inspiring “Tree of Knowledge” sculpture created by Longford artist Kevin Flood is giving customers, young and old, hours of enjoyment as they see the beauty of nature recreated from Director of Services Longford County Council Barbara Heslin; Chief Executive, dead wood found around Longford County Council Paddy Mahon; Cathaoirleach, Longford County Council Cllr Peggy Nolan his family home close to and Longford County Librarian Mary Carleton Reynolds.

Edgeworthstown.

On the lower ground floor there is a light filled exhibition space/meeting room as well as a sensory garden where local artists have created a wall showcasing the flora, fauna and wildlife of the area. This floor also houses the offices of Edgeworthstown Development Association who fundraised along with the local community to acquire this brownfield site and handed it over to the local authority to provide a community library for their town.

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Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said “we are delighted to have collaborated with the community in Edgeworthstown and especially Edgeworthstown District Development Association who acquired this site and assisted us with the delivery of this new state of the art library. We hope that this major investment by the local authority and the Department of Rural and Community Development in the town will be the catalyst for the regeneration of the whole town and will have a transformative effect on the lives of this community into the future.”

Edgeworth Society members Angela Tuite (in costume) and Local Historian Matt Farrell meet Bernard Shea of Longford County Council Environment Department, with site manager on the Edgeworthstown Community Library build Rod O'Farrell.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Peggy Nolan said, “I am very happy for the people of Edgeworthstown who, through their own efforts and working in close collaboration with the members and staff of Longford County Council and especially my fellow elected members in Ballymahon Municipal District, have delivered this magnificent library for their town”.

County Librarian Mary Carleton Reynolds said “all of our libraries are welcoming inclusive spaces and our vision for this library is ʻa community living roomʼ for the town Library employee Helen Sheridan demonstrating the self-service kiosk to and whole area with all Fr Tom Healy, PP, Edgeworthstown barriers to access removed. We are delighted with the response from all sectors of the community so far and despite the challenges that COVID-19 has presented, the library has already become a vibrant community hub and the “go to place” in the heart of the community for all of our citizens to meet, engage, participate, learn, be inspired and to socialise”.

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Unacceptable delays and the pace at which essential improvements in waste water treatment are being delivered is too slow, says EPA •

34 towns and villages release raw sewage into the environment every day, and a third of these will continue to do so after 2024.

•

12 large towns and cities did not meet waste water treatment standards set to protect our environment. These areas generate half of Irelandʼs waste water.

•

Ireland will need substantial and sustained investment to bring public waste water treatment up to standard

The EPA report on Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2020, released shows that the pace at which essential improvements in waste water treatment are being delivered is too slow. Irish Water is making progress in resolving environmental issues and the number of priority areas has reduced from 148 to 97 over the past four years. However, there is still a long way to go to bring all deficient treatment systems up to standard.

There have been further delays in providing treatment for many of the 34 towns and villages discharging raw sewage, and as a result over one third of these areas will not receive treatment until after 2024.

Investment in waste water infrastructure is bringing environmental benefits to some areas. The number of large towns and cities failing to meet EU treatment standards is down from 28 in 2017 to 12 in 2020. However, the final deadline for all large urban areas to meet these treatment standards was 2005.

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•

34 towns and villages release raw sewage into the environment every day, and a third of these will continue to do so after 2024.

•

12 large towns and cities did not meet waste water treatment standards set to protect our environment.

These areas generate half of Irelandʼs waste water.

•

Ireland will need substantial and sustained investment to bring public waste water treatment up to standard

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The EPA report on Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2020, released shows that the pace at which essential improvements in waste water treatment are being delivered is too slow. Irish Water is making progress in resolving environmental issues and the number of priority areas has reduced from 148 to 97 over the past four years. However, there is still a long way to go to bring all deficient treatment systems up to standard.

There have been further delays in providing treatment for many of the 34 towns and villages discharging raw sewage, and as a result over one third of these areas will not receive treatment until after 2024.

Investment in waste water infrastructure is bringing environmental benefits to some areas. The number of large towns and cities failing to meet EU treatment standards is down from 28 in 2017 to 12 in 2020. However, the final deadline for all large urban areas to meet these treatment standards was 2005.

