Local Authority News - Vol. 41. No. 4

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• Construction begins on new €7m 7m Ferrybank Pump Station at former Dunlop site • Almost 600 new social homes to be delivered in Cork, Kildare, Monaghan, Sligo and Wicklow • Over €1.273 1.273 billion set to be invested across Cork County under the Council’s Capital Programme

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CONTENTS 41 No. 4

FEATURES

Published by:

GILTRON LTD RIVERVIEW LODGE, DUBLIN ROAD, NAVAN, CO. MEATH. Tel: 00353 46 9072841 Email: info@localauthoritynews.ie Website: www.localauthoritynews.ie

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

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

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON NEW €7M FERRYBANK PUMP STATION AT FORMER DUNLOP SITE

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BAM APPOINTED AS CONTRACTOR FOR NORTH QUAYS PROJECT

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LAUNCH OF MID EAST ENERGY UNIT

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KINDER TO THE BANK BALANCE AS WELL AS THE ENVIRONMENT (FIREBIRD)

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OVER €1.273 BILLION SET TO BE INVESTED ACROSS CORK COUNTY UNDER THE COUNCIL’S CAPITAL PROGRAMME

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ALMOST 600 NEW SOCIAL HOMES TO BE DELIVERED IN CORK, KILDARE, MONAGHAN, SLIGO AND WICKLOW

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GRANT ENGINEERING INVESTS €13 MILLION IN NEW UK FACILITY

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A STEP FORWARD FOR ZERO WASTE GALVANIZERS

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THE DISCREET DRAINAGE SOLUTION AT THE BREWHOUSE (GALCO)

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PIPELIFE ECO - IRELAND’S #1 SUPPLIER OF ECO HEATING SOLUTIONS

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BREEDON GROUP APPOINTS PAT GILROY AS MANAGING DIRECTOR TO HEAD UP IT’S IRELAND OPERATION

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YOUR NEW YEARS COMMUNICATIONS RESOLUTION (IP TELECOM)

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OFFICIAL OPENING OF A REVAMPED PLAYGROUND AND THE RAISING OF THE GREEN FLAG HERE AT SEAN WALSH PARK. 25 IRISH CEMENT CELEBRATES 85 YEARS MAKING HIGH QUALITY CEMENT

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MOUNTVIEW WINS AT ALL-IRELAND PRIDE OF PLACE COMMUNITY AWARDS

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NEW BELOW GROUND GREEN SEAL INNOVATION FROM WAVIN WIDENS CHOICE AND ADDS TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 28

REGULARS IRISH WATER UPDATES

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CLASSIFIEDS

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Construction begins on new €7m Ferrybank Pump Station at former Dunlop site Waterford City and County Council and Irish Water have commenced construction on a new pump station in Ferrybank to improve the overall wastewater infrastructure. The project represents a further step in the continued delivery of improvements to the wastewater network in Ferrybank.

Funded by Irish Water, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Governmentʼs Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), NTA and Waterford City and County Council, the project will see the upgraded station replace the existing pump station and be located to the former Dunlop site, which now forms an integral part of the North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ).

Pictured l-r: John Quigley, Roughan & OʼDonovan (Consulting Engineers); Sean Ryan, Nicholas OʼDwyer Ltd (Consulting Engineers); Paul Daly, Roughan & OʼDonovan (Consulting Engineers); Micheal Quinn, WCCC; Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John OʼLeary; Joe Furlong WCCC; Maurice Feehan, Irish Water; Cecily Johnston, WCCC & Peter Keane, WCCC. Pic Patrick Browne

The new pump station will have expanded storage to significantly reduce the frequency of sewage overflows into the River Suir during wet weather events, improve wastewater capacity in the Ferrybank catchment area, and meet all environmental standards for discharge of sewage overflows.

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The existing Ferrybank pump station occupies a small but central part of the Waterford North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). This is an eight-hectare site pivotally located in the centre of the regionʼs City and designated as a SDZ in 2016. The site had remained derelict for decades and hindered the integration, attractiveness, and sustainable development of the City Centre and consequently the surrounding area.

However, the decommissioning of this station and the construction of an improved facility will allow for the development of a derelict City Centre Strategic site.

Commenting on the upgrade, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John OʼLeary said, “This investment in a new pumping station in Ferrybank will have far-reaching benefits to the catchment area. Sewage overflows will be exponentially decreased which will undoubtedly be welcomed by the local community.

“The implementation of much improved wastewater infrastructure will improve flood protection, reduce the sites carbon footprint and facilitate future development as the catchment area grows.”

Lisa Cogan from Irish Water said, “We are delighted to be making progress on this essential wastewater improvement project in Ferrybank and as a result of the collaborative works between Irish Water and Waterford City and County Council, the local community will see the benefits for years to come in terms of health, integrity of the environment and improved water quality for all.

“The construction of the pumping station and new wastewater pipes will ensure wastewater infrastructure capacity can meet future demand and support social and economic development in the Ferrybank area.”

Upon completion the project will reduce the risk of sewer overflow with the catchment, improve the separation of foul and surface water networks, enhance the water quality of the River Suir though improved foul water storage and reduced overflows and ensure compliance with the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directives.

David Walsh Civil Engineering is the main contractor on the project, with Consultant Engineers from Nicholas OʼDwyer Consulting Engineers, and Roughan & OʼDonovan Consulting Engineers. Works are expected to be completed by December 2023.

Earlier this month, the Government gave approval for €170.6m of investment in the Waterford North Quays Infrastructure Project.

The transformative project will create a sustainable modern mixed-use development that will harness and extend Waterfordʼs city centre, whilst reinstating the primacy of the river by creating a compact and vibrant core centred on the River Suir. The funding announced will deliver the public infrastructure that will serve both the SDZ site and the public, including enhanced multi-modal access routes, an integrated transport hub and the sustainable transport bridge.

The infrastructure will enable the commercial development on the SDZ Site, which will include offices, residential, retail, accommodation, and tourism investment in conference/exhibition facilities, as well as a 4star hotel and visitorʼs centre.

While elements of the project will have important transport and socio-economic benefits, the main objective is to leverage further investment in Waterford City and the region, by attracting indigenous and multinational companies and the retail and tourism sectors. The development of the North Quays as a modern multipurpose development on the North site of the city will increase employment, provide much needed high quality residential units, enhance the retail offer and build on Waterfordʼs reputation as the Best Place to Live in Ireland.

