Irish Water is planning to start a demonstration project ahead of the full implementation of an innovative solution for the Gweedore Sewerage Scheme after concluding that a traditional waste water network would not work in the area.

The water company has identified a solution, which has already been used successfully in several other countries, which will meet the needs of the local community and ensure compliance with the Urban Waste Water Directive.

Following extensive investigations Irish Water concluded that due to the specific ground conditions and the dispersion of homes in the Gweedore area, a traditional waste water network would not work.

Having examined all possible alternatives, the utility is now proposing to install a pressure sewer system which will allow for the use of an existing waste water treatment plant in the area which Irish Water will take ownership of and upgrade.

The solution will ensure that houses and businesses in the Gweedore area can be connected to the public system regardless of location.

With local co-operation, Irish Water now plans to progress the implementation of the system with a demonstration project involving 20 to 30 houses which will be operated and monitored for a period of eight to 12 months.

This will give the stakeholders an opportunity to see the system in action and will be followed by a roll out of the main scheme which will have the benefit of any learnings from the demonstration project.

Irish Water’s Sustainability Policy & Innovations Lead Mark O’Callaghan commented:

“This system is capable of expanding to accommodate any future domestic, business and commercial connections, as required, supporting the future economic growth of the region while ensuring the water quality in Gweedore Bay is protected and improved.”