Irish Water, working in partnership with Kildare County Council, has marked the beginning of works on the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme Contract 2A at a sod-turning event in Newbridge, Co Kildare.
The project will support future population and economic growth in Newbridge and the surrounding areas. Roadbridge will be the main contractor for these civil works and is looking forward to working closely with Irish Water and Kildare County Council on this vital piece of infrastructure for the region.
Project includes the construction of a new interceptor sewer
The investment will also ensure that wastewater is treated and discharged in compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 2001, ensure compliance with conditions set out in the EPA’s Wastewater Discharge Licence and help Ireland avoid substantial EU penalties.
The €30 million project includes the construction of a new interceptor sewer to connect Newbridge to the Osberstown wastewater treatment plant, which will facilitate increased flow to the it.
The project is needed as the current wastewater infrastructure is unable to support the needs of the area and it is not compliant with Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 2001 and conditions as set out in the EPA’s Wastewater Discharge Licence.
'Massive development and growth in recent decades'
Councillor Sean Power, Mayor of Kildare County Council, said: “I’m delighted to be here to witness the start of works on this vital project. Here in Newbridge and the surrounding areas, we have seen massive development and growth in recent decades.
"This development has put strain on the vital infrastructure that supports homes and businesses every day. To enable future growth in the area, significant upgrades are required. This project will safeguard the wastewater system, and ensure there is capacity for future growth in Newbridge and the surrounding areas.”
Deputy Martin Heydon said: “This government has long recognised the need to invest in our water and wastewater infrastructure and is committed to providing funding to Irish Water to enable the national utility to deliver on the critical projects, like this one, that are so badly needed.
'Bringing it in line with international standards'
"We are addressing and achieving success by delivering on our promise to invest and upgrade our water and wastewater infrastructure bringing it in line with international standards.
"This investment is needed to provide Newbridge with the infrastructure to support the building of houses, schools, attract new industry and allow the companies we have to expand and grow.”
Michael Tinsley, infrastructure portfolio delivery manager, Irish Water, said: “Our long-term plan is to support people’s daily lives through the delivery of essential water and wastewater services.
'Size and scale of challenge facing Irish Water shouldn’t be underestimated'
"Projects such as this one are an example of how we are delivering on that promise. The size and scale of the challenge facing Irish Water shouldn’t be underestimated. Nor should the significant progress the company has made to date.
"Investing in our water and wastewater infrastructure will ensure we provide and maintain the strong foundations on which the Irish economy is built, so Ireland can continue to grow our economy by supporting economic development now and into the future.”