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BAM appointed as contractor for North Quays project Waterford City and County Council has awarded the contract for the construction of the North Quays Infrastructure project to BAM. Waterford City and County Council and BAM entered into contract for the construction of the new integrated transport hub and sustainable transport bridge as well as enhanced multi-modal access infrastructure.

Earlier this month the Government approved €170.6m investment to facilitate access to the North Quays Strategic Development Zone.

The funding announced will deliver the public infrastructure that will serve both the SDZ site and the public, with works on site expected to commence in early 2023 and be completed in 2025.

The construction of the North Quays infrastructure is expected to create 200 jobs.

Mayor Of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John Oʼ Leary said, “This is an exciting day for Waterford and the Front row l-r: Michael Walsh, WCCC; John Lucey, BAM; Mayor of Waterford City and region. Itʼs a day that we are County, Cllr. John OʼLeary; Mark Phelan, BAM another step closer to realising the Back row: Michael Quinn, WCCC; David Meagher, BAM; Peter Keane, WCCC; Paul Daly, Roughan & OʼDonovan; Antoin Cummins, BAM; Sean Dobbs, WCCC vision of the North Quays Pic Patrick Browne development.

“We are very much looking forward to collaborating with a contractor of BAMs calibre in the delivery of a transformative project that will copper-fasten Waterfordʼs economic, tourism and sustainable development, by creating a compact and vibrant core centred on the river.”

Waterfordʼs new state of the art Transport Hub will be unique in Ireland and will put Waterford at the forefront of integrated city centre transport infrastructure, with train, bus, taxi, cycling and car parking all in one location.

The North Quays will be connected to the heart of the city centre by a new sustainable transport bridge for pedestrians, bicycles, and a courtesy bus service.

Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director, BAM Ireland commented, “BAM is delighted to be awarded the contract for this transformative infrastructure scheme for the people of Waterford.

“Our team looks forward to delivering these works which will have a lasting positive impact on the city and environs, enhancing sustainable connectivity and public amenities for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”

The overall public infrastructure project also includes contracts for enabling and ancillary works which are either complete, ongoing or in development. These works include demolition, site clearance, utility diversions, rock slope stabilisation, drainage & flood defence works, and footpath widening.

The infrastructure will enable the commercial development on the SDZ Site, which will include offices, residential, retail, accommodation, and tourism investment in conference/exhibition facilities, as well as a 4star hotel and visitorʼs centre.

The commercial development of the site will be carried out by Harcourt Developments, a Dublin-based property development and management company with a broad portfolio of award-winning projects, including Belfastʼs Titanic Quarter, Park West Plaza and numerous shopping centres throughout the country.

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Launch of Mid East Energy Unit

Pictured at the launch was Cathaoirleach Cllr. Nick Killian with CEO of Wicklow County Council Brian Gleeson and Director of Service Dara McGowan.

The three local authorities of Wicklow, Meath, and Kildare County Councils have come together to address their combined climate mitigation ambitions through the formation of the Mid East Energy Unit.

The establishment of the Mid East Energy Unit will provide a platform for the three local authorities to work collaboratively to bring about measurable climate action mitigation, encourage a culture of energy saving and carbon reduction in the region and, with the SEAI, to provide support services for energy management, awareness, auditing, opportunity identification, and project development and delivery in the region.

Speaking at the launch in County Buildings, Cllr Tommy Annesley, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, stated that: “The Energy Unit will progress and deliver agreed public sector energy efficiency and carbon reduction projects in the region of the three Local Authorities. These projects will demonstrate best practice, build capacity for the three local authorities and allow for scalable models for future projects.”

Mr Brian Gleeson, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council, also acknowledged the work of the Eastern and Midland Climate Action Regional Office who collaborated with the three local authorities and the SEAI in driving this initiative, emphasised that Climate Action “needs to be a whole of organisation effort and in coming together as a region, the potential to effect even greater change is further enhanced.”

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Kinder to the Bank Balance as well as the Environment!

As we all look toward savings on outgoings as we come into winter, boiler efficiency is high on the list for consumers, installers, and the industry as a whole.

In the past, the boilers used in our homes typically had an efficiency of 60%, resulting in 40% of their energy being lost. Some of these older standard efficiency boilers are still in use in homes today.

Over the past number of years Firebird, manufacturer of highperformance heating solutions, has dedicated significant resources and invested heavily in developing products with increased fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and which use more renewable and sustainable fuel sources.

Thanks to this drive towards innovation, Firebird now has the most efficient condensing oil boiler on the market at 97.5% efficiency and NOx emissions as low as 60mg/kWhr, half the EU limits.

Research from The Sutherland Tables September 2022 findings*, shows that by upgrading from a standard efficiency boiler in a house built in the 1980ʼs to a high efficiency condensing boiler, the average savings on heating bills can be as much as €1,300 per year.

As one recent Firebird Trustpilot reviewer stated “My oil doesn't go down as quick and it gets hotter quicker".

These savings would help to alleviate the current pressure on households and businesses which have seen home heating oil almost double in price. Plus, by using less oil, these boilers are much kinder to the environment, as well as to the bank balance!

Firebirdʼs boilers are also fully compatible with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). A viable and sustainable drop-in replacement to Kerosene, HVO is fossil free and can reduce household emissions by up to 90%.

Leading the charge in innovation, Firebird has trialled and tested HVO in Ireland and the UK to prove that it can be implemented almost immediately. The conversion requires little or no modification to existing home heating systems - no significant investment beyond a small conversion cost, (approx. €400) to upgrade to a Firebird by Elco HVO burner.

Mark Doyle, General Manager with Firebird explained how the introduction of HVO for household and commercial boilers would be an instant game-changer for home heating.

“There are 1.5 million or so homes with existing liquid fuel boilers in Ireland with few other choices available for homeowners to adopt cleaner, greener heat solutions.” he stated.

“HVO can work with any liquid fuel boiler and if used in homes, can potentially make these homes almost carbon neutral immediately. Our trials of HVO for home heating in Ireland have proven how household greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by 90% with CO2 emissions decreasing by up to six tonnes annually, per home.”

Mark Doyle added: “We at Firebird passionately believe that we all have a part to play to reduce carbon emissions and we believe HVO is not the future, itʼs the “now”. We are continuing to innovate and drive more sustainable heating solutions that help homeowners reduce their carbon footprint and future-proof their homes.

