Growth and Development Programme - Sandyford Wastewater Network Upgrade

Uisce Éireann is installing new wastewater infrastructure in Sandyford to support future growth and development in the area.

Project Need

The existing wastewater network, at Sandyford Road and Bearna Park, which is a combined sewer system, is nearing capacity. A combined sewer system is a type of wastewater infrastructure that collects both sewage (from homes and businesses) and rainwater runoff in the same set of pipes.

This project is needed to ensure sufficient capacity in the wastewater network to cater for existing and future homes and businesses in the area, and to mitigate the risk of local sewer flooding during heavy rainfall.

Planned Solution 

The project will upgrade the existing wastewater network and introduce a stormwater storage tank at Bearna Park.

The upgrade works will involve the design and construction of a new underground stormwater storage tank to the north of the Lakelands FC football pitch, and approximately 1km of new wastewater pipeline which will connect into the existing network at the planned stormwater tank at Bearna Park.

The planned stormwater storage tank is designed to manage excess rainwater runoff from roofs, roads, and other impermeable surfaces into the combined network during heavy rainfall. It will temporarily store stormwater to prevent overwhelming the combined network and reduce the risk of local flooding. The stormwater held in the tank is then released slowly back into the combined sewer system, and flows are conveyed through the network for treatment at Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Once construction is complete, the stormwater storage tank will be entirely underground. The only visible elements will be a small number of kiosks located adjacent to the park’s boundary wall, designed to blend into the surrounding environment with minimal visual impact (Figure 1). A secure access gate will be installed to facilitate intermittent maintenance of the infrastructure. Pedestrian access into Bearna Park will not be affected in the long term. Construction works may at certain times restrict pedestrian access temporarily in the interest of safety.

To support the safe and reliable operation of the sewer network, a vent stack is required. Vent stacks prevent odours from escaping through manholes or into homes. To make sure the vent operates without causing any nuisance, an Odour Control Unit (OCU) will be installed as part of the design. This unit draws air from the network and passes it through specialised filters that neutralise and remove odours before the air is released.

The planned wastewater pipeline route will be constructed at Sandyford Road, Bóthar Áth an Ghainimh and Sandyford Park. The route extends from near Whimsfield House on the Sandyford Road through Bóthar Áth an Ghainimh and Sandyford Park and will tie into the Bearna Park stormwater tank (Figure 2).

The long-term benefits of this project will be significant, including:

• Supporting social and economic development – This project will facilitate social and economic growth, including planned residential development.
• Improving the wastewater network – This project will upgrade the wastewater network, increasing the capacity to deliver reliable, sustainable high-quality wastewater services for the community.
• Reducing the risk of sewer overflow – This project will improve the capacity of the existing sewers, improving performance and reducing the risk of sewer flooding in the area.

Uisce Éireann will make an application to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for planning permission to construct the underground stormwater storage tank to the north of the Lakelands FC football pitch. 

Subject to planning approval, the works are anticipated to commence in late 2026.

In advance of this project moving to construction we will proactively communicate clear details of the project to the local community and to related stakeholders in the area, including details of planned traffic management along the pipeline route.