Background

The drainage network in the Docklands currently operates at full capacity. There is flooding in the North Docklands area for a 1 in 2 year rainfall event and this is caused by two main network deficiencies, the hydraulic capacity of the sewers to convey flows to pumping stations and capacity of the pumping stations themselves to transfer flows to the Ringsend Waste Water Treatment Works.

In the current situation the pumping stations quickly begin to pump at peak rates and flows discharge from the Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) and emergency overflows to nearby watercourses. Any increase in development in the North Docklands area will add demand to the drainage network and will serve to increase the frequency and volume of flooding and the number and volume of spills to watercourses.

The Drainage Area Plan produced in July 2002 confirmed that the only viable solution available is a new sewerage pumping station at Spencer Dock and two new foul rising mains going from this pumping station through the new Liffey Services Tunnel to the Main Lift Pumping Station in Ringsend.

The Docklands Water and Sewerage Scheme is part of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. The scheme is to provide essential water and sewerage services to the areas being developed in the area under the remit of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority and contiguous areas.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure to be delivered in order to fulfil the essential water sewerage services include:

• Spencer Dock Pumping Station
• Dublin Docklands Rising Mains (Spencer Dock Sewerage Scheme - Contract 1)
• Liffey Service Tunnel
• Liffey Services Installation Contract
• Sheriff Street Inlet Pipes (Spencer Dock Sewerage Scheme - Contract 2)

Other infrastructure elements being delivered in the Docklands area include:

• Spencer Dock Tide Gates
• South Campshires Enhancement Project
• Grand Canal Surface Water Outfall