Our responsibility to our customers and the environment are the key drivers behind everything we do.”

Firebirdʼs manufacturing site in Ireland and offices in England and Northern Ireland are already fuelled by HVO and the benefits can be seen every day.

F or mor e i nfor mat io n visit www.f ireb ird .ie

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Over €1.273 billion set to be invested across Cork County under the Councilʼs Capital Programme Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Danny Collins and Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey have warmly welcomed todayʼs approval for the Councilʼs Capital Programme. The Councilʼs annual budget for 2023 was approved at €403 million while the Capital Programme, which provides funding for large scale projects, which will see over €1.273 billion invested from 2023 to 2025 across the county.

Housing will account for 45% of the Councilʼs Capital Programme. Over €578m has been allocated toward providing 17 turnkey housing schemes, 30 housing construction schemes, 9 affordable housing schemes, cost rental construction scheme, CALF and CAS schemes, housing stock repairs and energy efficiency upgrades.

The Councilʼs role in addressing the challenges of Climate Change also features strongly with over €484m allocated in support of the Councilʼs Climate Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 and the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021. Projects such as the Public Lighting Retrofitting, €54m, the investment in active travel and connectivity, €117.5m, Council Fleet upgrade, €16m and energy efficiency measures such as swimming pools, building retrofits and sustainable transport measures have also been identified.

As the largest geographical county with a road network of over 12,000km, €454m on Roads Infrastructure is proposed for the period 2023-2025. This includes the delivery of National Roads Projects with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, upgrades and improvement on regional and local roads, fleet investment and car park supply and improvement. Cork County Council is also the Lead Authority for the Public Lighting Unit with responsibility for a major retrofit of Local Authority public lighting with high efficiency LED lanterns in 5 authorities in the southern region. Active travel and connectivity within the countyʼs towns and villages remains a high priority with a potential investment of €60.1m for greenways, cycle corridors and other active travel schemes. Additional active travel improvements will allow for better access to local amenities and links to public transport including €9.1m for Safe Routes to Schools.

In welcome such major investments, Mayor Collins highlighted how, “ While our key strategic priorities have been identified, the Councilʼs Capital Programme further investment of €215m includes many diverse capital projects which Council aims to deliver in our towns and villages to support community, economic and social development, such as the redevelopment of the public realm in our town centres, a potential investment of approximately €91m together with a further investment of €65m in recreation and amenity, including €23m in new walkways and greenways showing the Countyʼs commitment to ensuring the sustainability of our villages and towns.”

Some other key highlights include an investment of €22m for the extension and improvement of libraries across the County including Kinsale, Macroom, Midleton and Youghal. The Capital Programme also prioritises the development tourist attractions throughout Cork County through a capital investment of €7.89m with more than €1.5m set for investment for the introduction of new connected hubs in Mitchelstown, Cobh and Newmarket to facilitate the ability of residents to work remotely in these communities. The 2023-2025 Programme sets over €26m for Flood Relief Projects and Coastal Protection Schemes. There are proposed projects all along the coastline including Ballycotton, Kinsale and Glengariff, which include, Extension/repairs to existing coastal infrastructure, Harbour dredging and Lighthouse works.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey said, “This Capital programme is a fundamental part of Cork County Councilʼs vision, aligning with the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028. It is a programme of ambition and positivity demonstrating the commitment of Cork County Council to deliver the very highest levels of service across the county. As a Council we look forward to delivering on these programmes and continuing to build across our activity levels.”

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

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Almost 600 new social homes to be delivered in Cork, Kildare, Monaghan, Sligo and Wicklow The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OʼBrien, has welcomed the launch of a further bundle of projects under the social housing Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme, Bundle 6.

This launch builds on the successful social housing PPP programme being delivered by the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and relevant local authorities.

Significant progress has been made to date under the programme including: • Bundle 1 - 534 homes were delivered across six sites in Dublin, Kildare, Louth and Wicklow in 2020 and 2021 • Bundle 2 - 465 homes were delivered across eight sites in Cork, Clare, Galway, Kildare, Roscommon and Waterford in 2021 • Bundle 3 - 486 new homes will be delivered across six sites in Dublin, Kildare, Sligo and Wicklow with planning completed on all sites. The tender process for this project has recently commenced • Bundles 4 and 5 - circa 1,600 new homes will be delivered across 18 sites in Dublin, Kildare, Louth and Wicklow and design development is due to commence shortly Bundle 6, being announced, is expected to deliver almost 600 new social homes across nine sites in Cork, Kildare, Monaghan, Sligo and Wicklow. Welcoming todayʼs new phase of social housing, Minister OʼBrien said: “This government, through Housing for All, is committed to increasing the supply of social housing to an average of 10,000 social homes per annum between 2022 and 2030. There is a specific objective in Housing for All to increase the use of PPPs to deliver social housing, and more than 600 individuals and families will benefit from the latest social housing PPP bundle announced today.”

Work is ongoing to progress further phases under the programme and a call for suitable sites for future bundles of projects issued to all local authorities in November.

Minister OʼBrien added: “Cork County Council will act as the lead local authority for Bundle 6, and I want to commend them on their work to date. I had the pleasure of seeing first-hand some completed housing developments in County Cork last year which were progressed under Bundle 2 of the programme. The success of this initiative is evident from the high quality houses delivered under the programme so far, providing new homes for individuals and families.”

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GRANT ENGINEERING INVESTS €13 MILLION IN NEW UK FACILITY

Grant, Irelandʼs leading engineering company which specialises in the plumbing and heating industry, has announced the official opening of its new UK Head Office representing a capital investment of €13 million.

The opening of these facilities follows two years after Grant opened the doors of their €14 million state-of-theart expanded facilities featuring an R&D innovation centre in Birr, Co. Offaly. This latest investment is due to the continued growth and success of Grant within the sustainable heating sector and will help pave the way for further growth.

At over 80,000 sq ft., Grantʼs newest state-of-the-art facilities based in Swindon, Wiltshire are three times the size of the previous premises in Devizes, Wiltshire and offer additional office spaces and significantly increased on-site storage capacity while also enabling further development of Grant UKʼs Training Academy.

Speaking about the new facility, Stephen Grant, Founder, Grant Engineering said, “We launched our UK operation over 25 years ago and it has gone from strength to strength. As a company supplying award-winning heating products to homes throughout the globe, this investment reinforces our commitment to growth as we continue to expand and enhance the delivery of our sustainable heating technologies and services to customers.”

