Enfield wastewater treatment plant works to take two years to complete

Works by Uisce Éireann to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant in Enfield and provide increased capacity have commenced. The project will take about two years to complete and is being undertaken by Coffey Water Limited.

Uisce Éireann says the upgrade will provide increased capacity to support future social and economic growth as well as ensuring environmental compliance with national and EU legislation.

The wastewater treatment plant receives and treats wastewater from Enfield and also Johnstown Bridge in Kildare and is operating close to maximum capacity. The works will ensure it is modernised and upgraded, providing increased capacity to support a growing population while protecting the local environment.

The project involves the construction of two new settlement tanks, and two transfer pipelines beneath the River Blackwater to connect the existing wastewater treatment plant with the new infrastructure.

It will also include works to reduce the risk of flooding at the wastewater treatment plant site and the installation of reed beds, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the long-term treatment of sludge from wastewater. The use of the Sludge Drying Reed Beds (SDRB) process is based on a natural treatment process and is designed to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

The daily operation and maintenance of the reed beds are minimal, only requiring emptying almost every 10 years. The process will reduce transport movements and emissions, while also substantially reducing costs associated with the treatment process. Uisce Éireann successfully operates several reed beds for dewatering of treated activated sludges across Co Carlow.

Speaking about the works, Dawid Wozniak, Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann, said: “We are delighted to be progressing works for the people of Enfield, Co Meath and Johnstown Bridge, Co Kildare. When complete, the upgrade works will ensure compliance with national and EU legislation and ensure adequate wastewater capacity for future growth.

“The works are being carried out by Coffey Water Limited and will take about two years to complete but the project will benefit the community for decades to come.”

Meanwhile, residents of Trim are continuing to endure regular water restrictions as the supply struggles to meet demand. Last week alone, the water supply was restricted between 10pm and 6am on Tuesday night, Wednesday night, Thursday night and Friday night to help the Brayhill and Summerhill Reservoir levels recover due to a current high demand for water.

A planning application for the upgrade of the Trim Water Treatment Plant was recently lodged with Meath County Council by Uisce Éireann and should address the problems when it comes on stream.

The existing Trim Water Treatment Plant has been in operation in Scurlockstown, Trim since 1997 and the upgrade will include works to upgrade and modernise the plant to meet operational demands, enhance resilience, and ensure that the drinking water supplied meets the requirements under the Drinking Water Regulations.