Integrated Constructed Wetlands, Clonea Power

Uisce Éireann is in the process of establishing a framework for constructing Constructed Wetland treatment plants in communities across Ireland.

Ryan Hanley Stantec are the Engineering Service Provider specialist designer for the delivery of the Wastewater Treatment Plant sites identified for the Constructed Wetland bundle.

The current sewage treatment system in Clonea Power is estimated to be operating at near maximum capacity, presenting a barrier to development. Furthermore, the existing storm overflow is unscreened, allowing for the discharge of raw sewage into the River Clodiagh during storm events. The proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant will provide greater treatment capacity and improve the water quality of the receiving waters.

This project will involve the construction of a new Constructed Wetland-type Wastewater Treatment Plant and upgrade of the existing sewer network to treat the wastewater from the Clonea Power agglomeration. The proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant will provide capacity to cater for future growth and aid in discharge compliance.

Proposed works shall include the installation of:

• A new Wastewater Pumping Station.
• Reconfiguration of existing gravity sewer network to allow conveyance of flows to new Wastewater Pumping Station.
• A new rising main from the Wastewater Pumping Station to the new Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• A new Constructed Wetland-type Wastewater Treatment Plant comprised of septic tanks and CW ponds.
• A new gravity sewer from the Wastewater Treatment Plant to the existing outfall location.

• The project will remove any barriers to development in Clonea Power due to insufficient wastewater treatment infrastructure.
• The proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant is a nature-based solution that will significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions when compared with the conventional wastewater treatment process.  
• The constructed wetland will serve as a carbon sink, helping to offset emissions from other sources.
• The proposed Constructed Wetland solution incorporates vegetated ponds planted with native species suitable for the local environment. Vegetation within each of these Constructed Wetland ponds will enhance the biodiversity of the existing landscape.
• There will be minimal visual impact created by the limited above ground infrastructure.

An integrated construction wetland is a sustainable, natural wastewater treatment system that is designed to look and function as a natural wetland. An integrated construction wetland is an environmentally friendly way to treat wastewater and will result in reduced operational and maintenance costs, biodiversity creation, while also reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Uisce Éireann is in the process of establishing a framework worth €25,000,000 for constructing Constructed wetland treatment plants in communities across Ireland. Constructed wetlands are an integral part of UÉ’s sustainability and biodiversity goals, which include net zero carbon by 2040, halving our energy intensity by 2030, and net positive biodiversity by 2030.