Dedicated to helping decarbonise home heating, Grant designs and manufactures a range of highly efficient and sustainable heating products including HVO biofuel compatible Vortex condensing boilers, Aerona3 R32 air to water, air source heat pumps, solar thermal panels and integrated pre-plumbed hot water cylinders. In recent years the company has diversified its offering to include heat emitters – Afinia aluminium radiators and Uflex underfloor heating.

For further information, please visit www.grant.eu

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A Step Forward for Zero Waste MAITE THIJSSEN / ZINK INFO BENELUX BEN NELUX

^ Granstand at Gramsb Gramsbergen bergen The reused grandstand had att SV Gramsbergen G b h d already seen decades of o use at another nearby club. c By reusing the existing saved grandstand, the club sa aved €

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> Dursley Treehouse Treehouse r Reuse of galvanized ste eel steel components was an im mportant important part of this private property. prope erty. The staircase was previouslyy used as a fire escape at a loc cal store local and the steel mesh flooring floo oring had already seen 20 years of o use in a local company company.. >> Garsington Opera Galvanized steel facilitates facilitattes annual construction and d deconstruction of the p avilion. pavilion.

CHARLES HOSEA PHOTOG PHOTOGRAPHY GRAPHY

STEPHEN WRIGHT

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A downloadable downloadabble copy of Galvanized Steel andd Sustainable Construction: Solutions for a circular Economy Econom my is available available at at www .galvanizzing.org.uk/circular-economy www.galvanizing.org.uk/circular-economy

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The Discreet Drainage Solution at the Brewhouse Brewhouse Building in Kilkenny is one of the most exciting developments at the former Smithwicks Brewery site in Kilkenny. Galco recommended a discreet drainage solution that harmoniously blends into the project.

The Brewhouse Building was designed in the Bauhaus style and constructed for the former Smithwickʼs Brewery in the early 1960s with extensions added over the following 30 years.

Its refurbishment and reuse represent the best principles in sustainable development and form a key link in the architectural and social history of the city.

The vision of the detailed masterplan and design adopted by Kilkenny County Council is for Abbey Quarter to seamlessly complement the medieval city as an inclusive place for an inter-generational community to work, live and play.

The Brewery, had been in operation for 300 years on the site and is now in line to be completely redeveloped into a new dynamic quarter within Kilkenny City. These buildings will include a mix of offices, residential, education and retail uses and will be delivered on a commercial basis.

– This project is the very essence of what the Urban Regeneration Development Fund was established to deliver – said at the project launch Eoghan Murphy, Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.

– It is a spend from the public purse levering private sector investment to deliver the redevelopment of a city centre brownfield site for mixed-use development.

Discreet Drainage Solution Mythen Construction as the main contractor took care of the implementation of the vision prepared by Reddy Architecture.

One of the recommendations was to use discreet channel drainage that will blend in nicely into new developments.

– The Recyfix Slotted Channels recommended by Galco was the best solution – says Billy Mythen of Mythen Construction. – Paverslot channel offers neat and discreet surface drainage for design-sensitive applications. The system harmoniously blends into the surface appearance, with only unobtrusive narrow lines visible.

The Recyfix channel body is manufactured from 100% recycled composite and fitted with a 105 mm asymmetrical slot grating, available in galvanized or stainless steel. Both gratings were successfully used on the Brewhouse project.

Benefits of The Slotted Channel • Integrated tongue and groove connection of channels and slot components enables ease of installation.

• Structural reinforcements under the grating and the material thickness (4 mm) provide a perfect balance between weight and stability.

• Withstand loads up to class D 400 according to EN 1433 • Asymmetrical duo slot available with a width of 2 x 6 mm • Connection to outlet pipes is possible from trash box and .channels (from the side or bottom).

• Access cover normally fitted on top of trash box but can also be fitted directly on channel base.

• Individual solutions: slotted components with modified neck height, crossbars in the slot and corner connections can be manufactured.

• High-quality and sustainable materials.

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Pipelife Eco - Irelandʼs #1 Supplier of Eco Heating Solutions www.pipelifeeco.ie Pipelife Eco is Irelandʼs leading designer and supplier of thousands of Home Heating Solutions each year. The Pipelife Eco team work with everyone from homeowners, contractors, architects & consulting engineers across the country in projects ranging from residential homes, offices, hospitals, nursing homes, to warehouses, car showrooms and other commercial & industrial buildings.

Pipelife has recently launched a new Home Heating Solutions website that outlines all the different heating options available to heat a home. The website explains in detailed 3D videos the different types of heating systems in the simplest way possible so homeowners and installers can make the most informed decision about the type of system that will work best for their needs.

Padjoe Barry, National Sales Manager, commented “Building a house can be quite daunting and within that the heating system that is chosen for a home is one of the most important investment decisions a homeowner will make. Heating your home represents the largest annual running cost you will have in ensuring your familyʼs comfort over many years. The heating system you choose and the supplier you choose to provide it are decisions that will impact on you for decades to come.”

The purpose of the website is to give homeowners but also installers a point of reference that they can send their customers to, to learn about the different heating systems available, the pitfalls to watch out for, the quality of all the components used in your heating solution is critical to its long successful operation and the recommended system the Pipelife would recommend.

At Pipelife Eco we believe in providing our customers with a one stop-shop for complete package solutions; from market-leading products, free initial advice, through to bespoke design, final commissioning, and technical support, allowing you to purchase with confidence.

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Multiple Package Solutions Design Service Pipelife has a team of Design Engineers ready to assist in the design, sale and installation of a variety of water/energy efficient systems. Our Renewables Division covers every aspect of underfloor heating and integrated renewables and deliver fully designed, energy efficient systems to a range of Installers, Developers, Builders, Engineers & Architects. We have a proven track record of 20 yearsʼ service and commitment to the industry backed by exceptionally trained staff and a dedicated technical backup service.

Whether youʼre building a new house, adding an extension or renovating your home, we can help you find the right system for your project As Underfloor Heating is now the most common method of heating homes in Ireland today it is important to note that the most critical component of an underfloor heating system is the pipework that will be buried in the concrete floor of your home. Once installed this pipework will be encased and inaccessible for the lifetime of your home. Any problems associated with this pipework would entail the floor of your home being dug up causing massive disruption.

