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3 August 2018 Go back to News
Update on the new 4km pipeline from the Vartry Water Treatment Plant to Callowhill
Construction of a new link from the existing water treatment plant at Vartry to Callowhill commenced in January 2018. This is a priority element of the major upgrade of the overall Vartry Water scheme by Irish Water. The works include: a new pumping station at the existing Vartry Water Treatment Plant, four kilometres of buried pipeline from Vartry to Callowhill and a break pressure tank at Callowhill.
The pipe laying has progressed to schedule and the final pipe section has now been laid. Construction works will be largely confined to the sites at Callowhill Lower, the summit break pressure tank and the Vartry Water Treatment Plant. We currently expect the construction works to complete to programme in December 2018. We would like to reiterate our commitment to working with the local community to minimise the impact where possible as we work together to complete these essential works.
The Vartry Water Supply Scheme was originally constructed by Dublin Corporation in the 1860s and was a major feat of engineering for its time. The scheme included a four kilometre long tunnel under Callowhill to deliver water to the supply area. Currently, the tunnel is in poor condition and a 1995 structural survey noted that the tunnel was in danger of collapse while leakage into the tunnel poses a quality risk. If the tunnel was blocked by a collapse approximately 100,000 people would be left with no alternative mains water supply.
Irish Water is also progressing the upgrade of the Vartry Water Treatment Plant and announced this week that a contract has been awarded to Veolia Water Ireland Ltd.