Massive drainage scheme underway

WORK has begun on a massive €88 million drainage project at Waterville Park in the Tolka Valley.

The Blanchardstown Regional Drainage Scheme has been designed to support an expected surge in residential and commercial drainage demand over the coming year.

The scheme is being delivered by Irish Water, working in partnership with Fingal County Council, who say it will also safeguard the environment in Blanchardstown and surrounding areas.

The existing wastewater network was constructed in the 1970s but the area it serves has expanded considerably over the past four decades.

The new project will upgrade the existing wastewater network in Mulhuddart and Castleknock, as well as a number of towns in Meath including Dunboyne, Clonee, Ashbourne and Ratoath. 

Irish Water say the works have been carefully planned so as to minimise any impact on the public.

The primary works will be contained within an area of Waterville Park. 

This will enable construction of a underground storm water management facility and pumping station.

Along Tolka Valley Park, 3km of new wastewater network will be constructed using tunneling methods that ensure the impact on the park and its users is kept to a minimum.

The works will be completed by Ward and Burke Construction Limited on behalf of Irish Water and are scheduled to be completed by 2023.

Deputy Mayor of Fingal County Council, Cllr Tom Kitt, spoke at the turning of the first sod for the project.

“Today’s sod turning marks a significant milestone in modernising the wastewater infrastructure in Blanchardstown and surrounding areas and making it fit for purpose, for now and into the future,” he said.

“The population in Fingal is growing, our economy is growing, and these infrastructural upgrades are fundamental to the sustainable development of the area.”

Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy, also attended the sod turning ceremony.

 “On days like today we get a real understanding of the work being delivered by Irish Water working in partnership with Fingal County Council,” he said.

“Working together, following Government policy, our people and partners build, maintain and operate our water and wastewater infrastructure to provide essential services to our customers, communities and the economy.

“The delivery of this project will support existing and future residential and commercial development in Blanchardstown and surrounding areas.”

Managing Director of Irish Water, Niall Gleeson, said Irish Water was working to support social and economic growth in Ireland through the delivery of essential water and wastewater services.

“The size and scale of the challenge facing Irish Water shouldn’t be underestimated nor should the significant progress we have made,” he coneinued.

“However. there is significant work still to do as we continue to build world class wastewater infrastructure through our €5.5 billion programme of investment.

“This particular project will provide Blanchardstown and the surrounding areas with the infrastructure needed to support the building of houses, schools, attract new industry and allow companies to expand and grow.”

Further information on the project can be found online at www.water.ie/brds.