Commenting on the report, Dr Tom Ryan, Director of the EPAʼs Office of Environmental Enforcement said: “It is unacceptable that 15 years after the final deadline to comply, half of Irelandʼs urban waste water is still not treated to the basic EU standards. There are repeated delays in providing proper treatment at many areas, and this continues to put our environment and peopleʼs health at risk. It is clear that Ireland will still need substantial investment over many years to bring our public waste water treatment plants and public sewers up to standard. Irish Water must deliver the essential infrastructure in as timely a manner as possible and resolve the underlying causes for the delays in upgrading treatment systems.”

The EPA report identifies the priority areas where improvements are most urgently needed and will deliver the greatest environmental benefits.

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Low Carbon Heating Supplier Many public buildings are choosing biomass heating as the best low carbon alternative to fossil fuel (gas and oil) systems.

The advantages are numerous.

The wood pellets or wood chip are manufactured in Ireland, they are carbon neutral and cheaper than oil. Significantly the SSRH (Support Scheme for Renewable Heat) pays clients a 15 year incentive to displace fossil fuel with biomass. The scheme is administered by SEAI and Woodco is a major supplier of boilers under the scheme.

Woodco is Irelandʼs leading biomass boiler manufacturer and having had considerable success supplying boilers to the UK market it is now seeing a significant uptake in Ireland for commercial biomass boilers.

All Woodco Commercial boilers are on SEAIʼs Triple E Register “The day of fossil fuel use for heating is over and as a business we committed to stop producing oil boilers and switch to low carbon heating many years ago” according to Ger Crosse, Commercial Director at Woodco.

The SSRH has been the catalyst for convincing large oil and gas users that now is the time to change. The Public sector has already commenced this process and we are now supplying Woodco biomass boilers to Leisure Centres and Schools.

One particular project we have just completed is 400kw of Biomass Boilers at Seaworld Leisure facility in Lahinch, Co. Clare for Clare Co Council. Woodcoʼs sister business SolarCo also installed 138kw of Solar PV panels on the roof of the Leisure centre.

The biomass heating will delivery huge savings versus fossil fuel alternatives and is a strong commitment by Clare Co Council to renewable heating.

For further info please contact Woodco Renewable Energy, Donaskeigh, Co Tipperary E34 RX89 www.woodco-energy.com Tel: 062 74007

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Vulnerability of Irelandʼs drinking water supplies must be urgently addressed

by Irish Water, says EPA The quality of drinking water from public supplies is high, with over 99.7% of samples compliant with bacterial and chemical limits.

At the end of 2020, 46 vulnerable water supplies - serving 1 million people - required significant works, with over half experiencing delays Over 15,500 people were on boil water notices for longer than one month.

It will take decades for Irish Water to remove all lead connections at their current rate of replacement.

The EPA Drinking Water Quality in Public Supplies Report 2020 released today, shows that the quality of drinking water in public supplies remains high, with over 99.7% compliance with bacterial and chemical limits.

The continued high levels of water quality being achieved are positive for consumers and indicate that the water is safe to drink. However, improvements are needed in our drinking water infrastructure to protect public health. Delays in the delivery of these improvements at water treatment plants by Irish Water means that water supplies remain vulnerable for longer, posing a risk to the health of a large portion of the population.

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The EPAʼs Remedial Action List identified 46 vulnerable supplies (serving >1,000,000 consumers) with significant issues to be addressed by Irish Water at the end of 2020. This figure is down from 77 supplies in 2017. Through EPA targeted enforcement, Leixlip has since been removed from the list, after works there resulted in a more secure water supply for over half a million people. However, improvement works at almost half of these supplies will now take longer to complete than was anticipated at the end of 2019.

Launching the report, Dr Tom Ryan, EPA Director said: “It is good news that our water is safe to drink today, but we cannot say with confidence that it is resilient into the future. The EPA remains concerned about the vulnerability of many drinking water supplies nationally. Irish Water needs to fix the remaining supplies on the EPAʼs Remedial Action List without further delay. Recent incidents at Gorey and Ballymore Eustace water treatment plants have highlighted the absolute necessity for Irish Water to ensure our public water supplies are properly and effectively operated, and managed, to protect public health.”

