Only around 20% of engineers in Ireland believe the country's overall water infrastructure is in a good condition, according to a new report.

Engineer's Ireland's 'The State of Ireland 2018 - A Review of Infrastructure in Ireland' publication, which this year focuses on water/wastewater and flooding infrastructure, reveals that both areas were allocated a 'C' grade by industry experts, meaning infrastructure is inadequately maintained, unable to meet peak demand and requires significant investment.

In the report, experts reiterated that major projects such as the Eastern and Midlands Region Water Supply Project and the Greater Dublin Drainage Project are needed to support future growth, with Ireland's population set to increase by one million people in the next two decades. The study also states a shortage of engineers and other construction professionals are risking the capacity to deliver critical infrastructure projects.

In addition, engineers are calling for leakage to be reduced from 44% to 35% in the next five years, while 118 flood relief schemes must be delivered strategically to protect 95% of properties identified as high-risk.

Further recommendations include;

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• Expanding new flood forecasting and warning systems to deal with the effects of climate change

• Eliminate all untreated wastewater discharges to safeguard water quality, human health and the natural environment

• Launch a Sustainability Education Programme on water quality, the value of water, the causes of flooding and the full array of flood risk management options

The Director General of Engineers Ireland, Caroline Spillane, said severe water shortages recently faced by thousands of households and businesses across the Dublin, eastern and midlands regions will continue to get worse unless key projects for these areas are not delivered.

"The Eastern and Midlands Region water supply project is the first major new water source in the region for more than 60 years," she said.

"initiative has the capacity to meet the ever-increasing domestic and commercial water needs of more than 40% of the Irish population beyond 2050. Sourcing water from the Lower River Shannon has been identified by Irish Water as the best supply option based on cost, environmental impact and the potential benefit to the wider region and Ireland as a whole.

"With water supply to the Dublin and midlands region in an extremely precarious state, any delays that derail this project will only worsen an already severe situation for towns and businesses in these areas."

Peter Quinn, President of Engineers Ireland, said the report "comes at a pivotal juncture for our country".

"Over the next 20 years, our population is set to increase by one million people," he said.

"Regional development is vital but we must prepare for the majority of this population and jobs growth to be focused in urban centres. This will mean putting in place strategic systems of sustainable infrastructure to support growth, including water and wastewater services and flood defences."

Concluding, Mr Quinn said more young people, especially woman, should consider pursuing a career in engineering to help tackle the skills crisis.

"Delivering Project Ireland 2040, including our priority actions, will be impossible without expanded industry and a larger engineering workforce," he said.

To view 'The State of Ireland 2018 - A Review of Infrastructure in Ireland' report, here.

(LM)