Tunnel to be dug under the N7 as Irish Water to construct €24M pipeline from Leixlip to south Dublin

Construction of a new pipeline that will supply drinking water will begin in Leixlip in August of this year as part of a major project to increase water quality between Leixlip and south county Dublin.

The new pipeline will enable the transfer of treated water from Leixlip Water Treatment Plant to Saggart Reservoir and once complete, will increase the resilience of the water supply to Dublin City and South Dublin County.

The works will have a severe impact on Rathcoole Park, while there will also be a tunnel constructed under the N7 to facilitate the construction process.

According to Irish Water, as part of this project, the proposed pipeline will be laid in Rathcoole Park, starting at the northern end and finishing at the southern end. Construction works in the park are scheduled to start at the northern end of the park in August 2018, fencing will be erected from the northern end to the southern end of the park to facilitate the construction of a tunnel under the N7 carriageways. The construction works are likely to be completed in the park by late 2019.

The €23.7m works contract was awarded to Ward & Burke Construction Ltd who will carry out the project on behalf of Irish Water.

The works in the park have been designed to have the minimum impact on park users. Some social effects are unavoidable however, as the pipeline is to extend through some of the current amenities in the park, such as two of the three existing playing pitches. For the duration of the works, the two northern playing pitches will be impacted but the southern pitch “Pitch 66” will remain in operation. All existing entrances to the park will be maintained and the fitness stands and playground will remain open throughout the duration of the works and will not be impacted by the project.

Commenting on the announcement, William McKnight, Asset Delivery Infrastructure East and Midlands Regional Lead, said; “This project is of strategic importance to Dublin City and South Dublin County. It will allow for the completion of a strategic link pipeline between Leixlip Water Treatment Plant and Saggart Reservoir which will increase Irish Water’s ability to distribute treated drinking water in the Greater Dublin Area. It will thereby increase the security of the water supply for residents and businesses.”