The EPA has also found deficiencies in the national disinfection programme, and a continued lack of focus by Irish Water and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on plans to remove lead from supply connections and assessments of the extent of lead pipework in public buildings on lead in public buildings.

Noel Byrne, EPA Programme Manager, said: “15,500 consumers were on Boil water notices for over a month in 2020, and 145,000 households still have lead connections from water mains, which highlights the vulnerabilities that exist in drinking water supplies.

Irish Water must expedite lead connection replacements and progress improvements to disinfection systems - including addressing the issues with the disinfection programme identified by the EPA - to ensure that the quality of drinking water is adequately safeguarded.”

The EPA Drinking Water Quality in Public Supplies 2020 Report and the complete list of public water supplies currently on the Remedial Action List - including details of the proposed remedial measures and associated timeframes - are available on the EPA website.

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Legislation requiring providers of building services to register with Construction Industry Register Ireland published - Number of building and contracting entities registered with Construction Industry Register Ireland expected to increase from approximately 800 to at least 5,000 initially - Legislation delivers on Housing for All commitment to embed compliance in the construction sector The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OʼBrien, TD, has welcomed the publication of the Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2021. The legislation will put the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) on a statutory footing.

The Bill aims to benefit consumers and the general public by giving those who engage a registered builder the assurance that they are dealing with a competent and compliant operator.

The legislation is committed to in [external-link https://gov.ie/Housingforall | Housing For All ], the Governmentʼs national plan for housing to 2030. Currently, entities providing building services can voluntarily register with CIRI, which has operated since 2014. Once the legislation is enacted, all entities providing building services will be required to register with CIRI. 28

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CIRI was established by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), which is expected to operate the statutory register. This is a similar model to that of registration for Registered Architects and Surveyors. Approximately 800 building and contracting entities are currently included on the register. When the register operates on a statutory footing, itʼs expected that initially at least 5,000 entities will be required to register.

The requirement to register will apply to builders of both residential and non-residential buildings that are subject to the Building Regulations. Employees of such building firms will not be required to apply but sole traders will. Eligibility for registration can be achieved through qualifications, experience or a combination of both. The criteria required for registration will be clear and transparent and will be set out in regulations.

Once enacted, the statutory register is expected to help develop and promote a culture of competence, good practice and compliance with building regulations. The new measures will also address shadow economic activity in the construction sector and ensure fairer competition for compliant operators.

Commenting on the legislation, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh OʼBrien said: “This legislation, promised under Housing for All, will help improve our housing system over the longer term.

Everyone should be confident in the knowledge that their homes are built to the highest standards and that any professional services they use are also of a certain standard. Likewise, companies and people buying or renting commercial buildings should be able to expect that they are built by service providers of a certain standard. This legislation will ensure that the construction sector operates to the highest standard and that people have confidence in its workforce and practices.

“This Government is taking firm action on the issue of housing defects and the legacies of poor construction design, workmanship and materials. It is something which has impacted so significantly on the lives of so many of our people. By driving regulation in the construction sector, the State will ensure the mistakes of the past are not repeated and we have a more sustainable housing system and construction sector in the future,” the Minister concluded.

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New National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022 – 2027 launched Strategy clearly sets out Governmentʼs vision for the delivery of housing and related support services for disabled people over the next 5 years New strategy places a greater emphasis on facilitating independent living and being included in the community The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OʼBrien TD; the Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, Peter Burke TD; and Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte TD, has launched the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022 - 2027.

The strategy sets out the governmentʼs vision for delivering housing and related supports for disabled people and has been developed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

It replaces the National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability 2011 – 2016 (extended to 2021).

The new strategy places a greater emphasis on independent living and community inclusion than the previous strategy. Implementation of the plan will be based on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The government has revised the structures that oversee and implement the strategy to make the delivery of housing and related supports for disabled people more effective and appropriate to their needs.

Developed under the guiding principles of Housing for All , the governmentʼs national plan for housing to 2030, the strategy seeks to facilitate disabled people to live independently with the appropriate choices and control over where, how and with whom they live.

