Plans are to be submitted to upgrade the existing sewer network serving Blanchardstown and surrounding catchment areas in Dublin, Meath and Kildare.

Irish Water expected to invest around €50 million in the project.

The proposed scheme will be located along the Tolka River Valley in Blanchardstown between Parslickstown and Mill Road and a new pumping station will be constructed at Waterville close to Mill Road.

The investment will expand the existing capacity of the wastewater network in the area to facilitate existing and future residential and commercial growth. The project will also benefit the environment as the increased sewer capacity will reduce the frequency and volume of overflows of untreated wastewater from the network into the River Tolka and will support the future economic and social development in Blanchardstown and surrounding areas in Meath and Kildare.

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The proposed project will include the construction of approximately 3.2kms of new sewer pipelines using trenchless tunnelling techniques alongside the existing sewer network between Parslickstown and Mill Road in Blanchardstown. The construction of underground storage tanks with a total combined capacity of approximately 30,000m³. A new below ground pumping station with above ground control room will be constructed on the site of the existing Tolka Valley Park Pumping Station at Waterville near the Mill Road. A new control building to house all electrical switchgear, control equipment, an odour control unit, a generator room and ESB sub-station. During the project local sewer and utility diversions will be carried out to facilitate construction of the storm water storage tanks and Tolka Valley Park Pumping Station. Once the proposed project is complete the area will be fully reinstated to match the original condition and associated site works.

Paul Fallon, Wastewater Infrastructure Manager at Irish Water, said: "Irish Water is pleased to be progressing this important project for Blanchardstown and the surrounding areas in Meath and Kildare. The proposed project will expand the existing capacity of the wastewater network in the area to facilitate existing and future residential and commercial growth. Irish Water is committed to investing in the wastewater treatment infrastructure in Blanchardstown to support the needs of this fast growing population. The investment will benefit the environment as once completed there will be fewer overflows of untreated water to the River Tolka."

(CD)