Sod turned on Old Connaught-Woodbrook Water Supply Scheme project
05 July 2022
Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and Wicklow County Councils, today marked the start of construction on one of the largest projects to upgrade the drinking water supply in South Dublin and North Wicklow. When completed, the project will provide a more reliable water supply for existing homes and businesses while also providing additional capacity for future growth of up to 12,000 homes.
A sod turning ceremony to officially mark the commencement of the works contract took place this morning and was led by the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Peter Burke TD and supported by Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Councillor Mary Hanafin, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Councillor Tommy Annesley, and representatives from Uisce Éireann, Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Wicklow County Councils. The landmark event was also attended by members of the local business community.
The project, known locally as the Old Connaught-Woodbrook Water Supply Scheme, will involve the construction of of two new state-of-the-art reservoirs and more than 13km of new water mains, providing new drinking water infrastructure for the area. It will also will provide network resilience and flexibility for the GDA (Greater Dublin Area).
Minister Burke commended Uisce Éireann for progressing the project saying: “I am delighted to be here today to officially turn the sod and mark the commencement of the works contract for the Old Connaught-Woodbrook Water Supply Scheme. The construction of this new water supply scheme is pivotal for the future growth and development of South Dublin and North Wicklow. The provision of a reliable water service is essential to support the economic and social development of the Greater Dublin Area. I would like to commend all those involved in bringing the project to this important day and I would like to wish the project team well as they progress this vital water project.”
Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Councillor Mary Hanafin, added: “I am delighted to be here today to witness the hard work, dedication and collaboration of Uisce Éireann, Dublin City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and Wicklow County Councils all working together on this significant project for the benefit of local communities across South Dublin and North Wicklow. The delivery of this significant project will improve security and resilience of supply in the Greater Dublin Area, as well as supporting much needed growth and development.”
Dermot Ferris, President of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the project, adding: “A reliable and secure water supply is essential for a healthy and successful society and an integral factor for local business, particularly for our multinationals and hospitality sectors. As Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown continues to develop, local economic growth will be underpinned by these improvements to our water infrastructure. It is important that the capital expenditure planned for the area continues to be implemented effectively so as to ensure the delivery of an efficient and robust water supply for both our residents and businesses and I therefore welcome the commencement of this essential upgrade project by Uisce Éireann".
Speaking about the project, Ted Hurley, Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann, added: “We are delighted to begin works on this critical project. These new reservoirs and associated pipelines will provide enough storage capacity to meet current and future demands for homes and businesses across South Dublin and North Wicklow for decades to come, and to attract new industry and allow existing companies to expand and grow."
The project is being delivered on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Ward and Burke Construction Limited and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
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. Uisce Éireann is committed to playing its part in the national drive to provide homes to people who need them by developing and prioritising the delivery of key water service infrastructure.