The strategy places an emphasis on disabled people having choice and control over their living arrangements.

It demonstrates the governmentʼs commitment to providing equal access to housing for all.

Providing more equal access to housing for disabled people with integrated support services promotes their inclusion in the community, fulfilling a key Housing for All commitment.

A key element is a focus on co-ordinating provision of housing for disabled people with the social supports provided through HSE-funded disability services.

The National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022 – 2027 is the result of a comprehensive 8-month, 2 phase consultation process and is laid out across 6 themes, each detailing desired outcomes to deliver the overall vision set out in the plan: **1 – Accessible housing and communities 2 – Interagency collaboration and the provision of uupports 3 – Affordability of housing 4 – Communication and access to information 5 – Knowledge, capacity, and expertise 6 – Strategy alignment **

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Work has now begun on the very important Implementation Plan for the Strategy.

The Housing Agency will oversee this work. The Implementation Plan will be published by the end of quarter 2, 2022 detailing how outcomes will be achieved.

Commenting, Minister OʼBrien said: “This new National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022-2027 sets out our joint vision for the delivery of housing and support services for the next five years. The overall aim of the overarching Housing for All plan is that everyone in the State should have access to a home to purchase or rent at an affordable price, built to a high standard and in the right place, offering a high quality of life. This strategy underlines the Governmentʼs vision.

“Importantly, Housing and Disability Steering Groupsʼ will continue to have a key role as the forum for delivery of the strategyʼs outcomes at local level. These Steering Groups have been established in each local authority area and this Strategy maps out the pathway for them to refresh and renew their role and focus with disabled people at the centre. I have no doubt this will lead to a more integrated and strategic response to the needs of people with a disability at local level.”

“I look forward to working collaboratively with my government colleagues and delivery partners across the sector in making the vision of this strategy a reality.”

Also commenting on the Strategy, Minister Burke stated: “The preparation of this new National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022-2027 has been led by the lived experience of people with a disability and those supporting them. Drawing on the knowledge and insight of individuals who experience disability, their representative groups and those who work to provide services, the strategy contains a vision to bring about practical and lasting change. I hope that this change will make a compelling difference to housing and accommodation provision for people with a disability across our country.

“I want to acknowledge the key role that local authorities have played. As housing authorities, their role is pivotal in ensuring that the strategy is implemented at local level where it matters most for the citizen.

“Our goal is for Ireland to be a better place for disabled people to live in, to access the right kind of housing or accommodation, a place where those with a disability have choices and play a central role in relation to matters and decisions that affect their lives. It should be a country where every disabled person is supported to live independently, participate fully in our society, and enjoy a quality of life on a par with the rest of the population. This strategy sets our course for housing to play its part in achieving that.”

Welcoming the Strategy, Minister Rabbitte said: “I warmly welcome the publication of the new National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022-2027. This governmentʼs philosophy is ʻHousing for Allʼ, which means that our housing provision must be inclusive of people with disabilities. I am particularly pleased to see the important emphasis on Universal Design in this strategy.

“I am delighted that this strategy has very much been informed by the input of disabled people who took part in the public consultation process, and I want to thank the Housing Agency for facilitating their involvement.

“A central tenet of this Housing Strategy for People with Disabilities is to coordinate and align housing provision with the delivery of health and social care supports. I look forward to working with my colleagues in government, and with the HSE to drive forward the practical implementation of this approach.

“The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is a key framework for how we support disabled people in Ireland and is central to how government has approached this Strategy. I believe this Strategy helps progress our commitmentunder the UNCRPD to facilitate disabled people to live independently and as part of the community.”

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Works progress with new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant for Arklow

Irish Water, in partnership with Wicklow County Council, continues to progress works on a new state-of-theart wastewater treatment plant in Arklow, a landmark project that will provide wastewater treatment for the first time for the area. When completed, the treatment plant will bring significant benefits to the local community in terms of protecting the environment and improving water quality in the River Avoca for angling, water sports and marine life. It will also act as an enabler for housing and support economic growth and development in the town.

