Feb 13, 2015 - 8. Transport. 14. Water and Flooding. 20. Waste. 27. Communications. 30. 2015 ..... ireland's gas infrast
A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd
THE STATE OF IRELAND 2015 A REVIEW OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN IRELAND
www.engineersireland.ie WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE 1
THE STATE OF IRELAND 2015
As the professional body for engineers and engineering in Ireland, Engineers Ireland represents almost 24,000 members drawn from every discipline of engineering. We have been representing the engineering profession since 1835. As one of the oldest and largest professional bodies in Ireland, Engineers Ireland is an invaluable resource in providing professional expertise to the benefit of all sections of Irish society. Our members are vital to the conception, construction, maintenance and development of all key areas of infrastructure in Ireland.
AbbreviAtions CCGT:
Combined cycle gas turbine
DSL:
Digital subscriber loop
MBT:
Mechanical biological treatment
CHP:
Combined heat and power
EPA:
Environmental Protection Agency
MVA:
MegaVolt-Ampere
DAA:
Dublin Airport Authority
GDP:
Gross domestic product
DECLG:
DEHLG:
MW:
Megawatts
OCGT:
Open cycle gas turbine
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government
GHG:
Greenhouse gases
IAA:
Irish Aviation Authority
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
kV:
KiloVolt
RX3:
Rethink, recycle, remake
Mbps
Megabits per second
UFW:
Unaccounted for water
2 WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE
OPW:
Office of Public Works
RAL:
Remedial action list
A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd
director GenerAl’s foreword
contents
2015
This is the fifth in an annual series of independent reports on Ireland’s infrastructure.
Proper infrastructure is essential for any
of Irish people. This report is the expert
nation’s competitiveness and success. By
opinion of experienced engineers from
definition, any infrastructure is economic
across a number of disciplines and
infrastructure, as it is the internal facilities
industries. The advice is intended to inform
of a country that enhance the lives of its
those who make investment decisions about
citizens, be it in a private or business
infrastructure in Ireland, including public
capacity. The annual ‘State of Ireland’
servants and private investors. Our aim is to
report focuses on the performance,
stimulate debate on Ireland’s future and to
capability and condition of Ireland’s key
recommend actions vital to the prosperity of
infrastructure networks.
Irish society while informing the general
When Engineers Ireland published the first
public as well.
‘State of Ireland’ report in 2011, the Irish
I would like to thank those who took the time
economy was at probably its lowest point
to contribute to this year’s report.
since the early 1980s. The country was
This report allows our diverse membership
limited by the financial constraints put in
to come together to utilise their knowledge
place by the Troika and investment in
and experience to provide comment on
infrastructure was curtailed.
policy that affects us all.
Abbreviations
2
Director General’s Foreword
3
Why Infrastructure Matters
4
Grading System
4
Key Recommendations
6
Energy
8
Five years later, as the economy begins to show welcome signs of recovery, a shortage of new homes in the capital has been identified. A recent report identified lands suitable for the development of 80,000 units, but a lack of infrastructure is holding back the construction of over two-thirds of these.
Transport
14
Water and Flooding
20
Waste
27
Communications
30
This is just one example of how a lack of investment in infrastructure can have a knock-on effect. While financial constraints were clearly unavoidable, other large development projects in Ireland have been delayed because the benefits of such infrastructure have not been adequately communicated. Long-term planning for sustainable economic development can only
John Power
help to increase our competitiveness as a
Chartered Engineer Director General
small nation and thereby improve the lives
WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE 3
THE STATE OF IRELAND 2015
why infrAstructure MAtters: irelAnd 2015 Almost every aspect of Irish life depends
drinking water; energy plants and gas
Indeed, history demonstrates that
on the quality of our infrastructure.
pipelines for heat and light; phone and
societies have become more and more
It is clear that productive infrastructural
broadband to connect us for global
dependent on the quality of their
development is central to economic
business, social and entertainment
infrastructure. It seems certain that this
prosperity. If Ireland is to prosper,
purposes; roads, rail and ports to deliver
dependence will continue to increase in
infrastructural development across every
the goods we buy and sell; and, a waste
the coming decades. The accelerating pace
aspect of the economy will be an essential
management network to recover
of change, as well as its sheer
part of the process.
renewable resources.
unpredictability, accentuates the challenge
Our prosperity and the future prospects of
Our island nation on the edge of the
in addressing infrastructural needs. The
our children depend on the continued
Atlantic has always been subject to
quest to maintain and develop the capacity
ability of this country to attract inward
extreme weather, but with increased
of infrastructure to meet the future needs
investment and to trade our goods and
incidences of severe flooding, coupled with
of Irish society is further sharpened by the
services internationally. In both cases, our
storm damage to electrical and
simultaneous need to address climate
competitiveness is paramount and is
communications networks, we have
change.
hugely dependent on the quality, efficiency
witnessed first hand just how vital robust
In the pursuit of a low-carbon society, the
and reliability of our infrastructure.
infrastructure is to the smooth running of
sustainability of infrastructure and the way
Aside from its economic importance,
modern Irish society. Failure to maintain
infrastructure can facilitate
infrastructure is the cornerstone of
and invest in vital infrastructural services
environmentally friendly initiatives at all
modern society. We rely upon treatment
can only increase Ireland’s vulnerability to
levels is of essential importance. This
plants and water mains to supply us with
disruptive events.
report provides an independent
GrAdinG systeM Analysis of key areas of infrastructure includes a straightforward grading system. engineers ireland has
A B
assessed each area of infrastructure using the following grades: 4 WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE
Well maintained, in good condition, appropriate capacity and planning for future development.
Acceptable standard, properly maintained, able to meet demand, though investment needed in the next five years.
A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd
assessment of what we need to do to
infrastructural programmes can be
investment and infrastructure projects last
protect and develop the sophisticated and
supported, no matter how desirable they
as long as it takes to complete a project
inter-dependent system upon which the
may be. However, some of our
and for as long as value is being created
people of Ireland rely.
infrastructure targets have been realised
thereafter.
When we published our first ‘State of
in the past five years and hopefully more
Capital investment projects can range
Ireland’ report in 2011, our ambition was
objectives will be reached as the country
from a few months in duration to several
to help to prioritise the productive
achieves prosperity once again.
years. There is also a multiplier effect that
infrastructure and projects that are most
Budget 2015 identified a capital
these projects have by facilitating further
critical to our future. Spending cuts have
investment programme of €3.5 billion and
job creation indirectly in other connected
affected all areas of Irish society since the
the Government is also committed to the
sectors of commerce.
inception of this report. Ireland is very
procurement of greater non-traditional
After a stagnant period, vital skills have
much reliant on the confidence of
funding sources for infrastructure via
been lost to the Irish construction industry
international markets and investors to
Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).
through the absence of major
fund a programme of investment in some
Engineers Ireland acknowledges the
infrastructural projects.
of our national infrastructure and our
reality of the need to reduce public
This report is intended as our contribution
economic future.
expenditure and to continue reducing the
to the debate on building tomorrow’s
Engineers Ireland also recognises that,
deficit.
Ireland. It recognises the challenges
although the economy is growing, there
Nonetheless, capital investment is vital to
facing the country and sets out
are still very real demands on our fiscal
meet the Government’s desire to stimulate
fundamental steps which should be taken
resources, and for this reason not all
the economy. Jobs associated with capital
to meet those challenges.
C D E Inadequately maintained, and/or unable to meet peak demand, and requiring significant investment.
Below standard, poorly maintained, frequent inability to meet capacity and requiring immediate investment to avoid adverse impact on the national economy.
Unacceptable condition, insufficient capacity, and already impacting on the national economy.
WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE 5
THE STATE OF IRELAND 2015
Key recoMMendAtions 2015 well planned and
ENERGY
TRANSPORT
properly executed investment in infrastructure will yield a dividend for ireland. Overall grade
B
Overall grade
C
this outlay is essential for attracting inward investment in the future and for improving the quality of life of irish people.
