Blue Flag hopes raised for Rush

WORK on a large-scale upgrade of the Rush wastewater network in North County Dublin is expected to begin by the middle of next year.

Fingal County Council has confirmed that tender documents for the procurement of a contractor for the project have been prepared and are now with Irish Water for approval. It’s anticipated that work will commence in mid-2015 and will take approximately two years to complete.

The works will involve the construction of three new pump stations within the Rush catchment. Interconnecting pipework will convey flows from Rush to the pump station at Whitestown. From here, the waste will be sent across the estuary to the Portrane wastewater treatment plant.
Once works are complete, the continuous discharge of untreated effluent into the sea off Rush will cease, according to the council.

Minister James Reilly, who lives in the area, said that a large number of local residents have been complaining about sewage being pumped directly into the sea in Rush. He described the upgrade work as a

“vital next step

? in securing a Blue Flag beach for the area.

“Securing a Blue Flag for the beach will increase the number of visitors to Rush, providing a boost for local businesses and local employment,

? he stated.
Minister Reilly pointed out that in order to secure a Blue Flag, the water quality must be certified as excellent for four continuous years.

“Securing a Blue Flag will be a long-term project,

? he added.

“However, the commitment of the council to begin this project within a year is a welcome start.

?