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Irish Water commenced works in September 2021 and has fully completed the demolition of the old Wallboard Factory as well as undertaking site investigation works and diversions at a number of locations on the North Quays. One tunnel shaft has also been sunk in the North Quay area. As part of the next phase of works, a number of traffic management measures will be in place in the North Quay area from today, Tuesday, 4 January 2022 for 3 months with diversion routes clearly signposted. A single lane closure will be in place on the North Quay Road outside the Bridgewater Shopping Centre. Entry to the Bridgewater Shopping Centre/Aldi will remain open as normal.

Traffic leaving the Bridgewater area will exit via a new temporary link road connecting Mill Road to Seaview Avenue. A temporary traffic light system will be in place at the junction of Seaview Avenue and Ferrybank. A temporary road closure will also be in place on a section of the North Quay Road and will extend from the entrance of the Arklow Marina Village to the T-junction at North Quay and Mill Road. Local access will be maintained to the residents of North Quay Road. Irish Water and Wicklow County Council would like to thank all businesses and residents for their continued cooperation during these essential works and regret any inconvenience caused. Irish Water is adhering to government and HSE guidance and in compliance with COVID-19 controls to deliver this project.

Speaking about the works, Michael Tinsley, Portfolio Delivery Manager with Irish Water, said “We are delighted to announce that works on this essential project are progressing well and we look forward to starting 2022 with the next phase of works. Eliminating the discharge of untreated wastewater into the River Avoca has always been a priority for Irish Water and we are committed to ending this current practice and safeguarding water quality in the river and marine environment.

On the benefits to the local community, Michael added, “The new wastewater treatment plant will have significant benefits for both residents and businesses as well as tourists that visit the area as it will improve the water quality in the River Avoca and enable future economic growth. We will continue to work closely with the local community and on behalf of Irish Water, I would like to thank businesses and residents for their ongoing support and cooperation as we progress this vital project”.

The project, which is being carried out by Ward and Burke Water Limited on behalf of Irish Water, represents an investment of €139 million and includes the development of a new, state of the art, wastewater treatment plant that has been designed to provide an ultimate treatment capacity for a PE (population equivalent) of up to 36,000, at the Old Wallboard Factory site located at Ferrybank in Arklow, two interceptor sewer pipelines (along North and South Quay) to bring untreated wastewater to the proposed plant and a marine sea outfall pipe to safely discharge the treated wastewater effluent to the Irish Sea. This project marks another major milestone in Irish Waterʼs work to end the unacceptable practice of discharging untreated sewage into our waterways and sea. More than half of all the raw sewage discharges have been eliminated since the establishment of Irish Water in 2014 and Arklow is the largest remaining town without treatment. The commencement of this project and the progress made throughout 2021 and next means that we are on track to eliminate the vast majority of raw sewage discharges by 2025. For more information, visit our Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant project page.

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

Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.

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Upgrades to the wastewater network due to begin in Sallins Irish Water, working in partnership with Kildare County Council, is progressing the delivery of the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme to safeguard the environment and support economic and social development in towns across Kildare. Sallins, Clane, Naas, Newbridge and Kill were served by a wastewater network which was no longer fit for purpose, leading to overflows and flooding during storms. Irish Water is investing over €38 million to solve the problem and to provide additional capacity to support the building of houses, schools, attract new industry and allow companies to expand and grow.

A significant amount of work has already been completed in Clane, Naas and Newbridge which included the construction of over 3km of new wastewater network between Clane and Sallins. The next phase of works is scheduled to begin in Sallins on Monday 10 January 2022 and involves the construction of new wastewater network in a number of areas. To minimise the impact to local businesses and residents, the works will be completed in phases and traffic management will be in place. Phase 1 will begin on Monday 10 January and is scheduled to be completed by 23 January, with Phase 2 beginning on 24 January and scheduled for completion on 13th February and phase 3 beginning on 14th February 2022 and scheduled for completion on 6 March. The Irish Water project team will continue to update local businesses and the community ahead of these works.

Diversion routes will be clearly signposted as agreed with Kildare County Council and An Garda Síochána.

