Bandon gets €14m waste water plant

WORK on the long-awaited multi-million euro waste water treatment plant for Bandon is set to get underway within the next few weeks, according to Irish Water and Cork County Council.

The €14m upgrade, which will take an estimated 20 months to complete, and will predominately take place on Mill Rd and along the N71 Cork Rd, is aimed at improving water quality iand alleviating flooding in low-lying parts of the town with the addition of a storm pumping station.

The project will involve the installation of new equipment at the treatment plant, along with pipelines, stormwater storage tank, odour treatment facilities, an electrical substation and other site works. 

In addition, wastewater and stormwater pumping stations will be installed at Glasslynn pumping station, along with new pipelines, generator, control buildings and an electrical substation. 

‘This project will ensure that there is adequate treatment capacity within the plant to meet the needs of the area and facilitate social and economic growth,’ Mark Murray, Irish Water’s infrastructure programme manager told The Southern Star. ‘Cleaner water will enhance the river’s amenity value and act as a platform for social and economic development. It will also ensure that there is effective management of the wastewater treatment process to protect the environment and public health,’ he added.

During the work, traffic management will be in place but local access will be maintained at all times. However, road closures may be required for a short time along Mill Rd and the N71 (Cork Rd), to ensure that the work is carried out in the safest way possible.

During the works it may also be necessary to restrict access to parking along Mill Rd. Irish Water also confirmed that in order to minimise disruption, work may be carried out in some sections in the evening, at night or at the weekends due to the requirements of An Garda Síochána and/or the Roads Authority.

‘The project team will notify the local community in advance of works in their areas and provide contact details should they have any queries,’ Mr Murray said. ‘We will work closely with the local community to minimise any potential disruption and with An Garda Síochána to manage traffic,’ a spokesperson said.