12-Month Recommendations
n implement the lessons learnt to improve the public consultation process when
recommendations which engineers ireland believes are vital to the recovery
n Advance planning for Galway’s Eastern
North-South Interconnector to allow
n Improve road management systems
n Commence construction on the new
Bypass
energy transfers and bolster security of supply
n Connect the Corrib gas field to the national network
n Develop a solution for North Dublin and Dublin Airport rail
Five-Year Recommendations n Accelerate the prioritisation of
Five-Year Recommendations
n Continue to diversify Ireland’s energy
investment in infrastructure projects to increase Ireland’s competitiveness and address the unemployment challenge
n Progress planning process for port
sustainable sources as per the EU Renewable Energy and Fuel Quality
redevelopments in Cork and Galway
n Agree standards for data formats and
Directives
n Develop facilities to import liquefied
communication protocols for integrated
natural gas
n Increase the storage capacity of oil stocks to facilitate fuel switching from five to 30
traffic systems to enable information sharing
n Continue the integration of public transport services
days
and future prosperity
Sector
of ireland:
Electricity
B-
6 WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE
national road projects countrywide
planning energy infrastructure projects
sources to include a mix of fossil and
these are the key
12-Month Recommendations
n Progress funding mechanisms for delayed
Grade
Sector
Grade
Gas
B
Airports
B
Petroleum products
B
Road: Motorways
B-
Sea ports
C
Road: Other routes
D
Rail
D
Sustainable transport
D
A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd
WATER AND FLOODING
Overall grade
WASTE
C
Overall grade
12-Month Recommendations
n Determine the long-term funding model to ensure continued investment and improvements in the water supply network
n Eliminate the discharge of untreated sewage into Ireland’s natural waterways
n Complete the draft Flood Risk
COMMUNICATIONS
C
12-Month Recommendations n Ensure that new regulations are adequately enforced
n Deliver the new waste management plans
n Progress the construction of waste
recovery treatment capacity options that have acquired planning consent, including anaerobic digestion,
Management Plans for public
composting, waste to energy and
consultation
mechanical biological treatment facilities
Overall grade
B
12-Month Recommendations
n Specify the deadlines for completion of the National Broadband Plan
n Continue the roll-out of the 4G and fibre networks nationwide to ensure the availability of high-speed broadband on a wider regional basis
n Reduce service costs when rates and speeds are not equal in rural/urban areas
Five-Year Recommendations Five-Year Recommendations
n Reduce unaccounted for water (UFW) from 50% to 38% nationally
Five-Year Recommendations
n Put in place the correct mix of waste capacity infrastructure to manage
n Develop action plans to address
non-hazardous and hazardous wastes
wastewater works that are causing river pollution
n Implement the Flood Risk Management Plans from 2016
n Roll out the organic waste collection
n Continue to reduce broadband costs across business and domestic services
n Achieve universal high-speed broadband to a substantial part of the State by 2016 through the continued development of the
system to households and businesses in
next generation networks as well as
line with statutory thresholds to allow
mobile services
further development of biological
n Ireland’s national and regional broadband
treatment capacities including anaerobic
infrastructure should be in the top five of
digestion
European league tables in terms of
n Work with third-level institutes to develop
availability, uptake and speed by 2016
waste and resource management
Sector
Grade
modules as part of civil and
Water supply
C
environmental engineering courses to
Water quality
C
ensure that this area is serviced with
Wastewater
D
appropriately educated graduates
Flooding
D
WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE 7
THE STATE OF IRELAND 2015
ENERGY A secure energy infrastructure with adequate energy networks and storage facilities are essential for Ireland’s economy. Energy production, transmission and storage are vital components of the energy infrastructure and are crucial for an integrated energy market. Developing its energy infrastructure to meet future requirements to reduce carbon emissions to acceptable national and EU targets presents a major challenge to the energy industry. Further, the basic matter of guaranteeing security of supply must also be addressed through planning and investment. The cost of providing reasonably priced energy is fundamental to our national competitiveness and job creation. Three major aspects of energy infrastructure are analysed here: electricity; natural gas; and, petroleum products.
ELECTRICITY
not expected to return until 2018. The
European Commission in February 2014. In
likelihood that economic growth will be
2012, Ireland’s gross final energy use from
lower in the near future than was previously
renewables was 7.1%. This needs to more
envisaged means that Ireland’s existing
than double to achieve the 2020 target of
electricity infrastructure is largely capable
16%. Electricity infrastructure in Ireland is,
of meeting short- and medium-term
on the whole, well maintained and safe,
demand. Growth in capacity to produce
meeting international standards. There has
renewable energy from wind continued in
been very substantial investment in
2014 with an installed capacity on the island
Ireland’s power generation facilities in the
Electricity is vital to virtually every aspect
of 2,889 megawatts. Under the EU’s
past ten years, with the result that existing
of people’s lives and to the economy,
20:20:20 strategy, however, Ireland has to
generation capacity is potentially sufficient
particularly with the development of the
supply 16% of its final energy consumption
to meet projected needs for the next
technology industry and, in the future, the
from renewable sources and, according to
decade.
transport sector. An increase in the use of
our own national policy, 40% of our
Nonetheless, based on national projections
indigenous resources for this electricity
electricity generation must come from
for 2020 targets, more flexible power
and the decarbonisation of same is critical
renewables by 2020. In January 2014 the
generation and electricity storage will be
to the medium- to long-term health of the
European Commission announced that it
needed to match the intermittency of
Irish economy.
would drop mandatory renewable targets
renewable electricity. Older, less efficient
for member states after 2020 but that a 27%
power generation plants should be retired
What is the current state of the infrastructure?
overall target for the EU would be
to allow new, more efficient plants to
maintained. Ireland submitted its second
operate on a cost-effective basis; this has
Given the sharp downturn in electricity
progress report on the National Renewable
been signalled by EirGrid in its Generation
demand, the levels experienced in 2008 are
Energy Action Plan (NREAP) to the
Capacity Statement.
8 WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE
A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd
OVERALL GRADE
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2015 12-MONTH
n implement the lessons learnt to improve
B
the public consultation process when
sources to include a mix of fossil and
planning energy infrastructure projects
sustainable sources as per the eu
n commence construction on the new north-south interconnector to allow energy
SECTOR GRADE Gas
B
Petroleum products
B
Electricity
B-
FIVE-YEAR
n continue to diversify ireland’s energy
transfers and bolster security of supply n connect the corrib gas field to the national network
renewable energy and fuel Quality directives n develop facilities to import liquefied natural gas n increase the storage capacity of oil stocks to facilitate fuel switching from five to 30 days
ireland’s electricity transmission network was
What does the future hold?
obstacles to overcome. ireland has the
constructed to meet relatively low transmission
to meet ireland’s 2020 targets, full support
advantage of access to wind, ocean and wave
requirements, with the exception of the
must be given to the better energy
energy resources, but the challenge is to
Moneypoint lines to dublin. the recent addition
Programme, the nreAP and the eirgrid
harness these resources and to integrate
of a considerable amount of wind-powered
2025 plan. in addition, the transition to
them into the existing infrastructure.
generation located in areas that are remote
sustainable financing mechanisms in the
operating a power system with very high
from population centres has changed the
domestic and non-domestic sectors must be
levels of wind generation presents particular
transmission requirements. Accordingly, a
progressed. with the addition of the refit 3
number of the low-capacity lines are now being
programme, which supports up to 310Mw of
upgraded. A €1 billion capital investment
biomass-fuelled combined heat and power
programme for the esb was approved by the
(chP) projects, this should contribute to the
Government in 2014. there are, however,
final 4,000Mws of renewable generation
locations in the country, particularly in the
capacity required to meet the 2020 40%
north west and south west, where the
target.
transmission network is relatively weak and is
there is now significant uncertainty
incapable of supporting either major industrial
as to both the direction and scale of
projects or major renewable energy
population movements in the
development at present. in some instances
coming decade, making it more
network development may be required to
difficult to anticipate how
precede confirmed generation demand and the
demographic change will
network owner must be permitted to be
contribute to infrastructure
proactive in this respect within regional
requirements. further, there have
planning policy. in general, ireland’s electricity
been very significant technical
infrastructure is capable of supporting current
advances in recent years, which
demand for electricity, but it will need to be
will contribute to reducing
significantly reinforced to provide a network
electricity demand and related
capable of supporting a more de-carbonised
emissions in the future, including
society. over 2,500km of major routes on the
developments in lighting,
island of ireland are now served by the electric
appliances, smart meters, smart
vehicle (ev) fast charging network.
