An event to mark the completion of one of the largest capital investment projects to date by Uisce Éireann (Irish Water) took place in Tolka Valley Park in Blanchardstown. Serving Blanchardstown, Mulhuddart and Castleknock in Dublin, and Dunboyne, Clonee, Ashbourne and Ratoath in Meath, the Blanchardstown Regional Drainage Scheme (BRDS) represents an investment of approximately €88 million. It is one of a number of major investments that Uisce Éireann has undertaken to support and enable housing and economic growth for the Greater Dublin Area.
Crucially, the project will also protect the local environment by reducing the frequency and volume of untreated overflows from this vast sewer network to the River Tolka, protecting habitats and ecosystems in both the river and in Dublin Bay.
The project involved the construction over 3km of new sewers along the Tolka Valley, using innovative, trenchless tunnelling methods to reduce the impact on the local community. It also included the construction of a new pumping station and underground storage tanks as well as reinforced grass surfacing, using seed that promotes and cultivates biodiversity, for future access to the underground storage tanks and pumping station for maintenance.
The event, hosted by Uisce Éireann’s Chief Executive Officer, Niall Gleeson, took place at the newly constructed Tolka Valley Park Pumping Station in Blanchardstown and was attended by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD. Also in attendance was newly elected Mayor of Fingal County Council, Councillor Adrian Henchy, fellow councillors from Fingal and representatives from Uisce Éireann, Fingal County Council, Ward and Burke Construction Ltd.
Commenting on the importance of the project, Niall Gleeson, said: “The completion of this significant project is a major milestone not only for us at Uisce Éireann, but also for current and future generations across North West Dublin and East Meath.
“The project itself is one of the largest capital investments by Uisce Éireann to date and will provide Blanchardstown and surrounding areas in Dublin and East Meath with the infrastructure needed to support the building of houses and schools, to attract new industry and to allow companies to expand and grow as well as enhancing the local environment.
“We would like to thank the local communities where the works took place for their patience and supporting our vision. To minimise the impact of the works, we used innovative, trenchless, tunnelling methods which reduced disturbance to homes and businesses, as well as the local habitat along the Tolka River Valley."
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD added: “The Blanchardstown Regional Drainage Scheme project demonstrates how Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Fingal County Council, is delivering infrastructure that is critical for our communities, our economy, and our environment. The delivery of this project will support existing and future residential and commercial development in Blanchardstown and surrounding areas and is one of a number projects being delivered in the Greater Dublin Area and in Meath to support housing growth and development.”
Mayor of Fingal County Council, Councillor Adrian Henchy, added: “I am delighted to be here today to witness this historic occasion. The project represents a significant investment by Uisce Éireann and is fundamental to the growth of our area. The provision of adequate wastewater infrastructure, not only for our existing population, but for our future growth, needs to be planned and implemented now, so that we are ready to meet the opportunities of the coming years. I’d like to thank Uisce Éireann and Fingal County Council and commend them for their hard work, 24/7, to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services.”
President of Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Stephen O’Leary, welcomed the improvements for local businesses, adding, “The provision of adequate wastewater services is an integral factor for local business, particularly for our multinationals, retail and hospitality sectors. As the Greater Dublin Area continues to develop and expand, local economic growth will be underpinned by the work already undertaken and by the work that continues to be delivered. It is important that capital expenditure continues to be implemented effectively in order to ensure our communities and businesses expand and thrive. On behalf of Dublin Chamber and the local business community, I would like to commend Uisce Éireann on the completion of this major upgrade to a key part our critical infrastructure”.