Where possible, emergency access and restricted local access will be maintained, including access to local businesses. Irish Water is adhering to government and HSE guidance on COVID-19 to deliver this essential project. Irish Water and Kildare County Council apologise for any inconvenience these necessary works may cause.

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 surrounding areas with the infrastructure needed to support the building of houses, schools, attract new industry and allow companies to expand and grow.”

This project forms part of a significant €38 million investment in the wastewater network in Kildare that involves laying 18km of new sewers to improve the wastewater network in Kildare and safeguard the environment. The 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.

Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.

For further information on this project and associated works, please visit our Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme project page.

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Work continues to progress the Mallow Sewerage Network Upgrade

Irish Water, working in partnership with Cork County Council, is progressing with upgrades to the sewer network in Mallow, Co. Cork. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2023 and involves upgrading the sewer network through the removal of nine combined sewer overflows and constructing 5.5km of new sewers.

Speaking about the project, Eunan Canavan from Irish Water said “Once completed, this project will improve water quality in the River Blackwater and benefit homes and businesses in Mallow and the surrounding area.

“To construct a new section of pipeline on Quartertown Road (R619), we will need to close a section of the road, from the junction of Blackrock Park to Blackwater Drive. We aim to have the works completed in approximately 3 weeks from the 4th to the 22nd of January. During this time, traffic diversion routes will be via R638 (Meritʼs Corner), R620 and N20. Local access will be maintained throughout the road closure. Further road closures will also be required at a later date to complete other sections of pipelines, details of which will be advised in advance.

“We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause as we progress the upgrading of the Mallow sewerage network.”

Irish Water is also continuing to progress the upgrade works on Mallow Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) which is outdated and overloaded.

As part of this €20 million project, Irish Water is upgrading the Mallow WWTP, and constructing a new pumping station and stormwater holding tank at Mallow Bridge. Once completed, this project will increase the capacity at the plant and resolve overloading to benefit homes and businesses in Mallow and the surrounding area. It will also support social and economic development of Mallow.

Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.

For updates, please visit www.water.ie/mallow

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Contract signed to build major new reservoir in Enfield Irish Water, working in partnership with Meath County Council, is delighted to announce that it has signed the construction contract to build a new, treated water storage reservoir for Enfield.

This important project will help provide a safer, more reliable water supply for homes and businesses in the area.

When completed, the new, covered reservoir will have the capacity to store 300,000 litres of treated drinking water supplied from Enfield Water Treatment Plant, delivering up to an additional 8 hours of water supply in the event of an interruption at the treatment plant. This will provide increased resilience on the network and significantly reduce the impact of unplanned outages on customers.

Irish Water is investing €1.5m in this exciting new project which will involve the construction of a new 300,000 litre covered, treated water storage reservoir at Enfield Water Treatment Plant, a new pumping station to pump treated water into the supply and the construction of associated pipelines on site to connect to the new reservoir.

Commenting on the project, Ivan Corcoran, Asset Delivery Regional Lead with Irish Water said: “We are looking forward to delivering this much needed water storage reservoir for the people of Enfield. The new reservoir will store 300,000 litres of treated drinking water supplied from Enfield Water Treatment Plant and provide a more secure water supply for homes and businesses in the event of planned or unplanned disruptions at the treatment plant.”

Paul Kelly, Senior Executive Engineer, Meath County Council Water Services, added: “This is an important project for Enfield. The investment in local water infrastructure will see the construction of a new treated water storage reservoir benefitting homes and businesses across Enfield by creating a safer, more reliable water supply. Irish Water and Meath County Council are continuing to work to minimise any further disruptions impacting customers.”

Construction works will begin in Q1 2022 and are expected to be completed in Q3 2022. The contract has been awarded to Coffey Water Ltd who will deliver this project on behalf of Irish Water. A further update will be provided as the project progresses.

Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support growth in our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.

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

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Irish Water marks major milestone in the upgrade of the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant Irish Water has marked a milestone in its landmark project to upgrade Dublinʼs wastewater infrastructure that will support future housing and economic development, while protecting the environment of Dublin Bay. The largest wastewater treatment plant in Ireland at Ringsend is currently undergoing a massive upgrade which will deliver, on a phased basis, the capacity to treat the wastewater for a population equivalent of 2.4 million by 2025. This week marked the completion of the first phase of that project, with the commencement of operation of a new 400,000 population equivalent treatment facility.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OʼBrien, today visited the Plant in the company of Irish Waterʼs Managing Director Niall Gleeson to view the progress of the works being carried out.

