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Status Orange Weather Warning issued for Waterford

A Status Orange Weather Warning has been issued for Waterford, with very heavy wind and rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, valid from 6am Tuesday 7th December until 6am Wednesday 8 December 2021.

This event will likely cause structural damage and significant surface water flooding throughout the county and, in such an instance, people are advised to undertake essential travel journeys only.

Waterford City and County Council’s Crisis Management Team met this afternoon to assess the situation and to ensure that all necessary arrangements are put in place in advance of this severe weather event.

The OPW High Tide Advisory Notice issued on Sunday afternoon remains in place for Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th December.

Storm surge around the Waterford Estuary is forecast to be significant and in the range from approximately 50cm to 60cm, and this will co-incide with astronomical spring tides close to Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT). This will result in the HAT being exceeded in many coastal locations especially those associated with Orange and Red wind warnings.

All appropriate flood defence barriers have been erected and the situation is being actively monitored.

Members of the public can continue to contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number or email contact@waterfordcouncil.ie

Please note the following emergency contact numbers below:

  • Emergency 999/112
  • Irish Water Emergency 1850 278 278
  • ESB Networks 1800 372 999
  • Gas Networks Ireland 1850 205 050

The Irish Coast Guard, Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána and Local Authorities have issued the following public safety advice:

·       Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings

  • All road users should be aware of the hazardous travelling conditions, and only necessary journeys should be undertaken. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.
  • As conditions will vary throughout the event, people need to take account of the local conditions and advice from their Local Authority.
  • The public are warned electricity wires are always live, never approach. If you see fallen or damaged wires, keep clear and phone ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999/021 238 2410
  • Should red level warnings be issued, the public are advised to shelter in place for the duration of the warning.

Waterford City and County Council will continue to review the situation throughout the duration of Storm Barra.

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New Suir River walk opens to public

With construction complete on the enhanced Suir River Walk, the newly extended pathway from Maypark Village to Cove Lane was opened to the public this week.

Improvements to the 3km of woodland trail included the widening of paths, realigning of the path to avoid mature trees, the installation of culverts, fencing, and a new entrance was created at Cove Lane, while the entrance at King’s Channel was improved.

Overall, the works have improved access to the trail, and made it more accessible to a wide range of users.

Fergus Galvin, Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council said that the improvements will undoubtedly make the trail even more appealing.  “It was a somewhat well kept secret amongst those in the vicinity.  While the infrastructure was already there with a path from the Kings Channel entrance right through to Freshfield, these works have greatly enhanced the trail, and extended it a further 500 metres to Cove Lane.”

“Since the closure of the Snowcream site, Waterford City and County Council has agreed to purchase the site which includes Goff Woods from Glanbia.  The natural woodland area on the banks of the Suir has been inaccessible for many years and this trail which was developed under licence from Glanbia will enable the public to enjoy the woodland again.”

“Our ultimate ambition would be to extend the pathway all the way into the heart of the city centre creating a continuous 4.3km long path from Ballinakill to Georges Quay and we will be developing plans during 2022 to achieve this.”

The walkway is bounded by the River Suir to the north and sloping woodlands to the south.  With intriguing glimpses of the River Suir, careful consideration has been given to the preservation of the indigenous woodland, which comprises of oak, yew, holly, beech and ash trees.  The new pathway that runs the length of the trail is littered with fallen leaves to give a slightly yielding surface, which is perfect for walkers and runners.

Waterford City & County Mayor Cllr. Joe Kelly acknowledged that enhanced pathway is a welcome addition.  “This original walkway was of huge benefit to those from the area, however with the improvements and extension it is will be an amenity that can be enjoyed by many more.”

“It is a wonderful addition and the improvements to the surfacing will make it a viable option for walkers, joggers and families wishing to enjoy the outdoors”.

The works were completed in 2021, after Waterford City & County Council received funding from the National Transport Authority under the July Jobs Stimulus Plan for the development of Cycling and Walking Projects.

The funding is designed to support local authorities’ response to Covid-19 challenges and assist with their work to equip local communities and businesses with improved walking and cycling infrastructure.  Three sections of the Suir River Walk were completed by three local contractors, Liam Whelan Plant Hire, Richard Forristal Ltd and Mallwood Ltd, with expenditure totalling €366,000 in 2020-2021.

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Free to use images:  David Murphy

Tramore to light up with Christmas Festival trail

Festive lights trail, a Christmas Garden, Christmas Crafts and a surfing penguin will feature in this year’s offering

Tramore will sparkle this Christmas season as the ‘Christmas in Tramore’ festive trail gets underway from Thursday, December 2nd.

