“Work is underway to address the problems caused by historic underinvestment at Waste Water Treatment facilities in Rush”, says Alan Farrell, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal.
“Irish Water is addressing the problems caused by the lack of investment over many years at the Waste Water Treatment Facilities in Rush, which have affected the beaches and coastal areas recently classified as ‘poor’ in the EPA’s Bathing Water Report. This of course includes South Beach Rush, one of seven beaches across the country classified as having poor quality bathing water in the report.
“Major works are planned for a new system which will collect and transfer the flows to the new Wastewater Treatment Plant at Portrane. The scheme involves extensive pipelines and new pumping stations. These works are at detailed design stage, with the tender process to be commenced shortly. It is expected that the construction will take place over the period 2016-2018.
“It is widely known that this project has been delayed over a number of years but thanks to the renewed focus brought about by the creation of Irish Water, this project, and many like it will proceed with all due haste to ensure that our beautiful beaches are given the Blue Flag status they so richly deserve.
“Irish Water projects are also underway to improve standards at the six other beaches identified by the EPA report. It is in the interest of the whole community that these crucial works take place to protect our natural resources
“Years and years of underinvestment in our sewerage and water treatment have left South Beach, and many areas across the North County coastline with poor water quality ratings. It is simply not good enough that local people continue to be concerned about swimming at this wonderful beach.
“I look forward to an improvement in the water quality in Rush once this vital work is completed.”