Mallow’s EPS win multi-million Irish Water sewage contract

THE Mallow-based international water solutions giant EPS has landed a multi-million-Euro contract with Irish Water to develop new sewage treatment plants serving four Cork villages.

Under the project, Irish Water is set to invest €27million in the construction of the new facilities in Coachford, Baile Mhúirne/ Baile Mhic Íre, Dripsey and Innishannon.

Seamus Glynn, regional infrastructure lead with Irish Water, conceded that the existing wastewater infrastructure in these areas was “overloaded and outdated”.

“Wastewater treatment in these villages is at present mainly by septic tank, and this technology is outdated and not meeting the required standards,” said Mr Glynn.

“Once operational, these plants will improve treatment capacity in each area, ensuring compliance with wastewater discharge regulations.

“They will enhance the environments of thriving rural villages and provide a platform for social and economic development into the future,” he added.

While a time-line for the overall project has yet to be announced, Mr Glynn said Irish Water would be in touch with the local communities to give them plenty of advance notice before construction gets underway.

The works will incorporate the treatment plants in each of the four villages (which serve a combined population of around 6,400 people); the decommission and demolition of existing septic tanks; and the upgrading of existing sewer networks.

The announcement of the contract award has been warmly welcomed by Cork North West Fianna Fáil TD Aindrias Moynihan, who said he had been consistently raising the issue of poor wastewater infrastructure in these particular villages with Cork County Council, Irish Water and on the floor of the Dáil.

“Across the board, these schemes will provide for better management of wastewater and as a result a cleaner environment in these areas. Additionally, with the option of a good sewerage scheme in place, there will be a chance for people to build or buy a home in these villages,” said Deputy Moynihan.

He said that unfinished estates in Coachford can now be completed and occupied, “giving families a chance to live locally”.

“This announcement is a major investment in the future of these rural communities. They will provide a multitude of benefits and are a new beginning for these communities,” he concluded.