It is critical that all components used, but especially the pipework, are top quality and fully backed by reputable manufacturers. Pipelife is the only supplier that manufactures itʼs own specialised underfloor heating pipe in Ireland. We offer our Guaranteed Irish Qual-Pex Plus+ ʻEasy-Layʼ Multilayer Pipe with a 50 year guarantee!

We provide full design indemnity insurance on all our heating solution systems so you can rest assured our system will deliver on what we promise, providing you with a home heating solution you can rely on for decades to come, safe in the knowledge we will always be there to support you if the need ever arises.

The nationwide Pipelife Eco team of experienced design and technical service engineers always provides complete support to installers to ensure successful completion of Pipelife ECO projects.

Pipelife is a company with annual revenues of €1bn a year. We operate in 28 countries and employ 3,000 employeeʼs in 28 manufacturing locations. Pipelife is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Wienerberger Group, with group revenues of over €4bn per year and 16,000 employeeʼs worldwide.

This long history plus the financial strength of Pipelife is the best guarantee we can offer you that we will be there to support our products over the long lifetimes expected of those products.

For more information and to talk to our team call us on 021 488 4700 or e-mail us at ireland@pipelife.com and check out our website www.pipelifeeco.ie

Put your trust in Pipelife – 50 years of proud Irish manufacturing & serving the Irish plumbing & Heating industry.

Our Reputation…Your Peace of Mind!

E-mail – Ireland@pipelife.com • Phone - +353 21 4884700

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Your New Years Communications Resolution Cloud based phone systems have emerged as a leading technology to enhance processes for businesses of all sizes over the past decade, and local authorities are no exception.

IP Telecom, one of Irelandʼs leading providers of cloud-based phone solutions, offers a range of services that can help local authorities save money, simplify operations and improve communication.

The start of the year is an especially good time for local authorities to make the switch to a new way of communicating with colleagues and users of their services. Not only are users and service providers better connected, by switching to cloud-based systems, local authorities can significantly reduce their phone bills. Cloud-based systems eliminate multiple line rentals and on-premise hardware which becomes redundant over time, saving a significant amount of annual budget.

Furthermore, through the deployment of softphones, existing laptops and smartphones can be turned into your landline device, ensuring teams are connected wherever they are and eliminating the need to issue brand new devices.

IP Telecomʼs cloud-based system is also much easier to manage than traditional phone systems. Admins can easily add new users, change call routing, and access call logs and analytics – and do it from anywhere. This makes it much simpler to keep track of communication and ensure that employees are using the system efficiently.

Local authorities often have to deal with peak periods, such as new infrastructure projects starting, updates in the electoral register or community events. With IP Telecomʼs system, itʼs easy to add new users and phone lines as needed, without having to buy or install additional hardware.

Finally, IP Telecomʼs system provides local authorities with enhanced security. Traditional phone systems are vulnerable to hacking and other security threats, but with multiple layers of security, encrypted calling, two factor verification and other checks in place, system administration and calling is secure.

For local authorities, now is a great time to switch. IP Telecomʼs cloud-based system is cost-effective, easy to manage, scalable, and secure. Start your communications new year today at www.iptelecom.ie

Talk to us today or visit www.iptelecom.ie Rory Whelan is Head of Marketing for IP Telecom

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Official Opening of a Revamped Playground and the Raising of the Green Flag here at Sean Walsh Park.

The Mayor of South Dublin County, Councillor Emma Murphy, officially opened the revamped playground at Sean Walsh Park. This playground provides a range of tactile and universally accessible play facilities that will encourage and support active play for a wide range of ages and abilities. The features in this playground are designed to encourage imaginative play and constructive play which is so important for young children. There are also features to encourage group play and socialisation.

Speaking at the event, Mayor Councillor Emma Murphy said, “This opening ceremony marks the delivery of a significant project for young people. I am certain that this revamped playground will continue to be popular, and I wish the local children many happy hours of play here in the years to come”.

The Mayor went on to pay tribute to the local community and local schools, including St. Dominics National School, for their support of the popular playground and thanked the Council staff for their efforts in managing the project.

Following the opening of the revamped playground, Mayor Councillor Emma Murphy was on hand to raise the Green Flag in the park to celebrate Sean Walsh Park winning a Green Flag Award for the fifth consecutive year! The Green Flag Award Scheme recognises and rewards well managed Parks and sets a benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces around the world.

For further information contact Communications Unit, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on communications@sdublincoco.ie

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Irish Cement celebrates 85 years making high quality cement The world has transformed over the past 85 years. Think back to Ireland of the 1930s, when our grandparents tell tales of walking to school barefoot, ponies and traps, black bicycles, and very few cars on the roads. By and large, they recall simpler times when the pace of life seemed more relaxed. There were very few telephones let alone smartphones. Instead, there were telegrams, letters, and messenger boys; no urgent emails demanding an immediate response. Farming was as vital in Ireland then as it is now, and the Electricity Supply Board had been established just a decade earlier. Rural electrification was transforming communities throughout Ireland, and today we all recognise the important role electricity plays in our daily lives. There is something else from that era, which is vital to our daily lives but is often overlooked.

On the 23rd of May 1938, Sean Lemass, then Minister for Industry and Commerce, surrounded by other dignitaries pushed an oversized red button and two cement factories, one on the banks of the Boyne in Drogheda, the other in Mungret outside Limerick, sprang into life. The location of the Cement Ltd factories (later to become Irish Cement) had been carefully chosen to be close to abundant supplies of limestone, ports for the importation of fuel, and centres of the population for the sale of its product. From that day on, cement used in concrete and mortar has been one of the key ingredients in the foundations of the Irish State. Irish Cement has been at the forefront of manufacturing high-quality cement since 1938, and cement continues to be a critical ingredient in our modern economy. During those eight and a half decades, Irish Cement has transformed its operations through upgrades and continuous investment in the most energy-efficient cement manufacturing technology.

Todayʼs workforce in Irish Cement is tremendously proud of that unique heritage, and the work done by previous generations. They also recognise the responsibility of this current generation to ramp up further the pace of change. That change is to address the carbon emissions from the cement industry and to further improve the resource efficiency of its operations. The cement sector has committed to being carbon neutral by 2050 and progress is well underway. Already, a typical bag of Irish Cement has a 20% lower carbon footprint compared to the 1990ʼs. It is still the same great cement that delivers the same great performance, but you can have confidence knowing its production had less impact on our environment, both in terms of climate change and circular economy. These reductions have been achieved through energy efficient investments, which need less energy to make each tonne of cement; the introduction of lower carbon CEM II cements, Irelandʼs most popular cement; and the replacement of imported fossil fuels using locally sourced alternative fuels. Continuous investment in training and development of the workforce has underpinned these developments.

