Bathers advised to avoid swimming spots

PRECAUTIONARY ‘do not swim’ notifications have been extended to several popular Southside bathing areas as “essential” upgrade works continue at the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Bathers have been advised to avoid swimming at Merrion Strand, Sandymount Beach, Shelleybanks and Half Moon as well as Dollymount Strand while the work is taking place.

 Irish Water said the works were due to be completed by Monday, November 21 but due to intermittent heavy rainfall the period of work has been extended to Monday, November 28.

Irish Water apologised for the inconvenience.

“The works at the Ringsend Plant will improve the current performance of the plant and help meet the needs of the growing population,” the body stated.

“These are interim measures being undertaken in advance of Irish Water progressing with a project to seek planning permission to upgrade the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant.”

Irish Water added that the Ringsend plant is currently operating over the capacity it was designed for.

They are intending to apply to An Bord Pleanála in 2017 for permission to upgrade and expand the plant.

“The project to upgrade the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant is vital to provide future capacity at the plant and to ensure that the Greater Dublin Area has appropriate wastewater treatment facilities to enable continued social and economic development,” Irish Water stated.

“The works will ensure that the treatment plant continues to perform well while Irish Water progresses that application.”

The improvement works will be carried out at a pumping station within the plant.

“These works will enable improved control of the wastewater flows to the treatment tanks, thereby improving effluent quality.”

Irish Water has reviewed a variety of options to facilitate the works.