Work is now complete on the Blanchardstown Regional Drainage Scheme (BRDS).

The project is one of the largest capital investment projects to date by Uisce Éireann.

Serving Blanchardstown, Mulhuddart and Castleknock in Dublin, and Dunboyne, Clonee, Ashbourne and Ratoath in Meath, the BRDS represents an investment of approximately €88 million.

Crucially, the project will also protect the local environment by reducing the frequency and volume of untreated overflows from this vast sewer network to the River Tolka, protecting habitats and ecosystems in both the river and in Dublin Bay.

The project involved the construction over 3km of new sewers along the Tolka Valley, using innovative, trenchless tunnelling methods to reduce the impact on the local community. It also included the construction of a new pumping station and underground storage tanks as well as reinforced grass surfacing, using seed that promotes and cultivates biodiversity, for future access to the underground storage tanks and pumping station for maintenance.

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An event, hosted by Uisce Éireann's Chief Executive Officer, Niall Gleeson, took place at the newly constructed Tolka Valley Park Pumping Station in Blanchardstown and was attended by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien TD. Also in attendance was newly elected Mayor of Fingal County Council, Councillor Adrian Henchy, fellow councillors from Fingal and representatives from Uisce Éireann, Fingal County Council, Ward and Burke Construction Ltd.

Mr Gleeson, said: "The completion of this significant project is a major milestone not only for us at Uisce Éireann, but also for current and future generations across North West Dublin and East Meath.

"The project itself is one of the largest capital investments by Uisce Éireann to date and will provide Blanchardstown and surrounding areas in Dublin and East Meath with the infrastructure needed to support the building of houses and schools, to attract new industry and to allow companies to expand and grow as well as enhancing the local environment.

"We would like to thank the local communities where the works took place for their patience and supporting our vision. To minimise the impact of the works, we used innovative, trenchless, tunnelling methods which reduced disturbance to homes and businesses, as well as the local habitat along the Tolka River Valley."