A major wastewater infrastructure project has been launched in Waterford as part of the North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ).

This project will see a new pump station built in Ferrybank on the former Dunlop site, replacing the existing pump station.

Waterford City and County Council and Irish Water are leading and funding the project, with additional investment from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government's Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and NTA.

The new pump station will have expanded storage to significantly reduce the frequency of sewage overflows into the River Suir during wet weather events, improve wastewater capacity in the Ferrybank catchment area, and meet all environmental standards for discharge of sewage overflows.

The existing Ferrybank pump station occupies a small but central part of the Waterford North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). This is an eight-hectare site pivotally located in the centre of the region's City and designated as a SDZ in 2016. The site had remained derelict for decades and hindered the integration, attractiveness, and sustainable development of the City Centre and consequently the surrounding area. However, the decommissioning of this station and the construction of an improved facility will allow for the development of a derelict City Centre Strategic site.

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Commenting on the upgrade, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O'Leary said: "This investment in a new pumping station in Ferrybank will have far-reaching benefits to the catchment area. Sewage overflows will be exponentially decreased which will undoubtedly be welcomed by the local community.

"The implementation of much improved wastewater infrastructure will improve flood protection, reduce the sites carbon footprint and facilitate future development as the catchment area grows."

Lisa Cogan from Irish Water commented: "We are delighted to be making progress on this essential wastewater improvement project in Ferrybank and as a result of the collaborative works between Irish Water and Waterford City and County Council, the local community will see the benefits for years to come in terms of health, integrity of the environment and improved water quality for all.

"The construction of the pumping station and new wastewater pipes will ensure wastewater infrastructure capacity can meet future demand and support social and economic development in the Ferrybank area."

Upon completion the project will reduce the risk of sewer overflow with the catchment, improve the separation of foul and surface water networks, enhance the water quality of the River Suir though improved foul water storage and reduced overflows and ensure compliance with the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directives.

David Walsh Civil Engineering is the main contractor on the project, with Consultant Engineers from Nicholas O'Dwyer Consulting Engineers, and Roughan & O'Donovan Consulting Engineers. Works are expected to be completed by December 2023.