According to Lynda Lawton, Operations Manager with Waterford Chamber, “This year we had hoped for on-street events, but we’re putting safety first and with numbers rising we are concentrating our efforts into bringing you a fantastic trail of festive displays throughout the town.  We have loads of fabulous lighting installations for you to discover and capture magical moments, from the entrance to Tramore right up to the Doneraile and everywhere in between.”

Lights will be turned on by Cllr Joe Kelly, Mayor of Waterford City & County on December 2nd and key attractions on Main Street will include a 20ft Christmas tree and a giant festive post box for children to post their letters to Santa.

Mayor Kelly is looking forward to seeing Tramore lit up in the run up to Christmas.

“Tramore really does have something for everyone this Christmas season.  While the on-street events might be on hold this year due to public safety considerations, Tramore will be magical this Christmas.  With so many family-friendly attractions, such as a 20 ft high Christmas tree, Santa’s sleigh and a light garden at the Railway Station, I think Tramore will even outdo the North Pole!”

“The enormous efforts of Waterford Chamber, EveryEvent, Waterford City and County Council and all the local businesses to make Tramore a must-visit festive destination have to be commended, and hopefully the festival can continue to grow in the coming years.”

Following new investment in festive lights by Waterford City and County Council, the area will be lit by a curtain of Christmas lights to add to the festive atmosphere.  Santa’s sleigh will take up prominent position at the Plaza and will make a picture-perfect opportunity for children and families to pose for photos. Santa has even promised to stop by on some days to say hello!

Meanwhile, down at the Railway Station there will be a light garden with plenty of photo opportunities.

As well as having the chance to visit Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens for the Enchanted Garden Light Festival and the Coastguard Cultural Station to pick up some incredible crafts, wrap up the family and check out the

Tramore Tidy Towns Christmas Garden, opposite Apple Green; Tramore AFC festive display; the Big Trees at Tramore Racecourse, Branch Road and Priest’s Road; Tramore Tidy Towns Winter Garden at Tramore GAA Roundabout and the surfing penguin and festive lights at the Life Saving Centre.

 

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RSA and An Garda Síochána highlight life-changing impact of drink driving at Christmas and New Year

  • 83 fatalities and 709 serious injuries* in Christmas / New Year period over last five years
  • Morning after highlighted as one in four drivers admit to driving over the limit the morning afterϮ
  • Drivers reminded that all drink driving offences carry a disqualification
  • Almost 4,500 drivers arrested for drink driving to date in 2021

Thursday, 25 November – The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána have called on drivers to act responsibly and to not be tempted to drink and drive this Christmas and New Year period. This year’s Christmas and New Year road safety appeal was launched at An Garda Síochána Headquarters in Dublin and focuses on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and the devastating loss of life and serious injuries it can cause.

Research published by the RSA and An Garda Síochána at the launch showed that over the last five years there were 83* fatalities and 709* serious injuries over the Christmas and New Year period. This means that an average of 17* people die and 142* are seriously injured each year at this time. Almost seven out of ten fatalities were male, while almost two thirds of serious injuries were male. The time period 4pm to 8pm was highlighted as the highest risk for fatalities. Serious injuries tended to occur predominantly late afternoon/evening, with over half (51%*) occurring from 12pm through to 8pm.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton said: “While the majority of drivers don’t drink and drive there are still some who persist in this dangerous behaviour. Research from 2013-2017 shows that 36% of drivers killed had a positive toxicology for alcohol. To anyone who thinks it’s ok to drive after drinking alcohol I say you need to understand that if you commit a drink driving offence you will face disqualification from driving for a minimum of three months. Think about how a driving ban would impact your daily life. You will no longer be able to drive to work, drive to the gym or drop the kids off to school. If you are planning on having a drink this festive season or anytime, remember that alcohol and driving do not mix. Designate a driver organise a taxi, hackney, minibus or use public transport.”

Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority said: “Christmas is meant to be one of the happiest times of the year where loved ones gather and memories are made. Unfortunately, every Christmas we see the devastating impact drink-driving has on families. They are reminded of the heart-breaking reality of drink driving every day of the year, but particularly at Christmas by the empty chair at the dinner table where a loved one should be sitting. Drink-driving is a choice it doesn’t happen by accident. Your choice to drink and drive could have lasting consequence. At best you could lose your licence at worst you could be responsible for someone’s death or serious injury, leaving families devastated. Look, its simply not worth the risk. So, make the right choice for you, your family and friends this Christmas and every day and never, ever drink and drive.”