homes and distributed generation. there are other
WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE 9
challenges to system stability that need to
economic climate, these decisions should be
for the common good. eirgrid’s review of its
be addressed. eirGrid and systems operator
reversed.
public consultation process is timely.
northern ireland (soni) have embarked
transmission and distribution systems must
the depletion of oil reserves, concerns about
upon a multi-year programme “delivering a
be operated and maintained to the highest
energy security and the environmental
secure, sustainable electricity system“ (the
standard. despite the cancellation of the
threat of greenhouse gases mean that
ds3 programme), which is designed to
ireland–uK Mou, the state must continue to
ireland cannot exclude consideration of
ensure that we can securely operate the
explore opportunities to develop the market
nuclear power in the longer term. indeed, if
power system with increasing amounts of
to export irish electricity to Great britain.
we do not see a nuclear power plant on the
variable non-synchronous renewable
in terms of investment requirements, the
island of ireland, we are likely to depend on
generation over the coming years.
new north-south interconnector, and other
nuclear power in some sense via
the renewable resources available in ireland
major transmission projects such as Grid
interconnector(s)
have opened up an opportunity to harness
west and Grid link, are important in
to the uK and europe.
these resources for exporting to other
facilitating ireland’s 2020 renewable energy
markets, most notably Great britain.
targets and in ensuring security of supply in
however, despite the Memorandum of
the longer term. further delays to these
understanding (Mou) signed by the Minister
projects should be avoided, but questions
for communications, energy and natural
regarding any technical issues should be
resources and the uK secretary for energy
answered clearly to address the
and climate change in 2013, plans to export
concerns of interested parties. the final
renewable energy from the wind turbines in
routes and transmission options
the midlands were shelved last year.
should be agreed and progressed. the planning process in ireland can
What actions do we need to take?
be especially challenging for the
Grants for energy conservation measures in
delivery of overhead transmission
industry were removed four years ago, while
lines, wind farms and other network
grants for insulation and home energy
assets. we must address planning issues
generation were reduced. with an improving
if we are to deliver infrastructure necessary
10 WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE
to meet ireland’s 2020 targets, full support must be given to the better energy Programme, the national renewable energy Action Plan and the eirgrid 2025 plan.
ireland, the pipeline to the west, the
that an efficient and robust regulatory
Galway-Mayo pipeline and the south–north
regime is in place to support ongoing
pipeline, there is now the potential to build
offshore exploration and to allow for the safe
out the low pressure distribution network
development of unconventional gas reserves
around these pipelines. there is adequate
which exist here.
spare capacity in the system to
A second key element is the development of
accommodate this and the capacity should
further gas storage facilities. At present
NATURAL GAS
be fully utilised given the improved
there is a single gas storage facility in
international outlook for both gas availability
ireland located off the south coast. this
One-third of Irish households and many
and prices.
facility has the capacity to store just under
commercial premises, schools, hospitals
the extension and development of gas
5% of ireland’s annual gas consumption,
and industries rely on gas for heating.
infrastructure in ireland has contributed
whereas the average strategic gas storage
While Ireland has a significant mix of coal,
substantially in helping to reduce carbon
capacity in mainland european countries is
oil and gas power plants available, gas has
emissions from ireland in the industrial,
20%. one would expect that the country at
become the fuel of choice due to its cost
commercial and residential sectors, but
the end of the pipeline would have the
competitiveness and low carbon emissions.
particularly in the power generation sector.
highest storage capacity and not the lowest.
What is the current state of the infrastructure?
What does the future hold?
What actions do we need to take?
one of the key missing elements is the
the national infrastructure is extensive
ireland’s gas infrastructure meets the best
completion of the corrib gas field project,
and major centres of population are well
international standards. this infrastructure
which is essential for ireland’s energy
supported by infrastructure. there are,
has adequate capacity to meet all
security as it has the potential to meet up to
however, a number of towns and areas in
projections of demand and is capable of
60% of ireland’s requirements at peak
cities that are not supplied with natural
supporting projected economic
production. first gas is due to flow from the
gas.
development. following the completion of
corrib field in 2015.
the availability of gas could make a
high pressure transmission pipelines such
steps should be taken to further safeguard
noteworthy contribution to communities
as the interconnector 2, linking scotland and
ireland’s future gas supplies by ensuring
that do not already have it, by facilitating a
WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE 11
THE STATE OF IRELAND 2015
significant reduction in both energy costs
convert fleet vehicles such as city bus
ireland from 46% in 2007, to 70% by the end
and in greenhouse gas emissions. Gas
fleets that are used close to their base
of 2014. this programme is continuing, with
emits 40-50% less co2 than coal or peat,
depots to cnG, and locating the re-fuelling
further storage facility refurbishment
and 25% less than diesel. nonetheless, in
infrastructure in these depots. this model
projects planned for the future.
terms of future network extensions, these
has been implemented successfully in
ireland has only one oil refinery, located at
should continue to be evaluated on an
many european cities and a 2012 trial on a
whitegate, co. cork. this refinery supplies
economic basis, always taking into
bus in cork city proved the benefits of the
about one-third of ireland’s total oil
consideration the need for a robust and
concept in ireland also. there is also
consumption and is mandated to be in
reliable network. future planning needs to
potential to develop indigenous biofuels
operation until mid-2016. however, post
address the question of whether there is
from a number of sources to complement
2016, its future is uncertain. in recent years
the demand to extend gas to every town in
or replace cnG as a fuel for vehicles in the
there has been a significant decline in the
ireland, and where it is not economic to do
future, further reducing the need for
number of refineries operating in the eu. in
so due to lack of demand, measures to
imported gas.
light of this and the uncertainty relating to
stimulate this demand should be
whitegate, in 2011 the Government
considered.
commissioned a “study of the strategic case
A report by the western development
for oil refining requirements of the island of
commission, which examined the benefits
ireland”. the findings and recommendations
of extending the gas grid to a further 11
of this study were published in 2013 and
towns in the north west, estimated that
concluded that the current infrastructure is
€20.6 million could be saved annually in
adequate to meet projected demand into the
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
future. however, if the refinery closed
should be given to similar studies being
Petroleum products are the key source of
would result in the re-distribution of all of its
carried out in other regions of the country
transport energy in Ireland. A secure supply
current volumes to other import terminals.
to assess the potential benefits and to
of these products is essential for mobility
while such infrastructure has the capacity to
inform national gas infrastructure strategy.
and for economic activity. Considerable
handle this volume, instantaneous
to diversify ireland’s natural gas supply
volumes of oil are also consumed in major
re-distribution will not be possible and will
network, it is important to develop a port
industrial units. In addition, significant
need to be planned in order to minimise any
facility for the importation of liquefied
amounts of liquid petroleum gas, oil and
potential for disruption to supply.
fuel costs between commercial and domestic gas users if gas were available as an option in these towns. consideration
natural gas. the development of gas from
kerosene are still used for heating in areas
renewable resources should also be
outside the natural gas service areas.
import and distribution centre only), this
What does the future hold? very little fuel oil is now used for electricity
considered, including from landfill sites, wastewater facilities and from grass-based
altogether (as opposed to converting to an
generation in ireland. while some 65% of
biomethane.
What is the current state of the infrastructure?
ireland’s power generation comes from
one of the most difficult energy sources to
in respect of petroleum products, the
natural gas, an adequate stock of oil is
substitute for a greener, more
facilities for importation are adequate, as are
required to be immediately available for fuel
cost-effective, and more secure alternative
the storage facilities for commercial use. in
switching in the event of a disruption to gas
are petroleum products for road
terms of commercial oil stocks, the
supply. currently, there is only enough oil
transportation. compressed natural gas
sustained high cost of oil and the volatility in
stored at power stations to enable them to
(cnG), which can be used on the transport
international oil prices has resulted in
run on oil for about five days.
network, offers an alternative to such
significant challenges for the commercial oil
there is a move to convert some of the fuel
petroleum products. to facilitate
companies in maintaining high levels of oil
oil storage facilities at older oil-fired power
diversification of fuels used in road
inventory. in line with Government policy, the
stations, which are no longer in operation, or
transport, it should be Government policy
national oil reserves Agency (norA) has
are planned for closure in the near future, for
to ensure that liquefied natural gas for
undertaken a process of rebalancing
the storage of lighter oil products. this could
freight vehicles is available throughout the
ireland’s strategic oil reserves onto the
significantly improve the security of our
motorway network.
island of ireland, increasing the percentage
electricity supply system.
