Irish Water has completed repairs of a critical section of Dublin’s wastewater infrastructure safeguarding the Grand Canal.

A partial collapse of one of Dublin’s major sewer pipelines occurred in July 2019 and emergency repairs were carried immediately while the enduring repair was carefully planned.

The works involved were complex and involved the repair of 75 metres of sewer pipeline which crossed under the Grand Canal, the Red Luas line and Suir Road, Dublin 8.

The sewer remained operational throughout and no sewerage was released to the environment while the repairs were carried out. The works were essential to protect the environment and amenity value of the Grand Canal, to minimise the risk of further collapse and to upgrade a key piece of Dublin’s wastewater infrastructure.

Irish Water worked closely with Waterways Ireland, the Office of Public Works, Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council to develop a project that ensured that the sewer could be repaired and while protecting the natural environment in the area. GMC Utilities Group carried out these essential repairs on behalf of Irish Water.

Olive Marshall, Irish Water Regional Lead on the project, said:

“This was a complex project due to the urban location and the age of the almost 2m diameter pipeline which has served the people in North Dublin well for forty years.

“When we cleaned the collapsed sewer we removed approximately 120 tonnes of debris, the majority of which was debris associated with the collapse but we also removed a significant volume of wet wipes and other sanitary items from the sewer.”