Ireland - Cork Lower Harbour

About Cork Lower Harbour Nereda® WWTP - Ireland

Cork Lower Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is situated in a large natural harbour which is located in the estuary mouth of the River Lee, in County Cork, the largest and most southern county in Ireland.

The challenge

Before the extensive upgrade, untreated sewage from Cobh, Carrigaline (including Crosshaven), Passage West/Monkstown (including Glenbrook) and Ringaskiddy (including Shanbally and Coolmore) was discharged into Cork Lower Harbour on a daily basis. By providing enhanced wastewater treatment, the new project provides environmental protection, which facilitates economic growth in the Lower Harbour area and provide for a growing population.

The solution

Irish Water, Ireland’s national utility responsible for providing and developing water and wastewater services throughout Ireland, appointed EPS Group as the main contractor. The Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Project aimed to provide enhanced wastewater treatment, through the development of a new WWTP at Shanbally, County Cork.

Irish Water made an overall investment of €91 million into the €135 million project, which eliminates the discharge of untreated sewage into the Lower Harbour. The project was a massive undertaking, with the new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant at Shanbally complementing 14 new pumping stations, 30km of new sewers, repair work on existing sewers and a drilled crossing under the estuary. The project was important in terms of protecting the environment, facilitating economic development and providing for a growing population (population equivalent of 72,000).

The outcome

Commenting on the project, Déaglán Healy, Project Manager at Irish Water said, "Our priority is to develop infrastructure capable of providing quality wastewater services across the country.” The development of a new WWTP has improved wastewater treatment for the communities around Lower Harbour. A sustainable WWTP brings health and environmental benefits to the growing local population, as well as improved water quality for all who enjoy the wonderful natural resource. The WWTP started treating sewage in late 2016, with immediate tangible benefits to the Lower Harbour.