Major wastewater projects completed in Kildare
15 February 2024
11 key towns across Kildare benefitting from €75 million investment
11 towns across Kildare are benefitting from the completion of a €75 million investment by Uisce Éireann to upgrade and improve the local wastewater infrastructure. The projects will enable existing and future growth and development across the county while ensuring the protection of the local environment.
The completion of these vital wastewater projects in the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme catchment, is one of Uisce Éireann’s largest capital investments to date and will improve the water quality in the River Liffey by reducing the risk of sewer overflows during severe weather events.
The previous wastewater network was no longer fit for purpose and the system lacked sufficient capacity to cater for commercial and residential growth and development. Following the completion of these significant projects, the capacity of the sewer networks has been increased in these towns, facilitating economic growth and development, whilst also reducing the risk of out of sewer flooding to homes and businesses in these towns. It also ensures compliance with national and European legislation, in terms of ensuring improved water quality in the River Liffey.
To address these issues, this landmark project involved the installation of almost 30km of new sewers in key towns across Kildare including Sallins, Clane, Prosperous, Naas, Johnstown, Kill, Newbridge, Kilcullen, Carragh and parts of The Curragh to ensure the wastewater generated from these towns is collected and treated to the highest standards before being safely returned to the environment.
To limit the disruption to these towns, the works were split into two separate large projects.
The first was completed in 2021 and included the provision of a new sewer system from Newbridge to Osberstown, involving the construction of three new pumping stations and 10km of new sewer pipeline.
The second project included major upgrades to the wastewater network in Naas, Newbridge, Clane and Sallins and was completed in late 2023. The pumping stations in Monread and Clane underwent major upgrades. In addition, 18km of old and broken sewers were replaced with a modern, robust sewer system and the provision of stormwater storage to reduce the risk of emergency overflows to the River Liffey and out-of-sewer flooding.
Commenting on the importance of the project, Olive Marshall, Uisce Éireann Engineer and Project Manager, said: “This project represents a significant investment by Uisce Éireann and is fundamental in meeting the growing needs of homes and businesses across Kildare."
“It is one of the largest capital investments undertaken by Uisce Éireann to date and will provide Kildare communities 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 protecting the local environment."
“We would like to thank the local communities where the works took place for their patience and supporting our vision.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD added: “The Upper Liffey Valley Sewage Scheme demonstrates how Uisce Éireann is delivering infrastructure that is critical for our communities, our economy, and our environment. The delivery of this project will support existing and future residential and commercial development throughout Kildare, in a manner that enhances and protects our environment”.
Cathaoirleach of Kildare, Councillor Daragh Fitzpatrick, added: “The completion of this scheme is an important milestone for Kildare. The provision of adequate wastewater infrastructure, not only for our existing population, but for our future growth, needs to be planned and implemented now, so that we are ready to meet the opportunities of the coming years. I’d like to thank Uisce Éireann and Kildare County Council for their hard work, 24/7, to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services.”
Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit our website.