As a first step, there is an opportunity to
of its total reserves stored on the island of
this process is in its early stages and will
12 WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE
A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd
require a significant investment in
two-thirds of the heating market. A reduction
closes, steps should be taken to minimise the
refurbishment, new infrastructure, and the oil
in this level of dependency on oil for heating is
potential for disruption to oil supplies as
stocks themselves in order to provide
required. the better energy Programme
current refinery supply volumes are
meaningful levels of alternative oil supply in
should in particular be fully supported as it
redistributed to other existing oil import and
the event of a gas supply disruption.
aims to retrofit homes.
distribution centres.
the irish economy is particularly vulnerable to
increased levels of biofuel in transportation
the capacity to fuel switch from gas to oil at
serious price shocks, which could have a
fuels (ethanol in petrol, and biodiesel in motor
gas-fired power stations should be increased
dramatic impact on the country’s GdP. the
diesel) will steadily displace equivalent
from the current five days to 30 days.
danger of a sudden oil price rise presents a
volumes of hydrocarbon fuels. however, it must
exploration drilling has been at a historically
further risk to the economy. indeed, the impact
be borne in mind that the vast majority of
low level for the past few years and the state is
would most likely be more severe on ireland
biofuels, like fossil fuels, are also imported.
a long way short of the intensive drilling
than on other european countries, because of
the 2012 mandatory level of 4% biofuels in
programmes that would support the
our high dependence on oil imports. this was
motor fuels was increased to 6% in 2013 and
development of an indigenous offshore
evident from political events in north Africa
will rise over time to closer to 10% by 2020,
industry. to increase exploration activity, a
and the Middle east during 2011 and 2012.
and this will assist this initiative. the pace of
regulatory and fiscal regime should be
therefore, the benefits to be derived from the
such increase will of course have to be
maintained which gives confidence to investors
discovery and production of oil and gas from
developed in harmony with approved changes
and facilitates a predictable field development
offshore oil fields in ireland’s sea domain are
to eu motor fuel specifications.
process, so that all stakeholders have a clear
considerable. while the story of oil and gas
the introduction of a grant to allow for the
understanding of the issues involved and how
exploration offshore from ireland has largely
modification of petrol engine cars so that they
they are to be addressed. offshore ireland
been one of sporadic activity, there have
become flexi-fuel and can receive bioethanol or
needs to be promoted more to the international
recently been some more positive
petrol should be considered. equally,
oil and gas industry. Proactive steps should be
developments. four seismic surveys in the
investigation should be undertaken of
taken by relevant industry organisations, public
irish offshore area were carried out in 2013. in
agricultural capability for bioethanol and
representatives, Government departments and
addition, the joint department of
biodiesel production, and appropriate
state agencies to increase public
communications, energy and natural
incentives and supports provided to encourage
understanding of the industry, and to assure
resources (dcenr)/eni regional survey will
sustainable biofuel production. the
potential applicants for licences that their
aid the dcenr and industry in identifying
development of more sustainable energy is
presence and their investments are
areas of prospectivity for oil and gas offshore.
laudable and, if acted upon responsibly, the
welcome.
the Atlantic Margin licensing round, which
pace of such development will be steady but
offered substantial acreage off the west coast,
most likely slower then we’d like.
resulted in the award of 13 licensing options. A
in the meantime we should not lose sight of the
total of 12 applications were received to
fact that we are an island nation with no
convert these options to full frontier
pipeline connections to mainland europe,
exploration licences. the next round was
wholly reliant on oil imports entirely by ship.
announced in June 2014 and will close in
improvement in oil storage infrastructure is
september 2015.
therefore key. the extent to which such
the only exploration well to be drilled in
improvement will be required is likely to be
2013, dunquin, did not encounter
influenced by the future of the
commercial hydrocarbons.
whitegate refinery, and the
What actions do we need to take?
programme for the
to minimise risks to ireland in respect of
development of further
continuity of norA’s
petroleum products, the state needs to
storage on the
diversify and use sustainable sources for as
island of
much of its energy needs as it can. A clear and
ireland. in
coherent plan needs to be pursued to meet this
the event
ambition. oil is the primary fuel source for
that the oil
home heating and supplies approximately
refinery
WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE 13
THE STATE OF IRELAND 2015
TRANSPORT Developing a transport infrastructure which meets the requirements of Irish society and the Irish economy is essential to the future prosperity of the State. Critical to this is an integrated approach to road, rail, air and sea transport.
the motorways, like the trains, invariably
progress is being made on schemes in
link to Dublin. For example, the North-West,
Enniscorthy and New Ross, there are likely
including Donegal and Sligo, is linked to
to be constraints on progress for the next
Dublin by the N2, N3 and N4 and does not
number of years.
have full motorway links to the capital.
Beyond the motorways, Ireland’s remaining
Links between regional cities are much less
road network is in very variable condition
impressive. The Cork to Limerick road, for
and is not capable of meeting usual
example, is of relatively poor quality.
demand, certainly not to an international
This section refers to the State’s road
Significant investment is needed in terms of
level. On such roads there is increasing
network and its use for both private and
connecting Galway, Cork, Limerick and
traffic and congestion, especially in cities
public transport. A steady rise in general
Waterford to each other. The Atlantic
and towns as well as at peak periods.
traffic volumes over the last 12 months,
Corridor is yet to be advanced sufficiently –
Galway’s Eastern Bypass is at public
particularly in Dublin, has seen the return of
an issue that has featured in previous
consultation stage and is badly needed to
severe traffic congestion at peak times.
editions of this report. The only significant
alleviate the city’s current traffic, which will
work that commenced on this route in 2014
only grow as the economy strengthens.
What is the current state of the infrastructure?
was the Gort to Tuam M17/18 motorway – a
The quality of these networks has
PPP scheme that will be subsidised by the
deteriorated and they have been repaired
In terms of the motorway network, Ireland
Government for the construction and
only on a patchwork basis. Roads that were
has a radial motorway network out of Dublin
management consortium.
repaired and strengthened in the 1990s and
that is on a par with those in Europe. The
The funding available to operate, maintain
early noughties are now due for
inter-urban links to Dublin are relatively
and improve the national road network has
maintenance again, as there has been
new and in good condition. The new
been significantly reduced in recent years.
insufficient investment in maintenance of
motorways are well maintained and have
PPP schemes are, however, progressing
national roads over the last eight years.
appropriate capacity. Investment in roads
again, including the Gort to Tuam and the
Severe weather in the past number of years
ROADS
has been targeted at upgrading roads where
Arklow to Rathnew projects. The lack of
has also damaged many of our roads. This
there is highest demand, which means that
investment is clearly demonstrated by only
additional damage is exacerbated by other
Ireland’s motorways are currently capable of
two new strategic road projects which
factors, such as the potential significant
meeting demand, with the exception of the
completed construction in 2014 – the
increase in heavy traffic on rural roads
M50, which is now carrying 29% more traffic
Newlands Cross Flyover and the N5
resulting from increased milk production
since its upgrade in 2010. One caveat is that
Ballaghaderreen bypass. Although some
and timber transport.
14 WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE
A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd
OVERALL GRADE
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2015 12-MONTH
n Progress funding mechanisms for delayed
C
national road projects countrywide n Advance planning for Galway’s eastern bypass n improve road management systems
SECTOR GRADE Airports
B
Road: Motorways
B-
Sea ports
C
Road: Other routes
D
Rail
D
Sustainable transport
D
n develop a solution for north dublin and dublin Airport rail
FIVE-YEAR
n Accelerate the prioritisation of investment in infrastructure projects to increase ireland’s competitiveness and address the unemployment challenge
n Progress planning process for port redevelopments in cork and Galway
n Agree standards for data formats and communication protocols for integrated traffic systems to enable information sharing
n continue the integration of public transport services
Austere budgetary measures have seen the road maintenance programmes being significantly reduced to unsustainable levels. reduced budgets mean that local authorities have insufficient resources to maintain their road networks in acceptable condition. the 2015 budget recently announced for regional and local roads has been reduced from €333 million in 2014 to €294 million in 2015.