Deputy Commissioner, Ann Marie McMahon, An Garda Síochána said: “This weekend marks the start of the six week Christmas and New Year road safety enforcement campaign by An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána will be conducting Mandatory Intoxicant Testing checkpoints around the country, to detect irresponsible drivers who drive under the influence of either alcohol or drugs or a combination of both. We will also be targeting other lifesaver offences including speeding, not wearing seat belts and mobile phone use by drivers. Members of An Garda Síochána will also focus on unaccompanied driving by learner drivers.”

Deputy Commissioner McMahon continued, “Unfortunately drink driving is still a problem on Irish roads. 4,453 drivers have been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and 3,333 have been arrested for drug driving this year to date. This is almost 166 drivers arrested each week for these offences. This Christmas and New Year, we are appealing to motorists to drive safely and under no circumstances drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 120 people have lost their lives on the roads this year and members of An Garda Síochána have had to deliver this devastating news to their families. We don’t want to have to deliver this news to your family this Christmas.”

Professor Cusack, Head of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, said: “Alcohol is a Depressant drug. Drink it and, after it passes through the liver where it is detoxified, some of the alcohol will hit the brain within minutes. The skills most critical to driving – the brain’s ability to observe, interpret and process information from the eyes and other senses – are impaired by alcohol even at the low levels.”

He added that, “While detection of drug driving has increased substantially in recent years, alcohol remains the commonest intoxicant detected in drivers. In 2020, 94% of drivers, who following arrest provided an evidential breath sample for alcohol analysis, had alcohol detected in their breath. Combining Breath, Blood and Urine alcohol positive samples it is notable that 88% of those samples have alcohol concentrations greater than the legal limit of 50mg/100ml blood equivalent, 67% of drivers have alcohol concentration over 100mg/100ml blood equivalent and 42% of drivers have levels greater than 150mg/100ml blood equivalent. While all age groups (drivers 16-83 years old) are well represented in drink driving detections. Most arrests for drink driving in males is evenly spread across the late teen to mid-forty age categories, while female arrests peak in the 35 to 44 age group. Drink driving is not going away and detection of it has increased.”

Warning of the danger of drink driving the morning after Mr. Sam Waide, CEO, Road Safety Authority said: “The morning after is a real danger zone for drink driving. A previous analysis of Garda Síochána Investigation Files for fatal collisions, by the RSA, shows that 11% of fatal collisions, in which a driver had consumed alcohol, occurred between 7am and 11am. Our own research also shows that one in four drivers admit to driving over the limit the morning afterϮ. There is no hard and fast rule about when it is safe to drive the morning after if you have been drinking the previous night. But motorists should allow at least one hour per standard drink for the alcohol to clear their system. A standard drink is a half-pint, a small glass of wine or a standard measure of spirits. Also, if drinking at home, you may be unknowingly drinking larger measures and therefore increasing the risk of being unsafe to drive the following morning. The key is never to take chances, don’t risk it, you could end up losing your licence or worse.”

Drivers are also being reminded that the Coca Cola Designated driver campaign is running again this year. The scheme offers free soft drinks and water to anyone acting as a designated driver on a night out with friends or family. In addition, Coca Cola has also teamed up with Q-Park cark parks to offer free parking for designated drivers in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast.

The HSE has a useful website called askaboutalcohol.ie which is full of very valuable resources on the impact of alcohol on driving and drivers are encouraged to visit the site for more information on the subject.

ENDS

Uimhir theagmhála nua

De bharr athruithe atá tugtha isteach ag COMREG, tá príomh-uimhir theagmhála Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge athraithe anois go dtí 0818 10 20 20.

Is féidir leat teagmháil a dhéanamh lenár deasc um seirbhísí custaiméirí idir 9r.n. agus 5i.n. agus lenár seirbhís taobh amuigh de na gnáthuaireanta oibre trí ghlaoch ar 0818 10 20 20.

Our Customer Service number is changing

Due to changes being introduced by COMREG, Waterford City and County Council’s main contact number has now changed to 0818 10 20 20.

You can now contact our customer services desk between 9am and 5pm, and our out of hours service by calling 0818 10 20 20.

Repair works at sea wall, Dungarvan

To facilitate repair works on the sea wall, Moresby Park at the junction of The Causeway and Strandside South, Abbeyside, Dungarvan will be closed to the public from the 22nd November 2021 until further notice.

Please note that the footpaths on both streets around the park will remain open for pedestrians. Diversion route signage for pedestrians & cyclists will be in place for the duration of the works.

