Major wastewater upgrade project to begin in Balbriggan

03 August 2023

Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Fingal County Council, is progressing a major upgrade to Quay Street Pumping Station and completing ancillary works in Balbriggan to support future growth and development, meet current demand and support the protection of the local environment.

This project is part of Uisce Éireann's commitment to the national drive to provide homes to people who need them by developing and prioritising the delivery of key water and wastewater infrastructure. The project is part of a wider plan to improve the wastewater infrastructure in the wider Balbriggan and Stamullen area.

The works will begin onsite next month and will include essential upgrades to the existing pump station and storm tanks, located underneath Quay Street Car Park, as well as upgrades to the ventilation and odour control facilities. It will also include upgrades to the wastewater network. The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by GMC Utilities Ltd. and are expected to be completed by Q2 2024.

Commenting on the importance of the project, Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Hanly, said: “We are looking forward to progressing this essential wastewater project for the Balbriggan and Stamullen areas. When completed, the new pump station and associated upgrades to the wastewater network will support future growth and development as well as supporting the enhancement of the local environment."

Padraig continued: “We are also progressing a Drainage Area Plan (DAP) for Balbriggan which will allow us to understand what impact the network is having on receiving waters, to prioritise investment to where it is most needed, and to design the necessary upgrades.”

In order to safely facilitate works, Quay Street car park, south of the canal, will be closed. Alternative car parking is being made available by Fingal County Council at Bath Road and Bremore Castle. To ensure the safety of crews and the public, temporary traffic management will be necessary on Quay Street between the car park and control building, and will be communicated locally.

Declan Ryan, Town Regeneration Officer with Fingal County Council, welcomed the upgrades:

“We are delighted that Uisce Éireann is prioritising the upgrade of Quay Street Pumping Station which will significantly support Fingal County Council’s “Our Balbriggan” rejuvenation plan which will see Quay Street, the harbour and pier areas transformed for all of Balbriggan and surrounding communities to enjoy. Quay Street car park will also be closed permanently following Uisce Éireann’s works, as part of the Quay Street Plaza Redevelopment plan. Alternative car parking is being made available by Fingal County Council at Bath Road and Bremore Castle.”

There will be some construction noise associated with the work during the day and within licencing conditions. Standard working hours are from 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday; and from 8am – 1pm on Saturdays. Any changes will be communicated in advance. Uisce Éireann understands that this type of work can be inconvenient and works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.