What does the future hold? ireland’s national secondary, regional and local roads are in need of a substantial overhaul, with many of these roads now in poor condition. there is a requirement to implement road management systems to help identify and manage deficiencies in the road surfaces, roadworks, excavations and bridges, as well as road markings and signs, in both urban and rural areas. road and pavement management systems currently being implemented on national and regional/local roads provide a foundation for allocation of funding on a needs basis and funding implications for local authorities into the future.
What actions do we need to take? the scale of reduction in capital expenditure by the Government is unprecedented. if the
WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE 15
THE STATE OF IRELAND 2015
Government does not reverse that decision,
impact and to change behaviour. However,
allows journeys of all modes to be planned
it is most unlikely that there will be any new
the costs of these are relatively low compared
throughout the country. for example, real
projects, other than those already identified,
to other areas such as road or rail.
time passenger information for multiple
commencing in the short to medium term.
urban streets have been neglected, with
operators, integrated ticketing, and passive
therefore, it becomes imperative that
inadequate lighting provided and poor or no
safety systems like school speed warning
maintenance and rehabilitation regimes are
footpaths in place in many locations. urban
signs all utilise its expertise. dublin city
put in place to continue improving the quality
areas also require substantial investment to
council’s open data platform – dublinked –
of national primary and secondary roads,
move towards a low-carbon, sustainable
enhances the traffic system in the capital.
and regional roads, while further work
model. this will involve investment in bus
however, there is a lack of cohesion, with each
needs to be done to connect the main road
lanes, cycle lanes, pedestrian routes and
city and the national roads Authority
network to air and sea ports. the
facilities for the mobility impaired, as well as
developing separately with no standard for the
development of rest and refuelling stations
initiatives to attract car users onto public
data format. Agreed standards for data
needs to continue on the motorway network,
transport or other modes of travel.
formats and communication protocols should
with only the Gorey M11 PPP scheme under
A proposal to introduce a bus rapid transit
be developed collaboratively.
construction and due to open in 2015.
(brt) system to dublin is currently at
there is an overall need to develop a national
ideally, the road system should be improved
planning and design stage.
its strategy to co-ordinate technologies,
to further link the coastal cities of waterford,
bike-sharing schemes have proven popular in
infrastructure and investment while ensuring
cork, limerick, Galway and sligo but this
ireland’s cities where residents of cork,
value for money.
will have to be advanced in the context of
dublin, Galway and limerick have embraced
prioritisation.
the shift to an alternative mode of public
What actions do we need to take?
transport.
the national development Plan objectives
there is also a major deficit in park-and-ride
need to be reassessed with respect to the field
facilities. currently, irish road infrastructure is
of road and rail transportation, including
not geared towards environmental and
public transportation policies, having regard
low-carbon concerns. significant investment
to the country’s improved economic
is needed to draw people out of their cars for
environment and with a prioritisation of
even part of their journey. there are major
projects for implementation.
PUBLIC, INTEGRATED AND SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
policy initiatives to develop cycling across
in conjunction with other relevant departments,
for sustainable transport projects in greater
outlook and identify a realistic number of
There are, despite the recent recession, a
dublin and regional cities is to be welcomed.
gateways for further development, facilitated
number of developments in this area, where
the national Journey Planner, which avails of
by appropriate transport connections. there
progress has the potential for significant
intelligent transport systems (its) integration,
should be continued
ireland, including the introduction of cycle
a new national spatial strategy should be
lanes in new roads. funding of €42.5 million
developed to reflect the changed economic
A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd
investment in improved facilities for
well maintained. Passenger journeys on
What actions do we need to take?
pedestrians and cyclists, in particular in the
iarnród Éireann services increased by almost
if a modal shift in the use of transport is
major cities where most scope exists for
one million in 2014 across all rail modes. of
envisaged, then rail is not capable of
maximising the modal share of these modes.
particular note is the increase of 72.5% on the
supporting projected economic development.
the further development of the national cycle
ennis-Athenry section of the western rail
investment is needed to get people out of their
network, which can draw significant numbers
corridor.
cars and onto bus and rail. investment should
of cycle tourists to ireland, can also provide an
the enduring and main deficit in terms of both
be focused to link up the existing rail facilities,
amenity for communities along the routes.
light and heavy rail in dublin is still
particularly in dublin. the Government’s
An integrated, frequent and reliable network
connectivity, but with the luas bXd underway
decision to defer funding for Metro north,
of public transport services in our cities,
some progress on this issue is likely in the
dArt underground, the navan railway line
including integrating fare structures across
foreseeable future.
and the western rail corridor leaves the luas
bus and rail modes, to enable multi-stage
the extension of the rail spur to dublin Port
line as the only major project that will be
public transport journeys that are not
has facilitated access for rail freight to ship
undertaken.
currently attractive (resulting in higher car
side, thereby improving competitiveness.
Allowing for this, planning must still recognise
mode shares), should be developed.
RAIL
the future desirability that the rail network can
What does the future hold?
be linked up in an efficient manner and with
irish rail infrastructure is not geared to
other transport modes. decisions need to be
address environmental and low carbon
taken and communicated. while rail in its
concerns. it is not designed to take people out
current state is capable of meeting current
of their cars or to drive a significant modal
demand, the system needs further
shift; consequently, it is not sufficiently
development to improve the linkages between
attractive to travel by train. the dispersed
the major centres of population. the business
nature of the population does not facilitate the
case for extending the dArt to dublin Airport
The Luas BXD project, which will link the
economic development of the passenger
has been developed and it is estimated that
existing Luas lines in Dublin city centre, is the
network and makes it difficult for the train
within 15 years 9.4 million passengers per
only major piece of transport infrastructure
system to compete with road travel. even in
annum would use the dArt
currently underway in 2015.
terms of the development of park-and-ride
extension. this
facilities, the basic infrastructure to support
project should be
greater use of the train is largely absent, and
accelerated – not
where it is available pricing strategies often
deferred.
What is the current state of the infrastructure? Although the luas, the dArt and inter-city
deter usage. in this, ireland lags a long way
trains are fully utilised at peak times, they are
behind the rest of europe. this is partly a
usually capable of meeting demand, but as the
function of geography and of the reality that
economy starts to grow, capacity may become
ireland is a small island, with a dispersed
an issue. irish heavy rail infrastructure is
population.
generally well maintained following the
there is limited development potential
installation in places of new track to facilitate
for an urban rail network in cork;
higher train speeds and increased commuter
however, light railway is a
demand; this work needs to be continued
consideration.
across the network. the railway safety capital investment Programme has ensured vital asset renewal works including track renewal and upgrading bridges. with projects like the dArt underground, Kildare route Project Phase 2 and the navan railway line deferred for the near future, there are currently no plans to increase capacity on any of the lines. the light rail system in dublin appears to be
WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE 17
THE STATE OF IRELAND 2015
AIRPORTS Ireland is an open economy with substantial inward investment. This investment relies in large part on the ability to access Dublin and the regional gateways from international air transport
in the short to medium term we need to continue to invest in the maintenance of our airports and protect these assets to support economic recovery.
via the n27 from the north or r600 from the south. surface access to the airport is by road only as the topography does not lend itself to the development of a rail line. Given the scattered nature of the population in the airport’s service area, public transport is not seen as a viable mode of transport for passengers but could be
hubs. International air connectivity is critical
developed to alleviate airport employee
for tourism and business travel.
commuter traffic. the development of a bus
What is the current state of the infrastructure?
a long time to deliver and we must not lose
service could help to lessen congestion at the
sight of the need to progress connectivity and
Kinsale roundabout.
further infrastructure developments to avail of
irish airports and air traffic control systems
opportunities. this is particularly the case with
What actions do we need to take?