Maintaining quality and cement performance for customers remains the top priority as the company innovates and becomes more sustainable in the way it makes cement. In 15 years, when Irish Cement will celebrate one hundred years in business, the way cement is manufactured will be radically different from today. To achieve those improvements, further investment will be made to reduce fossil fuel consumption and make operations more resource efficient. Irish Cement is committed to maintaining its leadership position as Irelandʼs highquality cement maker, through innovation, collaboration and a recognition of its unique heritage.

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Mountview wins at all-Ireland Pride of Place community awards The community of Mountview in Dublin 15 was honoured at the prestigious IPB Pride of Place Community Awards on Saturday evening 21 January , held at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road in Dublin. The Community took top spot in the ʻUrban Neighbourhoodʼ category at the awards hosted by RTEʼs Marty Whelan which took place in in front of 400 community volunteers from across the Island.

The Pride of Place Judges praised the community spirit amongst the residents of Mountview: “The residents work extremely hard to maximise the value they get from the facilities that are available. They made a very positive and enthusiastic presentation to the judges who were very impressed by what they have achieved to date and their plans for the future.”

Mountview is one of the older urban areas in Blanchardstown. This resourceful community lobbied throughout the 1990s for a state-of-the-art community centre and succeeded after many years. The Mountview Youth and Community Centre is now the hub of this thriving urban neighbourhood. Mountview also has a Family Resource Centre, a Neighbourhood Youth Project and many strong, active community groups such as the Fortlawn Flower Power Community Garden Group. Mountview Boys and Girls FC is the local football club, and the centre also hosts a group representing the local Kurdish community.

Also representing Fingal on the night were Balbriggan Menʼs Shed and Oldtown Community Council, both of whom were praised in recognition of the hugely positive contribution they each make to their local communities.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Howard Mahony said, “I want to congratulate the Mountview community for their win tonight which recognises the fantastic work done by the many community groups in the area. They follow on in the strong tradition of doing Fingal and the Council proud in this competition which recognises the huge importance of the community and voluntary sector in the life of the county”.

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council AnnMarie Farrelly added; “Well done and heartiest congratulations to all the volunteers in the community groups in Mountview who are being recognised tonight. Their efforts as well as the strong support they get from our Community Development Office is crucial to the community wellbeing of the area and creating a place that they can be rightly be proud of.”

Robert Burns, Director of Housing and Community Development said“ I would like to thank the three groups who represented the Council in the Pride of Place Competition in 2022 for all the dedicated work of their volunteers and community workers. In particular I want to thank the community of Mountview, the staff and volunteers of the Community Centre, Family Resource Centre and youth projects who, alongside the residents of the estates made such a huge impression on the judges. Finally I would like to thank our own Community Development Office who work all year round with these communities and support them in their great efforts.”

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 20 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development on all parts of the island of Ireland, north and south. It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.

President Michael D. Higgins, who is Joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland, said the awards played an important role. “The Pride of Place awards are a most important initiative, reminding us that creating societies that are ethical and inclusive is a task for all of our citizens, of all ages and circumstances.”

Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling said, "It is 20 amazing years since the very first awards ceremony and the ethos of the awards has never changed. It continues to be about acknowledging and recognising in a meaningful manner the important caring work of all our communities as they continue their daily journey of making the path of life easier for all.”

Fingal County Council will now be seeking out groups to represent the county in the 2023 competition and, should you wish to take part you should contact the councilʼs Pride of Place liaison officer, Rafe Costigan at rafe.costigan@fingal.ie 27

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New below ground green seal innovation from Wavin widens choice and adds to environmental protection Wavin has long been an innovator in the use of underground and overground pipe and fittings to contribute to sustainable, healthy environments It has now developed a new technology to provide added protection from trees that may be planted close by in residential areas.

Called RootSeal Technology, it repels tree roots which solves a number of challenges for architects, specifiers, developers and planners. RootSeal Technology enables drainage systems to be future-proofed by using a naturally sourced inhibitor to harmlessly repel tree roots and to reduce the risk of damage and upheaval. It also removes the disruption and environmental cost of repairing or replacing drainage systems damaged by tree root ingress.

The inhibitor is embedded in a new easily identifiable green coloured seal acting as a natural force field. It deters roots from penetrating the pipe fittings, reduces the intensity of root growth around the socket and seal while having no other impact on the roots, surrounding soil or wildlife RootSeal Technology provides an extra level of safety and can extend the life of a drainage system. It was developed by Wavin and the scientifically proven inhibitor has been independently tested.

Michael OʼDonohoe, Wavinʼs Country Director for Ireland says, “As more and more trees are being planted in residential settings below ground there is an increasing interaction between tree roots and drainage systems that carry the very thing that trees are seeking to survive; water, air and bio-nutrients.”

“RootSeal Technology addresses this issue by building an effective inhibitor into the pipe seal itself to repel roots, inhibit ingress and leave both pipe and tree undamaged. It builds on the existing Wavin seal technology.

In the coming months, we will begin the roll-out process, as a no-cost enhancement, which will ultimately see RootSeal Technology introduced to our full range of underground pipes and fittings”

For more information contact:

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€19m of new wastewater infrastructure in the pipeline for two Tipperary towns rish Water is delighted to announce that it has signed a contract to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure for the towns of Ballina and Newport.

I

These important projects will eliminate the discharge of poorly treated wastewater into the receiving waters resulting in improved water quality. Other benefits will include accommodating future population growth of the surrounding areas and enhancing local amenities.

Speaking about this milestone, Seamus Glynn, Asset Delivery Regional Lead with Irish Water, said: “We are delighted to be delivering these important projects on behalf of the communities in Ballina and Newport.

“The existing infrastructure serving both areas is overloaded and outdated. This significant investment will allow us to provide a quality service and will boost both towns by enhancing the local environment and improving water quality in the receiving waters.

Seamus added: “These projects are another example of Irish Waterʼs commitment to providing quality water and wastewater services for the people of Tipperary.

“Irish Water has, and will continue to, invest in water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the premier county. These projects have been long-awaited but finally we have boots on the ground and are eager to get going. The works will be carried out by 2025 but the project will benefit the county for decades to come. We would like to thank the local community for their support and co-operation as we carry out this work.”

