Ballycoolen to Kingstown Trunk Water Mains
Trunk Water Mains
Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Fingal County Council, is progressing with the Ballycoolen to Kingstown Trunk Watermain project to safeguard the water supply to homes and businesses across North Dublin. Roadbridge Limited has recently signed the contract to deliver these works on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
The existing water supply network serving the North Dublin Region depends on a single large diameter concrete watermain built in the 1960's that connects Ballycoolen reservoir to Kingstown. The existing watermain is operating beyond its capacity, which results in low water pressure across the region during periods of peak demand. As the watermain is a critical piece of the supply network, it cannot be taken out of service to be upgraded.
The absence of additional infrastructure in the region prevents Uisce Éireann from diverting available drinking water supplies to areas experiencing a loss of supply whilst emergency works (or planned improvement works) are underway on the existing watermain. Moreover, the current watermain does not enable future growth across the region.
The new additional trunk watermain will improve the security of supply and resilience of the network; enable long term social and economic development in the wider Fingal area; and ensure that water pressures are maximised.
What is involved as part of this project?
As part of this project, Uisce Éireann's Contractor will install a new large diameter underground watermain, which will run parallel to the existing watermain for most of its length. The new pipeline will predominantly be on private land; however, a number of public road crossings will be required at the following locations throughout July 2021:
- L3125 From Kilshane Cross to St Margarets
- L7231 Newtown Cottages Road
- R122 at St Margaret's
- Kilreesk Road
It is expected each public road crossing will take 2 days to install the pipeline and complete the temporary road reinstatement. It is proposed to carry out these works during the month of July, during the school holidays.
A full 24hr/day road closure will be required due to depths and width of road. Pedestrians will be accommodated where possible but there will be no traffic access for the duration of the crossing works. The Emergency services will be issued with closure and diversion details in advance of works.
What are the benefits of these works?
- Improve water supply security and resilience for residents, hospitals, agricultural enterprises and business in the North Dublin Region;
- Increase the water transfer capacity to meet current demand and facilitate development in North County Dublin.
What is happening now?
Works commenced in April 2021 and are expected to take two years for the entire project to be completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is a new trunk watermain between Ballycoolen and Kingstown necessary?
The existing water supply network serving the North Dublin Region depends on a single large diameter concrete watermain built in the 1960's that connects Ballycoolen reservoir to Kingstown.
The existing watermain is operating beyond its capacity, which results in low water pressure across the region periods of peak demand. As the watermain is a critical piece of supply network, it cannot be taken out of service to be upgraded.
The absence of additional infracstructure in the region prevents Uisce Éireann from diverting available drinking water supplies to areas experiencing a loss of supply whilst emergency works (or planned improvement works) are underway on the existing watermain. Moreover, the current watermain does not enable future growth across the region.
The new additional trunk watermain will improve the security of supply and resilience of the network; enable long term social and economic development in the wider Fingal area; and ensure that water pressures are maximised.
- What areas are served by the Ballycoolen to Kingstown watermain?
The watermain serves parts of Dublin North City and North County Dublin: Swords, Portmarnock, Malahide, Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush, Donabate, Clonshaugh, Coolock and Darndale. It also supports large institutional and commercial uses including Beaumont Hospital and Dublin Airport.
- When will the upgrade works start and finish?
The works are due to commence in Q2 2021 and are expected to take two years for the entire project to be completed.
- Where will the construction be carried out?
The vast majority of works will be carried out of private lands with very limited interface with the public only at a number of short crossings of regional and local roads.
The route of the new pipeline generally follows the route of the existing watermain. The route was determined following a site selection and engagement process with a focus to limit impact to the public.
The maps indicates the road crossings, where the red line denotes the route for the new pipeline and the dotted cyan-blue line represents the current pipeline.
- Will there be traffic management in place?
Traffic management will be in place where road crossings and site access points occur. Typical traffic management measures may include temporary traffic lights, stop/go systems and diversions. Signs will be erected in advance of works commencing to ensure road users are aware of current and upcoming traffic measures.
The works to be carried out at public road crossings are expected to take 1-2 weeks each to complete. Regular engagement with the community is planned throughout the project duration.
Local access and emergency access will always be maintained.
- What does the project involve?
As part of this project, Uisce Éireann's Contractor will install a new large diameter underground watermain, which will run parallel to the existing watermain for most of its length. The Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) required for the project was subject to approval by An Bord Pleanála in 2019. The new pipeline will predominantly be on private land, with a limited number of public road crossings required.
