Minister opens new 98.5 million Euro Wastewater Treatment Works at Shanganagh

Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Mr Phil Hogan, TD, today opened The Shanganagh Bray Main Drainage Scheme which provides upgraded wastewater treatment for people living in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown South and Bray areas.

The four year project employed up to 140 people and required a capital investment of €98.5 million by central government and the local Authorities involved. The works undertaken include the upgrading of the existing Shanganagh Wastewater Treatment Works to provide very high level secondary treatment, and the laying of a pipeline from Bray Pumping Station to the new Shanganagh plant to bring wastewater for treatment.  The new treatment plant has the capacity to treat effluent from 186,000 population equivalent with the potential to increase capacity to 248,000 in the future. It will provide an infrastructure for new industries bringing jobs and new homes to the area.

High standards have been achieved in terms of odour, noise and effluent quality. The project is highly sustainable as gases produced in the treatment process are captured and used to generate power for the plant. An additional benefit of the project is rainwater collection system, which allows water collected from the roof of the treatment plant to be harvested and used in the adjoining community gardens.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Hogan said “The Shanganagh Bray Main Drainage Scheme is a modern, high quality wastewater treatment facility. It will greatly improve the water quality in the local area, will help Ireland meet EU Directive standards and should enable Blue Flag status in the future. I congratulate Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and their contractors and consultants on delivering a fine job.”

Also speaking on the day, An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr Tom Joyce, acknowledged the role the local residents played during the process. He said,  “We are grateful to the local residents and those living in the adjoining areas for their patience and co-operation during planning and construction. The safety of children, residents and workers was paramount at all times during the construction of this facility. I thank the many residents, who attended liaison meetings with the Council and the Contractors every month, for more than five years before and during the works”.