Niall Gleeson, Irish Waterʼs Managing Director, said, “The upgrade of the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant is essential in order to support future housing and commercial development in the Greater Dublin Area while also protecting the marine environment in the Liffey Estuary and Dublin Bay. This represents an overall investment of €500 million in the cityʼs wastewater infrastructure that will ultimately facilitate sustainable growth into the coming decade and beyond.

“Ringsend has been treating Dublinʼs wastewater for over a century and is Irelandʼs largest wastewater treatment plant, treating 40% of the public wastewater load of the State. There are many complexities and challenges in delivering a project of this scale, not least the necessity to maintain the normal operation of the plant throughout the upgrade works. We are making very good progress thanks to the co-operation and support of our project teams, contractors and local authority partners. And we are confident that we are on track to deliver this key piece of infrastructure on time and on budget for the benefit of all the people living in the Greater Dublin Area.”

Speaking during his visit to the plant, Minister OʼBrien said: “I am delighted to see the progress being made in upgrading Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant. This is a critical piece of infrastructure to enable our capital city to grow and thrive while protecting water quality in Dublin Bay. Investment in water and wastewater services will support the delivery of housing and wider economic and social development, in line with the objectives of Housing for All, our new Plan for Housing in Ireland.”

There are four key elements to the upgrade project: 1. Provision of additional secondary treatment capacity with nutrient reduction (400,000 population equivalent); Commenced operation in November 2021 2. Upgrade of the 24 existing secondary treatment tanks to provide additional capacity; 3. Provision of a new phosphorous recovery facility; and 4. Expansion of the plantʼs sludge treatment facilities.

The Capacity Upgrade facility began accepting flows for treatment last month (November 2021). This facility will enable current treatment levels to be maintained during the remainder of the upgrade of the existing secondary treatment tanks.

Works are proceeding on the upgrade of the 24 existing secondary treatment tanks to provide additional capacity and nutrient reduction. The addition of Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) technology to the existing secondary treatment tanks will allow more wastewater to be treated to a higher standard. AGS is an advanced nutrient removal technology. This will bring benefits for water quality in the River Liffey Estuary and the nutrientsensitive Dublin Bay area.

Irish Water is also continuing to make good progress on the delivery of the new phosphorous recovery facility, and with the expansion of the plantʼs sludge treatment facilities.

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Irish Water has recently invested approximately €26 million in upgrading wastewater treatment plants throughout Sligo

As 2021 draws to a close, Irish Water is proud to announce the completion of a further two wastewater treatment plant upgrades to support development in Co Sligo.

Irish Water has recently invested approximately €26 million in upgrading wastewater treatment plants throughout Sligo including Grange, Strandhill, Tubbercurry, Ballinafad and most recently at Collooney and Ballymote.

Not only will this latest investment provide additional capacity at Collooney and Ballymote wastewater treatment plants, but it will also help safeguard the Owenmore River, which is renowned home for salmon and trout spawning and nursery habitats and forms part of the Unshin Special Area of Conservation.

Working in partnership with Sligo County Council, this project provides the necessary infrastructure required to treat wastewater to the highest standards required ensuring compliance with European and Irish wastewater treatment legislation.

Outlining the benefits of the works, Irish Waterʼs Colm Claffey, Regional Delivery Lead explains how the completion of this project, is another step in improving Sligoʼs wastewater treatment infrastructure.

“The importance of upgrading the wastewater treatment facilities at Collooney and Ballymote cannot be underestimated. These works will significantly increase the amount of wastewater that can now be treated at these locations, in line with legislation while supporting economic, social development and tourism in the area.

“This overall investment will ensure that current and future wastewater treatment demand can be achieved as Collooney and Ballymote continues to grow, while protecting the Owenmore River. The upgraded plants have the capacity to treat wastewater for approximately 3,100 population equivalent (PE) in Collooney and 3,500 PE in Ballymote in compliance with EU Directives and wastewater regulations.”

Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.

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Waterford communities see the benefits from Irish Waterʼs progress in improving wastewater infrastructure

60% of Irelandʼs raw sewage discharges now eliminated; 93% of treatment plants compliant with Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive; 10 wastewater treatment plants built or upgraded in 2020 14 new wastewater treatment plants starting construction in 2021 and eight in 2022 Irish Waterʼs consistent progress in upgrading wastewater treatment and eliminating the discharge of raw sewage to Irelandʼs rivers, lakes and coastal areas is benefiting communities and enhancing the environment throughout Ireland.

In Waterford, investment in wastewater infrastructure in Lismore, Ardmore, Ballyduff/Kilmeadan, Cappoquin, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Stradbally and Tallow has led to improvements in water quality, while also supporting housing and economic development in these areas.

The latest EPA Urban Wastewater Treatment Report, published today, shows the progress being made, while also highlighting the need for continued investment in our essential wastewater services.

In the last six years, Irish Water has prioritised areas where it can support housing and development and have the greatest environmental impact, particularly in locations where raw sewage was discharging into our rivers and seas.

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Over 60% of raw sewage discharges have been eliminated since 2015 – and replaced with treatment capacity for the equivalent of 120,000 people. As a result of the targeted investment in wastewater infrastructure, communities around Ireland are now reaping the rewards of a cleaner environment, safer bathing waters and greater opportunities for the development of new homes, businesses and tourism.

To date new wastewater treatment plants have been built in 17 locations where raw sewage had been discharged into the sea for decades. By the end of this year construction will have started in an additional 14 locations, with a further eight projects due to get underway next year and the remaining nine from 2023 onwards. This means that the majority of raw sewage discharges are on track to be removed by the end of 2025.

Nationally, the majority of all raw sewage discharges are on track to be removed by the end of 2025.

In addition to ending the discharge of raw sewage by building infrastructure where none previously existed, Irish Water has also been continuing with its programme of upgrading existing wastewater treatment plants and networks in towns and villages throughout Ireland. In 2020, a total of 10 wastewater treatment plants were built or upgraded (two built and eight upgraded), directly benefiting the equivalent of over 20,000 people in these communities while also protecting our wider environment. The number of plants on the Environmental Protection Agencyʼs Priority Action List is also continuing to fall, currently down to 97 from 148 in 2017.

In Waterford, upgrades of the wastewater treatment plant/network in Lismore, Ardmore, Ballyduff/Kilmeadan, Cappoquin, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Stradbally and Tallow have improved water quality and supported the development of new housing, tourism and businesses in these areas, including seaside towns with busy tourist trades and popular fishing locations.

Margaret Attridge, Regional Operations Manager at Irish Water, commented: “Having a modern, sustainable and functional wastewater network is critical in order to protect our environment and to support housing and economic growth in the years ahead. Irish Water is working closely with the EPA and our other partners, including local authorities, to ensure this can be delivered in the most efficient and sustainable way through the use of cutting-edge technologies, science and engineering expertise, and meaningful engagement with local communities around Ireland.

“There is no doubt that challenges remain. Much of the infrastructure for safely collecting and treating wastewater around the country has suffered from decades of under-investment. But Irish Water has a plan in place to address these deficiencies and we are making real progress. Continued investment will be required in the coming years to build a modern, fit-for-purpose wastewater network but we are confident that we are on track to achieving that aim.”

One of the key priorities in Irish Water is compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. Due to the work undertaken to address long-standing issues with many wastewater treatment plants, the compliance rates have increased from 71% in 2014 to 93% in 2020.

The largest remaining location that is not compliant with the Directive is Ringsend, which treats 44% of the countryʼs wastewater load. To address this, Irish Water is investing over €500 million in the staged upgrading of Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant. This major upgrade, which is now underway, will allow the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant to treat the increasing volumes of wastewater arriving at the plant to the required standard, enabling future housing and commercial development. The project will deliver, on a phased basis, the capacity to treat the wastewater for a population equivalent of 2.4 million while achieving the standards of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.

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