New Brine Manufacturing Facility opens in Ballyogan

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has officially opened a new Brine Manufacturing Facility at Ballyogan.

Developed in partnership with Clonmel Enterprises and Wintertech Systems, the Council say the new facility will enable them to transition from traditional dry salt spreading to modern pre-wet salting technology, helping to deliver safer roads, more effective treatment during severe weather and a more efficient use of resources.

Cllr Barry Saul, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:

“The opening of this new facility is an important investment in the safety and resilience of our road network.

“By embracing new technology, we can provide a more efficient winter maintenance service while also reducing the environmental impact of our operations.

“This is a very positive development for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and will help us ensure that our key routes remain safe and accessible during periods of severe winter weather.”

Based at the Ballyogan Operations Centre, the facility will support the winter treatment of more than 200km of priority routes across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, strengthening the Council’s ability to keep key transport routes safe and operational throughout the winter season.

The new technology will allow salt to be pre-wetted with brine before it is spread on the road surface. This will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of winter treatments while reducing overall salt usage.

The investment will also enhance the resilience of the Council’s winter maintenance operations and help meet future road service requirements.

With increasingly challenging and unpredictable weather conditions, the facility will provide Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council with a modern, reliable and adaptable system to support its response to severe winter weather.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council added:
 
“This facility represents a significant step forward in how we deliver our winter maintenance service.

“It will allow us to use our resources more efficiently, reduce salt usage and associated carbon emissions, and strengthen our operational response during severe weather.

“It is another example of how Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is investing in practical, sustainable infrastructure that will serve the county well into the future.”

In addition to the operational benefits, the facility is expected to deliver significant environmental and financial advantages through reduced salt consumption, fewer haulage requirements, lower carbon emissions, and reduced impacts on surface water systems.

The project reflects Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s continued commitment to innovation and sustainability and supports the objectives of the Council’s Climate Action Plan.

The opening of the Ballyogan Brine Manufacturing Facility represents an important investment in the county’s infrastructure, providing a modern, fit-for-purpose winter maintenance service that will support safer and more resilient roads for communities across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown for many years to come.