Ringsend is the largest wastewater treatment plant in Ireland, and was built to treat the wastewater for the equivalent of 1.64 million people. Currently servicing over 40% of the national population, the equivalent of 1.9 million people, the upgrade will accommodate the current demand, support planned housing and economic growth in the Dublin region and will improve the quality of the treated wastewater discharged to the Liffey estuary.
Currently the plant serves the Greater Dublin Area including the city centre and stretching to suburban areas and this two-year capacity upgrade is one part of an overall investment of €400 million by Irish Water in the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project. Subject to planning permission, the overall upgrade project will enable full treatment of wastewater for the equivalent of 2.4 million people, meeting all foreseeable development needs to at least 2025.
Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy, TD said: “This is a hugely important and modernising step for our national and regional wastewater infrastructure. This investment is preparing our capital city for future growth. It will ensure that the highest treatment standards are being deployed and utilised in Dublin, that we are preparing for future housing, population and economic growth and that we meet the stringent requirements of the EU’s Wastewater Treatment directives.”
Managing Director for Irish Water, Jerry Grant said: “This is a priority project for Irish Water and is vital for future social and economic development in Dublin, for public health and for improving the waters and ecology of Dublin Bay. AGS technology was identified by Irish Water as ideally suited to deployment at Ringsend. We are already using this technology in Shanbally and Clonakilty Wastewater treatment plants and have proven its suitability for the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant.”
Joe Higgins, Director at Veolia Ireland said: “This project demonstrates how we are helping Ireland to manage its precious natural resources and deliver greater sustainability. Using our global water experience we will work with Irish Water to deliver this important infrastructure upgrade to increase the capacity for economic growth, build resilience and ensure the greater Dublin area’s water needs are met now and into the future.”
In December 2017, Irish Water awarded the Capacity Upgrade Contract to Veolia Water Ireland Ltd & PJ Hegarty & Sons DC Joint Venture for the construction of this phase of the upgrade.