Blanchardstown Regional Drainage Scheme

Sewer Duplication and Storage Scheme incorporating Tolka Valley Park Pumping Station

Irish Water has submitted a planning application as part of the proposed Blanchardstown Regional Drainage Scheme (BRDS) 9C Sewer Duplication and Storage Scheme incorporating Tolka Valley Park Pumping Station. The proposed project represents an investment of approximately €50 million by Irish Water and will involve the upgrade of the existing sewer network currently serving Blanchardstown and the surrounding catchment areas.

The proposed is needed to:

  • Expand the capacity of the wastewater network and will facilitate existing and future residential and commercial development.
  • Enable the long term social and economic development of the greater Blanchardstown region and surrounding areas including Meath and Kildare.
  • Reduce the frequency and volume of untreated wastewater overflows from the wastewater network to the River Tolka.

What will be involved in this project?

The proposed project will include:

  • The construction of approximately 3.2km of pipeline installed using trenchless tunnelling techniques alongside the existing sewer network.
  • The construction of underground storage tanks with a total combined capacity of approximately 30,000m³.
  • The provision of a below ground pumping station with above ground control room (Tolka Valley Park Pumping Station).
  • A control building to house all electrical switchgear, control equipment, an odour control unit, a generator room and ESB sub-station.
  • A local sewer and utility diversions to facilitate construction of the storm water storage tanks and Tolka Valley Park Pumping Station.
  • The reinstatement of construction areas to match the original condition and associated site works.

Where will the project take place?

The proposed scheme will be located alongside the Tolka River Valley in Blanchardstown between Parslickstown and Mill Road. The proposed route will be adjacent to the existing 9C Sewer. The pumping station will be located at Waterville close to Mill Road.

If planning is granted, will public access to the Tolka Valley Park be affected during the proposed works?

During the proposed works access to the park will be maintained and every effort will be made to minimise any disruption in the Tolka Valley and the surrounding areas.

For example:

  • The new pipeline will be installed by tunnelling, which will limit the area required to construct the new pipeline in comparison to construction by open-cut technique.
  • Traffic Management Plans and temporary pedestrian routes will be in place to maintain access to Tolka Valley Park throughout the duration on the works, except for the construction areas, which will be segregated from the general public for health and safety reasons.

What has happened to date as part of this project and what are the next steps?

Site investigation works were completed in Autumn 2016 along the proposed route of the BRDS 9C Sewer Duplication and Storage Scheme incorporating Tolka Valley Park Pumping Station. The purpose of these site investigation works were to inform the design, construction methods and contribute to the environmental reports required.

Irish Water submitted a planning application on Friday 12 May, 2017 as part of the BRDS 9C Sewer Duplication and Storage Scheme incorporating Tolka Valley Park Pumping Station. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) also accompanies the planning application made by Irish Water to Fingal County Council.

Contact us

If you have further queries or comments about this project, you can contact our Project Team by emailing BRDS9CSewer@water.ie

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