Green light for upgrade to B’boro water plant
Planners have given the go-ahead to Uisce Éireann on plans for a major upgrade to the Bailieborough Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).
The 10-year planning permission covers an extensive redevelopment of the Shercock Road site to enhance the existing plant’s capacity and provide for future population growth over the next 25 years.
The upgrade will see the plant’s treatment capacity almost double - from its current design capacity of 2,500 population equivalent (PE) to a future capacity of 5,500PE. The plant is currently operating beyond its intended design at approximately 3,163PE.
The project includes the demolition and replacement of outdated infrastructure, notably the inlet works and stormwater systems. A new stormwater storage tank and a Dual Function Overflow (DFO) outfall pipe will be installed to improve overflow management and protect the surrounding environment.
Further components include a new aeration and settlement tanks, upgraded chemical dosing systems for improved water treatment, a sludge dewatering building and associated kiosks, odour control units and ductwork, a new ESB substation, and a back-up diesel generator for emergency power.
A notable feature of the planned site investment is the integration of sustainability measures, such as the installation of south-facing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, supporting on-site renewable energy generation in line with Cavan County Development Plan’s green-fronted policies.
A planning assessment concluded that, due to the location of the panels at ground level and the absence of neighbouring residences to the rear of the site, there would be minimal risk of glint or glare.
The need for an upgraded WWTP in Bailieborough has been evident for years. In 2019, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) audit led to a ‘Do Not Consume’ notice on the town’s water supply, following elevated manganese levels and operational failures such as inadequate chemical dosing and lack of turbidity alarms. This upgrade will address those historical deficiencies and aligns with Irish Water’s 2020-2024 Capital Investment Plan, which also includes WWTP improvements in Virginia, Cootehill, Kingscourt, Ballyjamesduff, Mullagh, and Ballyconnell.
A Natura Impact Statement and an ecological impact report were submitted to evaluate potential effects on local wildlife, particularly bat species, and on the nearby River Boyne and River Blackwater Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA).
Assessments revealed high bat activity, particularly among soprano and common pipistrelle species, around mature ash trees within the WWTP site. However, no roosts or swarming activity was detected.
More critically, a Stage Two Appropriate Assessment (AA) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) were required to assess the potential for discharges during construction and operation to impact the River Boyne and River Blackwater Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA).
While initial screening could not rule out significant impacts, with proposed mitigation measures it was considered there would be no adverse effect on the integrity of the SAC/SPA.
Odour control was also addressed, with the use of filtration systems ensuring no environmental or residential nuisances.
Permission was granted with 11 conditions attached.