Irish Water is to upgrade the sewer network in Rush, Co Dublin, as part of a project to improve the bathing water at South Beach Rush, North Beach and Harbour Road Beach.

The firm is investing €9.7 million in the Rush wastewater collection project to stop the discharge of untreated wastewater (sewage) into the sea. At present approximately 75% of sewage generated in Rush discharges untreated into the Irish Sea.

The next step in the project requires an upgrade of the sewer network along the R128 and will require a phased road closure which has been submitted to Fingal County Council for approval. The phased road closure will take place from Monday, 11 September to Friday, 24 November, 2017.

Irish Water will host a Drop-in Public Information Evening in Rush Community Centre on Thursday, 31 August from 4pm-8pm. The project team will be in attendance to outline the phased closure of the road and to answer any queries members of the community might have. The foul sewer currently in place along the R128 is sub-standard and under capacity. This sewer surcharges in periods of high rainfall discharging raw sewage onto the road and adjacent waterways. The most recent event was 14 August 2017 after a period of heavy rainfall. The new pipe upgrade will eliminate this problem.

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The works along R128 will be constructed in seven phases. The first phase of the works will require a Stop/Go single lane closure to be in place. The remaining six phase of works are at a much deeper depth as the sewer is located 4.5 metres underground and will require 160 metres of road to close at a time as works advance through the phases. Pedestrian and cycle access will be available throughout for the duration of the works.

Throughout the works at least one of the entrances to Golden ridge will be available for use. Unfortunately due to the programme of works of the project, the works could not have been commenced until the pumping station and Palmer Road/Chapel Green works were completed. The works are almost complete enabling the Skerries Road works to commence. Concerns have been expressed about an increase in traffic on the Palmer Road during these works affecting both St. Maurs GAA and Gael Scoil Ros Eo. It is proposed to provide a Stop/Go traffic management system at school peak times to better manage traffic flows. Local access only signage will also be erected along the road.

For further information, visit www.water.ie