Public urged to ‘think before you flush’ after major upgrade of Monksland plant

A €2 million upgrade to the Monksland Wastewater Treatment Plant has been completed and will allow for population and economic growth in the surrounding areas, according to Irish Water. 

It will also improve the effectiveness of the plant in handling peak flows during storm conditions.
 
Irish Water carried out the works to modernise and upgrade the wastewater treatment plant in partnership with Roscommon County Council and contractors Glan Agua Limited. 
 
Commenting, Eunan Canavan of Irish Water, said: “These essential upgrade works to the Monksland plant will ensure that all wastewater treated at the plant and returning to the Cross River is fully compliant with EU Urban Wastewater Directives. The works will also enable the plant to better deal with storm events and will assist with capacity for growth in Monksland and surrounding areas.”
 
Eunan added: “It is really important that everyone thinks about the possible impact of what they flush down the toilet. Items like wet wipes, nappies, latex gloves and cotton buds can prevent the wastewater network from working efficiently, as well as damaging the plumbing in our homes and causing blockages in our wastewater treatment plants. Placing a bin in the bathroom and disposing of sanitary items safely will help to prevent these unsightly items from polluting our beaches and river ways.”
 
As part of these essential works at the Monksland plant, the inlet works, screens, grit removal and overflow chamber were all upgraded. A new storm water holding tank and associated storm water overflow infrastructure were constructed. In addition, improvements were made to sludge handling facilities; the control systems at the plant were upgraded and the old inlet works and disused sludge drying beds were decommissioned and demolished.
 
Residents and businesses in the surrounding areas will benefit greatly from this project, Irish Water has stated. Some of the benefits include the improved performance of processes at the plant; the ability of the plant to handle peak flows and manage more effectively storm water overflows; the reduced risk of non-compliance with wastewater regulations as well as the capacity for growth in the area.
 
This project forms part of Irish Water’s investment plan. Works have been prioritised to address the most critical issues in line with commitments outlined in Irish Water’s Business Plan. Delivery of the business plan will involve a €5.5 billion investment in capital spending on drinking water and wastewater quality and capacity and new infrastructure up to 2021. These works are vital to ensuring a clean, safe and reliable public water supply and fit for purpose wastewater system, said Irish Water.