are well maintained and the dublin Airport
air traffic numbers at near pre-recession
in the short to medium term we need to
Authority (dAA) and the irish Aviation Authority
peaks.
continue to invest in the maintenance of our
(iAA) continue to invest to maintain the safety
commercial services have now ceased at both
airports and protect these assets to support
and security of the infrastructure. the new
Galway and sligo. funding for ireland west
economic recovery. in the longer term we
terminal buildings are important state assets,
Airport Knock, waterford, donegal and Kerry
need to plan so as to exploit opportunities that
and their value will be seen in the medium to
will remain in place for the next number of
present themselves and continue to rectify
longer term, as traffic volumes increase again.
years. waterford Airport has a limited service.
weaknesses in our existing infrastructure and
the dAA has plans to develop a second runway
these airports, however, are crucial for
travel experience. smaller regional airports
and this investment will be required, albeit
foreign access to peripheral areas of the
should be maintained because of their
perhaps not in the short term but when a
country, and are therefore vital for inward
importance for the economic development of
business case for its development is put
investment in those areas.
ireland outside dublin.
forward. the development of the inter-urban
of concern, and in need of consideration in the
motorways has put increased pressure on air
future as traffic grows and possibly exceeds
transport within ireland. As road travel times
previous highs, is the single point of access
have improved, prospective air passengers are
into cork airport for all traffic
less willing to spend time waiting in airports for flights.
What does the future hold? if ireland’s export-driven economic recovery is to continue, then we will see a return to growth in our airports. in many respects, the recent completion of the new terminals in dublin and cork has ireland well positioned to accommodate such growth. however, airport infrastructure takes
18 WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE
A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd
repair and replacement, which required
economy. the city’s bypass, which is at
emergency repairs given 2014’s stormy
planning stage, is essential to the success of
weather. following a decline in recent years,
this development. the first phase of the new
the volume of traffic through ports has more
port, if approved, would commence in 2015.
or less stabilised, with export growth
this is the first project to apply for planning
emerging in some sectors. More importantly,
permission on grounds of “imperative
SEA PORTS
the changing market conditions are driving
reasons of overriding public interest” or
the need to invest in new port infrastructure,
iroPi. the Port of cork is currently hosting
Ireland’s commercial sea ports are vital for
for example, the international trend towards
public consultations on its plans for
most exports and imports, as well as for the
larger vessels.
expansion at ringaskiddy.
infrastructure includes both large and small
What does the future hold?
What actions do we need to take?
fisheries harbours and small leisure
the changing market conditions and logistics
ireland needs to develop its commercial ports
tourism sector. Furthermore, our marine
harbours. The Ports of Dublin, Shannon
will fuel the need for new or expanded
to facilitate larger vessels, which can deliver
Foynes and Cork are Tier 1 port
facilities availing of deeper water
economies of scale and improve overall
infrastructure as per the 2013 Ports Policy
opportunities, but will require better
national competitiveness. it is imperative,
document.
hinterland connections. inner city renewal
also, to streamline the statutory planning
will also push more port activities out of city
process to ensure that this infrastructure can
What is the current state of the infrastructure?
centres and release valuable land for
be delivered in an integrated and timely
development. however, port infrastructure
fashion. the projects that are currently pre
the commercial ports are generally well
tends to be large and can take many years
planning should be supported. strategic
maintained by the port companies. there
from planning to delivery; therefore, ports
traffic in the context of the national roads
has been significant investment in the larger
must plan far in advance for such
primarily comprises major inter-urban and
fisheries harbours in recent years, while
infrastructure. the Port of Galway public
inter-regional traffic, which contributes to
there has been some investment in the
consultations are currently underway
socio-economic development. the
smaller harbours, like cill rónáin harbour
regarding the €126 million plan to build a
transportation of goods and products,
on inis Mór. there remain many small quay
new deepwater port and reclaim land from
especially traffic to and from main ports and
walls around the coast that are in need of
Galway bay under the strategic
airports, both freight and passenger related,
infrastructure Act. the current harbour is
is key to the sustainability of ireland’s
operating below capacity due to tidal
economy. it stands to reason then that the
restrictions and the new development plans
connectivity, particularly for freight, of our
will allow it to attract larger commercial and
seaports to the overall transport network
cruise vessels, thereby benefiting the local
needs to be prioritised.
WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE 19
THE STATE OF IRELAND 2015
WATER AND FLOODING Water is a vital resource that many developed nations take for granted. The abundance of water in Ireland is one of our many natural advantages but the management of this resource to satisfy all stakeholders is critical for our continued success. Three aspects of water are considered here: the water and wastewater networks; water in the natural environment; and, flood management.
Assessment scoping report. All the while it
cryptosporidium in the water supply,
has had to contend with retrofitting meters
affecting almost half the population of the
to existing homes and developing a pricing
county. The biggest challenge for the new
model that ensures it is adequately funded
utility is to address the variance in the
to improve and develop Ireland’s newest
water network in Ireland, where some
utility network.
parts date back to the 19th century and
WATER SUPPLY AND WASTEWATER
Water supply
building regulations as part of the
The latest report from the Environmental
development that gripped the country at
Raw water is taken from the natural
Protection Agency (EPA) published in 2015
the start of the 21st century. The EPA’s
environment and then treated, stored and
assessed drinking water quality across
Remedial Action List (RAL), first prepared
distributed through pipes into people’s
Ireland in 2013. The results highlight the
by the Agency in 2008, has driven many
homes. The quality of this water is
inconsistency that exists in the quality of
improvements in water treatment, with
paramount to the health of Ireland’s citizens
water available to different communities
demonstrable results. However, by the end
and its overseas visitors.
across Ireland but which are now the
of 2013, 28% of the original list of works
responsibility of one provider. As Irish
recommended for public water supplies
What is the current state of the infrastructure?
Water is now the national water utility, all
was still outstanding.
customers of Irish Water will rightly expect
Lead in water continues to potentially
Irish Water is the single utility now
to receive an adequate supply in terms of
affect approximately 150,000 homes in
responsible for Ireland’s water supply and
reliability and quality. Sustained
Ireland and a number of public buildings
wastewater assets since 1st January 2014.
investment over many years will be needed
built more than 40 years ago, primarily due
It has responsibility for approximately 1,000
to reach this goal.
to lead pipes on the customer side. Irish
separate public water supplies and the
In the Greater Dublin Area for example,
Water has published a draft lead strategy
treatment of wastewater from
recent investments in the Ballymore
to address this issue in line with
others have been installed contrary to
approximately 1,000 agglomerations.
Eustace and Leixlip Water Treatment
international practice. The strategy also
During its first year of existence, Irish Water
Plants have improved the region’s water
includes a programme to remove backyard
has engaged in a consultation process with
supply resilience at least for the short to
shared lead services and lead service
members of the public asking for
medium term. In contrast, boil notices have
connections on the public side.
submissions on its Water Services Strategic
been in operation in Roscommon for a year
Leakages across the network are close to
Plan and draft Strategic Environment
or more due to the detection of
50% – double the rate in of the UK – and it
20 WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE
A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd
OVERALL GRADE
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2015 12-MONTH
n Determine the long-term funding model
C
to ensure continued investment and improvements in the water supply network n Eliminate the discharge of untreated
SECTOR GRADE Water supply
C
Water quality
C
Wastewater
D
Flooding
D
sewage into Ireland’s natural waterways n Complete the draft Flood Risk
FIVE-YEAR
n Reduce unaccounted for water (UFW) from 50% to 38% nationally n Develop action plans to address wastewater works that are causing river pollution n Implement the Flood Risk Management Plans from 2016
Management Plans for public consultation
is estimated that €150 million is required
Wastewater
over the next three years to achieve a
the most recent urban wastewater
sustainable economic level of leakage.
discharges report published by the ePA
the total number of cases of E. coli in public
stated that 30% of wastewater treatment
water supplies increased by three to 10
plants did not meet all mandatory eu
occurrences in 2013, compared to seven in
effluent quality and sampling standards
2012. half of these were in ‘small supplies’
in 2013 compared to 31% in 2012 –
in co. wicklow where a boil notice was put
continuing an albeit modest downward
in place until uv treatment was introduced.
trend in recent years.