Advice for Public on Dead Wild Birds / Rescued Wild Birds

Advice for members of the public that find dead wild birds & advice for
people involved in rescue and rehabilitation of birds

The purpose of this document is to provide advice to people who come across dead wild birds or who are involved in the rescue/rehabilitation of wild birds. A separate advice document is available for people who handle wild birds on an ongoing basis, such as bird ringers.

Wild birds, like poultry, can become infected with the viruses that cause Avian Influenza (AI). Certain species of wild birds, in particular wild migratory water birds are at a higher risk of becoming infected with AI due to the fact that they travel the farthest, regularly gather in large numbers and mix with many other water bird species.

These birds are considered to be the natural reservoir of many different AI viruses many of which are relatively harmless to birds and other animals. However certain types of avian influenza viruses can cause illness and often death in both migratory and native wild bird species and in poultry and captive bird species. In rare cases, some highly pathogenic strains and some low pathogenic strains can cause disease in humans but and such cases have been associated with close contact with infected birds.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) monitors the occurrence of
Avian Influenza in poultry and wild birds in Europe on an ongoing basis in order to assess the risk to Ireland.

A list of the wild bird species that are at highest risk of being infected is
available to view at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/15675-measures-to-reduce-the-riskof-introduction-of-avian-influenza/#information-and-advice-on-avian-influenza-in-wild-birds

Current situation with Avian Influenza H5N1 and information on public health risk

In November 2021 the Department detected a strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
(HPAI) H5N1 in a peregrine falcon found in Galway. This strain of H5N1 has not associated with human infections in Europe to date and the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre(HSE-HPSC) have advised that the risk to public health from H5N1 avian influenza is very low.

In addition the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has determined that Avian Influenza HPAI H5N1 poses no food safety risk for consumers. What members of the public should do if they find a dead wild bird. Members of the public that find dead wild birds particularly water birds such as swans, geese, ducks, birds of prey or other dead wild birds that are on the high risk list mentioned above are advised not to handle the birds.

Updated 15/11/2021
They should report them to the DAFM by contacting their local Regional Veterinary Office of DAFM or the Avian Influenza Hotline at 076 106 4403 (office hours) or 1850 200 456 (outside of normal office hours).

The Department will endeavour to collect species that are on the high risk list and test them for avian influenza viruses. This will provide vital information on the disease by helping us to detect it as early as possible and understand how the disease is distributed geographically and in what species of bird.

If a member of the public does handle or come into contact with dead wild birds, then normal hygiene precautions should be taken i.e., disinfect hands using alcohol wipes for example or sure scrub hands thoroughly with soap and hot water.

Advice for people involved in rescue and rehabilitation of sick or injured wild birds.
People that rescue and care for sick or injured wild birds should be aware of avian influenza.

Birds displaying any symptoms of avian influenza including general depression or weakness of unknown origin should not be brought into rehabilitation centres where they could potentially spread the disease to other birds. Any wild birds displaying symptoms of avian influenza should be reported to DAFM as described above without delay. For all other symptoms of disease in wild birds they should contact their Private Veterinary Practitioner for advice. A description of the symptoms of avian influenza can be found here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/acacf-clinical-signs/

As birds can carry other diseases that are potentially transmissible to humans (e.g., bacteria such as Salmonella and Chlamydia) anyone handling birds should take appropriate hygiene precautions. This should include wearing disposable gloves, disposable or dedicated outerwear as well as taking care to always wash and disinfect hands after handling birds.

Further information on avian influenza can be found at:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/15675-measures-to-reduce-the-risk-of-introduction-ofavian-influenza/#advice-when-handing-dead-wild-birds

Tramore to light up for Christmas

Public realm works on Main Street, Tramore are due to be completed by the first week in December to coincide with the start of the festive season and the switching on of the Christmas lights in Tramore on December 2nd.

While weather conditions have hampered progress on some days, there is currently a full complement of pavers on site working to ensure the deadline is met.  The junction at Main Street and Queen Street will re-open to traffic once works are completed on Main Street.

The new paved area on Main Street, which will remain closed to traffic until the new traffic management system comes into place next year, will be the focus of some of the many Christmas activities being organised by Waterford Chamber with the support of Waterford City and County Council and local businesses.

Key attractions on Main Street will include a 20ft Christmas tree and a giant festive post box for children to post their letters to Santa.  Following new investment in festive lights by Waterford City and County Council, the area will be lit by a curtain of Christmas lights to add to the festive atmosphere.  Santa’s sleigh will take up prominent position at the Plaza and will make a picture perfect opportunity for children and families to pose for photos.