“We look forward to working with our colleagues in Tipperary County Council, Ward and Burke, and most importantly - the people of Ballina and Newport to deliver these vital upgrades of wastewater infrastructure.”

Works are due to commence in Ballina in January and are expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Works in Newport are expected to commence mid 2023 and are expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Ward and Burke have signed the contract to carry out the works on behalf of Irish Water.

Any person or business wishing to get a new connection to public wastewater collection infrastructure must contact Irish Water. You can make a pre-connection enquiry to establish whether a connection to the public network is feasible, where the connection can be made and any associated charges.

For more information, please visit the Connections section of our website.

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Crews working towards ending the discharge of raw sewage in County Cork rish Water has reached another milestone on the road to ending the discharge of raw sewage in County Cork with the completion of Castletownbere Sewerage Scheme.

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Since 2014, Irish Water has ended the discharge of over 60% of all untreated sewage in Ireland, with the completion of new wastewater treatment plants and network infrastructure in 21 towns across the country. We are prioritising areas where the biggest impacts can be made first, with an investment of over €750 million dedicated nationally to ending this unacceptable practice and safeguarding our environment. We are on track to eliminate the vast majority of raw sewage discharges by the end of 2025, ensuring wastewater is adequately treated and meets appropriate standards before being safely discharged into the marine environment.

In Cork, Irish Water has just completed the Castletownbere Sewerage Scheme and is progressing with four further wastewater projects across the county, providing new wastewater infrastructure for a population equivalent of over 6,500. The Castletownbere works began in early 2021 and sought to end the discharge of raw sewage into Bantry Bay. These works finished ahead of schedule providing wastewater treatment for a population equivalent of over 2,100 people.

Speaking about the progress Irish Water is making on ending the discharge of raw sewage in Cork, Anthony Kavanagh of Irish Water said, “Communities in Cork continue to benefit from Irish Waterʼs progress in improving wastewater treatment, resulting in a cleaner environment, enhanced water quality and greater capacity to support growth and development. One of five such recent projects is now complete in Castletownbere – ending the equivalent of over 1,700 wheelie bins of raw sewage being discharged into Bantry Bay per day."

“We are also progressing with major wastewater projects in Inchigeelagh, Whitegate-Aghada, Castletownshend and Ballycotton. These projects involve a multi-million investment in critical infrastructure for Co. Cork. When completed, all projects will improve water quality in respective receiving waters, safeguard the environment, enhance tourism and sport for the likes of swimming and surfing, and support the future development of local communities."

“In 2021, Irish Water invested €367 million in Irelandʼs wastewater – the highest ever in a single year – and we are on track to increase that further over the coming years as we strive to deliver first-rate wastewater services and infrastructure for Ireland now and in the future."

“Developing new infrastructure in well-established towns and villages is a challenge in terms of acquiring the land needed to build the new plants as well as progressing the projects through the planning process. We are delighted that we can work with our contractor, Glan Agua, through the Early Contractor Involvement framework. This innovative framework is a delivery mechanism for various water and wastewater projects nationally and encourages early engagement and collaboration. This allows contractors to come on board much earlier in the delivery process, resulting in greater scope for collaboration, innovation in design and construction, and improved efficiencies and timelines. I want to thank the local communities in Cork, Glen Agua, and our colleagues in Cork County Council for all working together to deliver these vital projects.”

Irish Water is committed to eliminating raw sewage, providing a safe and reliable water supply, tackling leakage, protecting the environment and supporting the growth of homes and businesses. Irish Water optimises investment decisions by prioritising the best possible service improvements, while maximising valuefor-money.

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Construction to begin on essential wastewater upgrade project in Clonburris Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with South Dublin County Council to upgrade and improve the wastewater infrastructure in Clonburris to meet current and future demand and support social and economic development. The project represents a significant investment by Uisce Éireann in the delivery of improved, sustainable, high-quality wastewater treatment in Dublin.

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The project, which is due to begin in the coming days, involves the construction of a new pump station and sewer pipeline which will provide the required wastewater capacity to meet current and future demand. It will also enable social and economic growth and development in Clonburris and surrounding areas.

Commenting on the importance of the project Lisa Cogan, Regional Delivery Lead with Uisce Éireann, said: “We are delighted to progress this essential wastewater project for the community of Clonburris. When completed, the new pump station and associated sewer pipeline will support future growth and protect the environment, in a more efficient way as well as facilitating development in the Clonburris Strategic Development Zone.”

“The project reflects Uisce Éireann ongoing commitment to the efficient delivery of critical infrastructure to support growth in local communities across Dublin” The project, which is due for completion in Q4 2023, will be carried out by GMC Utilities on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

Uisce Éireann is committed to playing its part in the national drive to provide homes to people who need them by developing and prioritising the delivery of key wastewater service infrastructure.

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Irish Water applies for planning permission to maximise energy recovery at Ringsend WWTP+ he project to upgrade of the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant is progressing on a phased basis.

This essential upgrade is required to enable future housing and commercial development and help to ensure that Dublin can sustain continued growth in the medium term. Irish Water is working to provide infrastructure to achieve compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive for a population equivalent of 2.1 million in the second half of 2023. When all the proposed works are complete in 2025, the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant will be able to treat wastewater for up to 2.4 million population equivalent while meeting the required standards.

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As the treatment capacity of the plant expands, additional power is required. Irish Water has assessed all the options available and has concluded that the most efficient and sustainable option to provide this power is to expand the existing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facility at Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The existing CHP facility at Ringsend uses the biogas recovered from the sludge treatment process to generate power and heat for the treatment process. Combined heat and power (CHP) is a highly efficient process that captures and uses the heat that is a by-product of the power generation process. This facility has been operating safely and efficiently since the plant was commissioned 2005. The proposed expansion will increase the amount of on-site power generated by 20% - as well as maximising the energy recovery processes in place on the wastewater treatment plant in line with the principles of the circular economy and minimises the power required from the national grid.

Irish Water applied for planning permission to Dublin City Council (Ref 5319/22) for an expansion of the combined heat and power facility at Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant. The expansion will maximise energy recovery from the sludge treatment processes to produce bio-gas to fuel the onsite CHP facility which will produce electrical and thermal energy.

The proposed development is located on the southwestern section of Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant site and consists of two structures similar to the other structures on the WwTP. The development will not be visible from existing public roads in the locality.