Private water supplies continue to lag
the management and treatment of
behind public and group water supplies for
ireland’s wastewater is still inadequate,
E. coli compliance. E. coli was detected in 63
and untreated wastewater is being
small private supplies compared to
discharged in 44 urban centres.
detection in 33 group schemes (up from 27
there are currently 250 ePA licences that
ireland has a distinct competitive advantage over other nations in attracting foreign direct investment (fdi) and developing indigenous businesses given its certainty of supply at a reasonable cost.
in 2012). that said, the vast majority of
have requirements for infrastructural
ireland’s population has a reliable supply of
improvements including 11 in urban areas
clean drinking water, with over 98% of the
where secondary treatment is required
ringsend wastewater treatment works,
water supplied meeting drinking water
under the urban wastewater treatment
which is below capacity and needs
standards.
directive. some of these improvements were
improvements to bring it up to an adequate
specified as being required as far back as
level to serve the current population. As the
2005. with half of those due before the end
largest wastewater treatment plant in
of 2013 still outstanding at the beginning of
ireland, its failure to meet the effluent
2014, it highlights the effect that the lack of
quality and sampling standards in the last
priority investment in wastewater treatment
year reported resulted in a dramatic drop in
plants has had in the last decade despite the
ireland’s compliance rates.
explosion in population and homes
A number of pumping stations and
connected to the network.
treatment plants put in by developers
infrastructure for wastewater collection
during the period of sustained house
across the country is of variable quality. the
building in the 2000s as short-term
Greater dublin Area is served by the
measures are now defunct.
WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE 21
THE STATE OF IRELAND 2015 GREATER DUBLIN OVERALL GRADE
IRELAND’S WATER SUPPLY INFRASTRUCTURE BY COUNTY
A
A A B
B
A ROSCOMMON: Ongoing boil notices affecting the water supply for almost half of the county's population is unacceptable in 21st century Ireland. Investment in the infrastructure is due to improve conditions in 2015.
D
A
The capital's water supply is fit for purpose and investment has recently taken place with the Ballymore Eustace refurbishment, the Water Supply Project Dublin and the Dublin Region Watermains Rehabilitation Project. Boil notices in Wicklow and remedial works not due to 2022, however, lower the overall grade for the GDR.
A
B A
B
A
B E
E A
D
A
GALWAY CITY: A GALWAY COUNTY: D A recent boil notice in Williamstown that may not be resolved for two years means the county's water supply is below standard.
C
B B
B A C
B
B
A C
E
C A
KERRY: With more than 20 outstanding actions on the EPA's RAL, Kerry's water infrastructure is below standard.
CORK CITY: A CORK COUNTY: C
CARLOW was one of 11 counties that didn't have a boil notice or water restriction in place.
A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd
the inspection of domestic wastewater
resolve untreated discharges is being
treatment systems commenced in July
made. however, the task to improve
2013. the process has clearly identified that
ireland’s wastewater infrastructure will
failures to properly operate, maintain or
take a number of years. capacity is also
desludge a system remain the most
an issue, as the ePA notes that circa 35%
common problems putting the environment
of the 759 incidents reported in 2013
and the health of nearby residences at risk.
were due to insufficient treatment capacity. As the economy picks up in 2015
What does the future hold? Water
and beyond, increased volumes of
ireland has a distinct competitive advantage
developments will impact on existing
over other nations in attracting foreign direct
treatment plants like ringsend.
investment (fdi) and developing indigenous
improvements in existing infrastructure
businesses given its certainty of supply at a
and additions to the network will be
reasonable cost. with a new national water
necessary.
wastewater from new housing
network and one utility to provide all services, economies of scale should become apparent in the future.
What actions do we need to take?
like any water network worldwide, there is
irish water assumed responsibility for
unaccounted for water in the system due to
both water and wastewater on 1st
A similar project to the dublin region watermains rehabilitation
leakages. it is estimated that almost 50% of
January 2014. with over 12 months now
Project, albeit on a national scale, needs to
all treated water is being lost. the metering
past, the organisation has an understanding
be developed to replace watermains that are
programme should help to address this by
of the status of the national networks and
prone to bursts, leaks and low water
identifying weaknesses in the system, and
where investment needs prioritisation.
data already available from irish water
pressure due to their age. with over 145km of pipes replaced in Greater dublin’s
suggests that one in 10 homes has a leak.
Water
8,000km of pipes, the challenge is to identify
the metering programme will also assist
the regulator (commission for energy
the weaknesses in the 60,000km of pipes in
with finding lead pipes both in the service
regulation) has to ensure that the pricing
the national system and develop strategies
connection on the public side and also in the
model for water is both acceptable to the
to significantly reduce leakage across the
supply pipes on the customer side.
consumer and is adequate to fund the
networks.
the cost of providing, managing, maintaining
investment that is required to improve the
and improving the water network is
network. further incentives to encourage
Wastewater
estimated at €1.2 billion and a shortfall has
conservation and the introduction of variable
urban wastewater is one of the significant
been identified. in the last 12 months the
charges for water usage must be considered.
pressures on water quality in ireland – on
cost to the consumer of €160 for a single
A long-term water supply for the Greater
inland, estuarine and coastal waters. it is
person household or €260 for two or more
dublin region is a priority given its central
clear that upgrades and improvements are
adults has been finalised and will remain
role in the growth of the national economy
necessary to meet ireland’s obligations to
fixed until the end of 2018, with a water
and its ability to attract inward investment.
its citizens as well as its commitment to eu
conservation grant also available. variable
irish water has inherited this challenge
directives to deliver the highest standards in
energy costs will always present a future
from dublin city council and the
water quality.
risk to water supply costs, as will the impact
department of the environment, community
eliminating the discharge of untreated
of climate change and adverse weather
and local Government (declG). it is
sewage and providing secondary treatment
conditions.
currently undertaking specialist surveys of
in urban areas where it is required is clearly
each of the options available, including
a priority, as well as carrying out the
Wastewater
extracting water from the shannon and
improvements specified by the ePA licences.
with upgraded plants like leixlip coming on
desalination. the project is currently at
inspections, monitoring and enforcement
stream in 2014, and other projects now
planning stage with a view to achieving a
of authorisations are crucial to the
under construction, in clifden and waterford
successful outcome to the application to An
continued effectiveness of ireland’s
for example, it is clear that progress to
bórd Pleanála by 2016/17.
wastewater treatment plants.
23 WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE
WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE 23
THE STATE OF IRELAND 2015
greater or lesser extent. serious pollution
rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal waters and
was recorded at just 20 sites, down from 39
groundwater, and their dependent wildlife
in 2004-2006.
habitats, under one piece of environmental
in 2013, 97% of bathing waters met eu
legislation.
mandatory standards and 84% met the
As previously referenced, the 2009 european
stricter eu standards, compared to 67% in
court of Justice ruling against ireland for
WATER QUALITY
2012. from the end of 2014’s bathing season
not properly implementing eu rules on
a new ‘excellent’ category will apply for
domestic wastewater treatment units in
This section deals with water in the natural
water quality and will be assessed on a
mainly rural areas has resulted in the
environment – lakes, rivers, groundwater,
four-year rolling period. stricter water
development and implementation of the ePA
and coastal bays and estuaries.
quality criteria for blue flag beaches was
inspection plan since september 2013.
introduced in 2013 and ireland managed to
identification of non-compliant domestic
What is the current state of the infrastructure?
regain six more blue flags in 2014. however,
wastewater systems is underway and
some beaches lost their status due to
remedying of faults should result in the
the european commission’s blueprint to
ongoing works to repair damage caused by
reduction of discharges coming into contact
safeguard europe’s water resources
storms. A major programme – the river
with surface water. significant investment in
document outlines actions that concentrate
basin district Management Plans – is
municipal wastewater treatment plants has
on better implementation of current water
underway to meet the objectives of the eu’s
ensured that progress has been made in the
legislation, integration of water policy
water framework directive, which is
last decade, though much work remains to
objectives into other policies, and filling the
designed to protect all high status waters,
be done.
gaps, in particular as regards water quantity
prevent further deterioration of all waters,
and efficiency. the objective is to ensure that
and restore degraded surface and ground
What does the future hold?
a sufficient quantity of good quality water is
waters to good status by 2015. the directive
with the introduction of water charges
available for people's needs, the economy
was introduced in response to the increasing
consumers may be tempted to drill private
and the environment throughout the eu.
threat of pollution and the demand from the
wells in an attempt to reduce costs. figures
water quality in ireland in the main
public for cleaner rivers, lakes and beaches.
from the 2013 ePA report on drinking water
continues to improve due to investments in
now, for the first time, there is a framework
quality in ireland indicate that 30% of private
wastewater treatment schemes, progress in
for the protection of all waters including
wells are contaminated and not suitable for
monitoring standards and the completion of
consumption without treatment.
most remedial actions as per the original
the future risks to water quality include
ePA rAl.
those from any further development
the monitoring reports are completed in a
pressures in both urban and rural areas,
three-year cycle and the last full report was
which brings online more wastewater to be
published in 2010. interim integrated reports
treated and assimilated back into the
for regions have been published in 2013 and
environment.
