Upgrade works on the Lee Road Water Treatment Plant (WTP) will reduce the energy consumption and running costs of the water pumps by more than 10%. Murphy International has been engaged by Irish Water for the design and construction of the Lee Road Water Treatment Plant (WTP) upgrade in Cork City. The existing WTP provides approximately 70% of Cork City’s total treated water supply. This project will provide much needed upgraded facilities to safeguard the water supply for the city. To mark the commencement of the project, a sod turning event was held in November 2019, which was attended by the Minister for Local Government Eoghan Murphy, the Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Fergal Dennehy and representatives from Irish Water and Cork City Council. The scope of works includes upgrading the existing WTP from its current capacity of 36,200m3 per day to a new plant with approx. 40,000m3 per day, as well as associated testing, commissioning and operation of the plant for a one-year period. Other upgrades will include new filter units, sedimentation tanks, a new raw water pumping station, water reservoir, treated water pumping station, boundary fencing and an administration building. The entire site level will be raised by two metres for flood protection to avoid a reoccurrence of the November 2009 flood when the plant was badly damaged. The water supply will be maintained throughout construction, which is due to be completed in late 2021. It is expected the upgrade will also make the plant more energy efficient as it is one of the biggest energy consumers in Cork. The upgraded and modernised plant will provide a more safe and secure water supply for the future of Cork City.
