Uisce Éireann successfully completes €11.5 million upgrade of Enfield Wastewater Treatment Plant

Uisce Éireann has completed construction works to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in Enfield, Co. Meath. The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) treats wastewater from Enfield and Johnstown Bridge in Co. Kildare and had been operating close to maximum capacity. The project represents an investment of €11.5 million by Uisce Éireann.

This project involved expanding and upgrading the plant to serve a population equivalent of 6,200 residents.
Two new settlement tanks and an outfall pipe were constructed and an innovative part of the project saw the installation of new reed beds which will receive, dewater and treat sludge from the plant.

Two transfer pipelines were installed beneath the River Blackwater to connect the existing wastewater treatment plant with the new infrastructure.

Flood defence works were also carried out to reduce the risk of flooding at the existing wastewater treatment plant site including bank repair works along a section of the River Blackwater. 

Outlining the benefits of this important project for the local community, Uisce Éireann Programme Manager, Conor Delaney, said, “We are delighted to have completed this vital upgrade to the wastewater infrastructure for the community in the Enfield and Johnstown Bridge areas. This project will benefit Counties Meath and Kildare for decades to come. 

“The modernisation and improvement of the wastewater infrastructure will accommodate further growth in the area and ensure that consistently high-quality treated wastewater is being discharged into the receiving waters. I want to take this opportunity to thank the community for their ongoing support and patience throughout the delivery of this vital project.”

Coffey Group delivered this project on behalf of Uisce Éireann. 

The Sludge Drying Reed Beds (SDRB) process is based on a natural treatment process in which the reeds naturally treat sludge. It provides a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the long-term treatment of sludge from wastewater. The daily operation and maintenance of the reed beds is minimal, only requiring emptying approximately every 10 years.

The process reduces transport movements and emissions, while also substantially reducing costs associated with the treatment process. They are low-technology, energy-efficient, and do not require addition of chemicals.

Uisce Éireann successfully operate several reed beds for dewatering of treated activated sludges.

Enfield WwTP is now in operation and an extended testing period will run in the coming months to ensure satisfactory performance of the Sludge Drying Reed Beds through seasonal changes.  

Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us through our website www.water.ie, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. We have launched a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at our Text Updates page. 

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. 

For further information, please visit www.water.ie