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Planning permission secured to progress major water project for Meath rish Water, working in partnership with Meath County Council is delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted to progress a major water infrastructure project that will increase security of the water supply in Navan. When completed, the capital investment will provide a more reliable water supply for homes and businesses while supporting social and economic growth and development in Navan which have seen significant growth in recent years. This is just one of a number of strategically important projects to increase the security and resilience of the drinking water supply across County Meath.

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The project involves the construction of 16km of new trunk watermains primarily in public roads between Duleek and Navan including the construction of a new pumping station at Kentstown. When completed, the project will enable Irish Water to maintain a sufficient supply of drinking water to homes and businesses in Navan during planned or unplanned disruptions at Navanʼs water treatment plant at Liscarton by diverting available treated water from the recently upgraded water treatment plant at Staleen to Navanʼs treated water storage reservoirs at Carn Hill and Proudstown.

William McKnight, Irish Water, Infrastructure Delivery: “We are delighted to be progressing this major trunk watermain project for Meath. Trunk watermains are often described as the 'motorways' of the water network, carrying a significant amount of water at high pressure in order to supply homes and businesses. The new interconnection with the Staleen Water Treatment Plant will significantly improve, reliability and resilience of the water supply serving Navan particularly during planned or unplanned disruptions within the existing water supply infrastructure.

“Irish Water recognises the need for water supplies in Meath to be more resilient to population growth and to periods of high demand which is why we are building future capacity into our water infrastructure.”

Pat Wickham, Snr Executive Engineer, Meath County Council, Capital Office: “This is a critical project for Navan that will provide resilience to the network and will ensure the town is capable of meeting current and future demand to enable continued development for years to come.”

To ensure the safe delivery of the project for crews and the public, traffic management and some road closures will be necessary. Local access and emergency access will always be maintained. Irish Water will ensure further and regular engagement with the local community throughout the project.

The works will take place on existing public roads between Duleek and Navan on the L1610 from Boolies Little (South of Duleek) to the junction with the N2 at Balrath; on the R153 from Balrath to Kentstown; and on the R153 from Kentstown to Caseyʼs Cross in Navan.

The project will also require pipelaying under the River Boyne between lands adjacent to St Maryʼs Cemetery on the Boyne Road and lands adjacent to Blackcastle Estate on the Slane Road. An underground crossing will also be required under the Navan to Drogheda railway line. To minimise the impact on the local community and the environment, the majority of this work will be carried out using modern trenchless technology, meaning much of the construction will take place almost entirely underground without large open excavations. Following the necessary statutory approvals, it is estimated that works will begin onsite in 2023.

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Next phase of €9m investment in Kilcummin Sewerage Scheme progresses isce Éireann is set to commence the next phase of the Kilcummin Sewerage Scheme that will see a new sewer collection system for Kilcummin village. This project will reduce the reliance on on-site treatment systems such as septic tanks and package treatment plants.

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As part of the project, being delivered by Coffey Construction on behalf of Uisce Éireann and Kerry County Council, road closures on Killarney Road and Kilcummin Road will be required for the duration of the pipeline works however local and emergency access will be maintained at all times. It is anticipated that the closures will be in place for the following durations: •

Kilcummin Road, from Lower Coolcorcoran Road to Upper Coolcorcoran Road from 3 January to 31 March.

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Killarney Road, from Coolcorcoran Cross to Kilcummin Village from 3 January to 8 September.

Diversion routes will be signposted on approach and Uisce Éireann will endeavour to minimise delays/disruptions to local traffic. A map of the traffic management plan is attached.

Once complete, the scheme will provide a new sewer collection system for Kilcummin village, that will ensure wastewater from the village is treated appropriately.

Once operational, the new sewerage scheme will connect into the sewer network in Killarney town, where it will be collected and transferred to Killarney Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) for appropriate treatment.

Speaking about the works, David Shalloo, Wastewater Regional Delivery Lead with Uisce Éireann, said, “We are now commencing the next phase of this vital project that will accommodate future population growth in Kilcummin and will enhance the local environment. The scheme will ensure compliance with wastewater discharge regulations. It will also improve water quality in the River Deenagh and Lough Leane and protect recreational waters for swimming, fishing, boating and sightseeing."

“This phase will require a lengthy traffic management plan, particularly on Killarney Road. However, this is necessary for us to safely deliver this essential project. We would like to thank the people of Kilcummin who have worked with us throughout this project and thank them for their patience as we progress into this phase”.

The new sewerage infrastructure to be constructed as part of this scheme will include a sewer network for Kilcummin village, a pumping station, and approximately 6kms of sewers.

Works on the project commenced in late 2022, with the entirety of the project due for completion in 2024.

Uisce Éireann and Kerry County Council will continue to update the local community in Kilcummin as works progress.

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Works get underway on new Burtonport Sewerage Scheme to end the discharge of raw sewage into the sea rish Water is delighted to announce the commencement of the Burtonport Sewerage Scheme. The new wastewater treatment plant and sewerage infrastructure to be constructed as part of this scheme will eliminate the discharge of raw sewage into the marine environment.

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Irish Water, working in partnership with Donegal County Council, will invest over €7 million in this project.

Once operational, the new plant and associated infrastructure will ensure compliance with wastewater discharge regulations. It will also improve water quality in the adjacent local marine environment and protect recreational waters for swimming, fishing and boating.

The works will be carried out by Veolia working on behalf of Irish Water. Works will be completed in the summer of 2023.

Colm Claffey, Regional Delivery Lead with Irish Water, commented on the project: “We are looking forward to delivering this important project on behalf of the local community in Burtonport. All new infrastructure has been sized to accommodate future population growth and the project will enhance the local environment and provide a platform for social and economic development of the area well into the future."

“The project will involve construction of a new wastewater treatment plant that will serve a population equivalent of 300, which equates to stopping over 160 wheelie bins of raw sewage being discharged to the sea every day. Construction of new sewer pipelines, rising mains and a pumping station will also be required to transport wastewater to and from the new treatment plant in Burtonport."

“We look forward to working with the local community to deliver this essential project in conjunction with our partners Donegal County Council and Veolia and eliminating the discharge of untreated wastewater into the sea.”

Irish Water and our appointed Contractor, Veolia, will be in contact with the local community in Burtonport in the coming weeks regarding the works as well as throughout the project.

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

Website: www.localauthoritynews.ie

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