Lynda Lawton, Waterford Chamber of Commerce said, “We’re excited to plan a festive extravaganza for Tramore this Christmas. While the works have taken longer than originally anticipated, that fact that the finish line is in sight is a great relief for local businesses.”

“That’s why we intend to make Christmas in Tramore one to remember for the local community.  The lights that are being installed by the Council will really showcase the new Plaza, Main Street and Queen Street.  The Christmas tree will take pride of place in Main Street and the younger ones can rest assured that their letters will get to the Big Man himself when posted in the 12 ft Santa letter box.”

“Along with a host of other festive attractions and surprises throughout the town, Tramore is a must visit this Christmas.”

Following completion of paving on Main Street, works will refocus on the car park at Quish’s SuperValu.  Planned works at the junction of Strand Road and Gallwey’s Hill will commence in early January 2022 to avoid disruption to traffic over the festive period.

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Significant improvements in water supply in the Déise as Ardmore improvements begin

Irish Water, working in partnership with Waterford City and County Council, is replacing problematic water mains in Ardmore, to support the economic and social development of the area, provide a more reliable water supply and tackle high levels of leakage.

The old, problematic pipes are being decommissioned and replaced and works will commence in early November and are expected to be complete by late December.

Approximately 710m of new mains will be constructed. The section of works will take place on Tower Hill from College Road to Rocky Road and continue on Rocky Road through to New Line Road, finishing where New Line Road meets Cliff Road.

The works will involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customers’ water supply. Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead, these will be replaced as part of this improvement work.

Works are part of Irish Water’s national Leakage Reduction Programme, which will see €500m invested nationally to tackle problematic pipes and leakage in Ireland’s ageing water network.

The works will be carried out by Shareridge Ltd., on behalf of Irish Water.

Speaking about the works, Irish Water’s Joe Carroll said;

“We are pleased to be working in Ardmore to improve the water supply network in the town. These are an important part of the ongoing improvement works that Irish Water, working in partnership with Waterford City and County Council are carrying out, in a town that is developing and growing in the past number of years.

“In order to safely and efficiently complete the works a road closure will be required from Tower Hill to where New Line Road meets Cliff Road. Access to either side of the works for locals and emergency traffic will be maintained as the works progress. Local access to either side of the works location will be maintained as the project progresses. Diversions will be signposted on approach with local access and emergency traffic facilitated.

“The works may involve some short-term water interruptions and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions. I’d like to thank the community for their patience and coopertion as we carry out these works to improve the town’s water supply.”

More information:

For more information, please visit https://www.water.ie/projects/national-projects/leakage-reduction-programme/

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Boil Water Notice on Fews Public Water Supply lifted with immediate effect

Irish Water, working in partnership with Waterford City and County Council, wishes to advise that the Boil Water notice that was issued on the Fews Public Water Supply on 28 October is now lifted with immediate effect. The notice has been lifted following the completion of remedial measures and the receipt of satisfactory monitoring results. This decision follows consultation undertaken with the Health Service Executive.

Ronan Walsh, Irish Water said: “All consumers on the Fews Public Water Supply can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.

“Irish Water and the Local Authority/Health Service Executive Water Liaison Group will continue to meet and will review ongoing process control, monitoring and testing of the drinking water supply.”

The Irish Water Customer Contact Centre (1800 278 278) is available to answer customer queries in relation to this water notice. Further information is available on www.water.ie.

Irish Water and Waterford City and County Council acknowledge the patience, cooperation and assistance of the general public during the period of the boil water notice and greatly regrets any inconvenience caused to householders and the business community.

Irish Water continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Irish Water would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.

ENDS

For media queries please contact press@water.ie

The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan

Connecting Ireland is a major public transport initiative developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) with the aim of increasing connectivity, particularly for people living outside our major cities and towns.

The plan aims to improve mobility in rural areas, and it will do this by providing better connections between villages and towns by linking these areas with an enhanced regional network connecting cities and regional centres nationwide.

To view county-by-county proposals, network tables, and maps, please visit the Connecting Ireland website by clicking here.

To submit your feedback, please visit our survey by clicking here. The survey is available in both English and Irish.

Waterford communities see the benefits from Irish Water’s improving wastewater infrastructure

Waterford communities see the benefits from Irish Water’s progress in improving wastewater infrastructure

60% of Ireland’s 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 Water’s consistent progress in upgrading wastewater treatment and eliminating the discharge of raw sewage to Ireland’s 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.

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 Agency’s 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 country’s 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.

ENDS