Project Summary
Coffey successfully delivered the upgrade and expansion of critical wastewater infrastructure across multiple catchments in County Kildare. The project addressed ageing collection networks by delivering modern, efficient systems that meet environmental standards and ensure long-term sustainability. Works were carried out in Sallins, Clane, Newbridge, and Monread, improving wastewater management for surrounding communities and supporting future growth.
Project Description
Located in various catchments in Kildare, the project involved the upgrade and expansion of the existing wastewater collection system across elements of the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme catchments. The scheme was designed to modernise the network in line with current environmental legislation and sustainability principles. This included the design, construction, and commissioning of new gravity sewers, rising mains, stormwater storage, and upgraded pumping stations.
Scope of Works
The works included:
- Construction of new gravity sewers and rising mains using both open-cut and trenchless methods.
- Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and pipe ramming for key crossings (River Liffey, Clane Rising Main, M7 crossing).
- Full reconstruction of Clane and Monread Pumping Stations including stormwater storage and control buildings.
- Upgrades to Sallins Pumping Station with new pumping, instrumentation, and stormwater capacity.
- Foundation construction for tanks, storm chambers, and kiosks at all pumping station sites.
- Over-pumping of existing storm culverts during live works in Monread.
- Directional drilling beneath the Grand Canal using 1.2m diameter pipes.
- Implementation of extensive traffic management, including over 60 Traffic
- Management Plans and road closures on high-volume roads (e.g. R407 and R445).
- Lifting operations using 80-tonne crawler and 220-tonne mobile cranes for precast structures and caisson elements.
- Vibration monitoring near sensitive structures, including continuous monitoring at Clane Abbey.
Technical Highlights
- Precast caissons and prefabricated cutting shoes used to minimise on-site construction time.
- Sheet piling and deep excavations performed under confined urban conditions.
- Integration of instrumentation and control systems across upgraded stations.
- Tie-ins to existing manholes refurbished to Irish Water specifications, reducing cost and increasing safety.
- Continuous operation of existing pumping stations during upgrades.
- Strategic traffic management to minimise disruption near busy retail zones and residential areas.
Environmental and Community Measures
- Environmental stewardship was a priority throughout the project. Key measures included:
- Use of a Silt buster settlement system and custom filtration boxes to manage groundwater discharge.
- Daily water quality testing and sampling for compliance with discharge standards.
- Implementation of bat and nesting bird surveys by an ecologist; tree removal deferred based on findings.
- Noise, dust, and vibration monitoring, with targeted protection around Clane Abbey.
- Selection of trenchless methods to minimise disruption to sensitive watercourses and road infrastructure.
- Recycling of drilling fluid during HDD operations for environmental protection and material efficiency.
Added Value
- Refurbishing existing manholes avoided unnecessary replacements.
- Above-ground works, and efficient excavation strategies reduced confined space and deep excavation risks.
- Close collaboration with Irish Rail, Irish Water, and local authorities ensured seamless execution, particularly under restricted headroom bridges and sensitive locations.
- Utilisation of local resources and prefabricated elements reduced emissions and site durations.
To learn more about Coffey’s work in water or waste water management, or to discuss future opportunities, please contact us at 091 844356 or info@coffeygroup.com.
