O’Brien receives update on Portmarnock and Naul water services

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD says he has received an update on water and wastewater services in Portmarnock and Naul.

Irish Water have prioritised the sub catchment of Portmarnock for works in advance of the completion of the drainage area plan (DAP) in order to help safeguard the environment and to facilitate housing development.

They have committed to delivering the replacement of Portmarnock Bridge pumping station, which when complete will ensure capacity for all existing flows and an additional 4000 units as well as provide for additional storm water storage. The project has received planning permission and is at tender stage.

They are also carrying out structural, mechanical, and electrical surveys of the Portmarnock pumping station. The finding of the surveys will inform the options for immediate, medium term, and longer term upgrades. This final report is expected in Q1 2021.

In relation to Naul Wastewater Treatment Plant which is not equipped with an overflow facility, Irish Water has recently finalised an agreement for works which will eliminate “wash out” overflow events at the plant.

In addition, the plant is being prioritised for investment under Irish Water’s Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme.

Commenting Minister O’Brien said:

“I recently met with Irish Water officials at their Leixlip plant to discuss a number of water infrastructure issues.

“As a TD for Dublin Fingal I have long been aware of the issues in Portmarnock and Naul and I want to see these fixed.

“A number of months ago we had a sewage spill close Portmarnock’s Velvet Strand.

“I immediately made contact with Irish Water and Fingal County Council and while I was glad to see the matter rectified immediately, I do not want to see incidences like that happen anywhere in our country.

“The significant allocation of €1.4 billion for water infrastructure in Budget 2021 will mean that Irish Water can progress projects across the country including leakage reduction works, sewer upgrades and water and wastewater plant improvements,” he concluded.