2014 for the western region, south eastern
there are risks also from climate change. in
region and the neagh bann and north
drought conditions there may not be enough
western river basin districts.
water to dilute treated sewage effluent as
the most up-to-date integrated figures
designed. in heavy rainfall, the sudden
available from the ePA show that of the
change in raw water quality arising from
almost 13,200km of rivers surveyed in
flooding can quickly compromise water
ireland between 2007 and 2009, the river quality monitoring showed that 70% were unpolluted and 30% were impaired to a
24 WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE
A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd
supplies. cryptosporidium outbreaks have
the new colour-coded warnings issued by Met
demonstrated the fragility of water supplies
Éireann have greatly assisted the public and
and their importance to normal living. Many
other agencies in understanding the risk
irish water schemes are under threat from
posed by the weather. the oPw continues to
cryptosporidium because of inadequate
advance major capital flood relief schemes
barriers in treatment. comprehensive water
and minor flood works, in partnership with
safety plans and catchment management plans are required to manage this risk.
What actions do we need to take?
FLOODING
local authorities, to protect against fluvial, coastal/tidal and groundwater flooding.
Many parts of Ireland will remain in danger
schemes completed to date have substantially
of flooding and risks in areas that are
reduced flood risk in those areas. however,
the monitoring of water quality by the ePA is
currently not associated with flooding will
significant challenges remain. the lack of river
comprehensive, but sufficient resources are
increase. This will continue to present
defences in some towns, combined with poorly
not always available to act on the
considerable challenges for the Office of
maintained river channels, are an issue. while
recommendations which come from
Public Works (OPW), which is the lead
the oPw is responsible for maintenance
monitoring. it is important that this situation
agency for flood risk management in
programmes in river channels, which are part
be resolved. ireland is expected to comply
Ireland, the local authorities and other
of its completed arterial drainage schemes
with eu targets for the provision of
bodies with responsibilities for flood risk
and flood relief schemes, the maintenance in
secondary treatment in urban wastewater by
management. Flooding can derive from
other channels that fall outside the oPw's
2015.
coastal/tidal, fluvial (rivers), pluvial (intense
areas of responsibility is more ad hoc. of
the river basin Management Plans have
rainfall) and groundwater sources.
concern is the management of river channels
been adopted, with the objective to increase the proportion of rivers and canals at good or high status from just over 50% to 68% by
within drainage districts that are under the
What is the current state of the infrastructure?
management of various local authorities and of other river channels where maintenance is
2015, with further improvements up to 2027.
ireland yet again experienced flooding
the responsibility of the riparian landowner.
with the implementation of the water
incidents across the country in 2014 caused by
while maintenance programmes in many river
framework directive now the responsibility
excessive rainfall and high tides. ireland’s
channels that are not part of an arterial
of one entity, this should allow for more
experience of flooding in the winter of 2013/14
drainage scheme were never particularly well
co-ordination. An implementation report and
differed from this as it mostly resulted from
structured, the capacity of some local
annual progress report should document
coastal surges caused by high tides coupled
authorities to maintain drainage districts and
this process. A properly-resourced
with low atmospheric pressure causing storm
use their statutory powers to maintain other
programme of catchment risk management
force winds.
river channels is unlikely to be improved from
plans and of groundwater protection plans is
coastal damage as a result of the severe
cuts to local authority budgets and resources
vital for every water source, and adequate
weather was in some cases considerable and
in future years.
funding must be provided if ireland is to
rapid. the disruption, human suffering and
local authorities, under the framework for
meet the targets set for it.
financial losses were significant, with local
Major emergency Management, are required
authorities having to address the severe
to develop emergency response Plans to
challenge of reducing or managing the risks
provide co-ordinated responses to major
related to intense rainfall and under-capacity
emergencies, including flood events resulting
of the urban drainage infrastructure, as well
from severe weather. the oPw provides advice
as the costs of cleaning up the damage. the
and assistance to local authorities, when
local authorities were assisted in meeting the
requested, in reviewing their flood emergency
challenges they faced, with funding and other
response Plans. however, the responsibility
support provided from central government and
lies with individual local authorities and
the oPw.
progress in this regard is inconsistent across the country and can be improved.
WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE 25
THE STATE OF IRELAND 2015
during recent years, ireland witnessed the
reduced by the introduction of a proper
inappropriate development of residential, commercial and industrial properties in floodplains. A legacy from this is that flood risk in these developments will need careful management in future years, potentially imposing additional strains on the resources of local authorities. further inappropriate development should be eliminated through local authority
monitoring, reporting and maintenance
the curtailment of maintenance regimes to save money in the short term incurs larger costs in the longer term.
regime.
What actions do we need to take? the outputs of the national cfrAM Programme will be a major addition to the way ireland manages flood protection, and the public consultation process on this programme will be onoing throughout the year
implementation, by 2015, of the Planning
and into 2016. Across the country, the flood
system and flood risk Management guidance
risk Management Plans will be central to a
issued by the declG and oPw in 2009. this
2004 recognised that new or recalibrated
proactive approach for managing existing and
should ensure that, when used in combination
digital flood estimation methodologies that
potential future flood risks. they will set out
with the flood mapping being produced by the
reflect conditions and technologies in modern
an appropriate long-term strategy across the
oPw and through strategic and local flood risk
irish hydrology could significantly improve the
country for dealing with flooding, which should
assessments, flood risk is a key consideration
quality and facility of flood estimation for the
guide future investment by the state in this
in preparing development plans and local area
purposes of flood risk management. the flood
area. ireland needs to move towards tailored
plans, and in the assessment of planning
studies update (fsu) research programme is
flood warning systems across the country and
applications. while evidence indicates that
now complete. A web-based applications
towards an agreed approach to the
application of the guidance is gaining traction
portal was launched in 2014 to implement
maintenance of water courses.
in the planning and development management
extreme rainfall and flood estimation
significant funding is required for the oPw and
decisions of local authorities, further work is
computations at river locations in ireland,
local authorities if they are to implement the
required to ensure that the principles of the
based on the methodologies developed
measures (structural and non-structural)
guidance are embedded, understood and
through the fsu research, as well as providing
which are necessary to alleviate flooding. in
applied by both councils and planners in the
a means of disseminating the fsu research
this regard, the Government decision to
decision-making process.
documentation.
ringfence to 2016 the oPw capital budget
non-structural flood risk management relies
(which includes provisions for major and minor
What does the future hold?
heavily on adequate flood forecasting and
flood relief schemes) is positive, but further
in the context of the eu floods directive, the
warning. A strategic review of options for flood
funding to the local authorities is required to
national Preliminary flood risk Assessment
forecasting and flood warning in ireland has
address the increasing urban storm water
completed in 2011 identified 300 Areas for
been completed. the final report has been
drainage problems. despite the economic
further Assessment (AfAs) around ireland.
completed setting out the findings and
challenges facing the country, it is important
the oPw and its partners are now developing
recommendations, which are currently under
that resources and funding be protected in
detailed flood maps through the catchment
consideration.
future budget allocations. the difficulty is that
flood risk Assessment and Management
ireland’s capability to plan and implement a
failure to resolve the flooding issue will in turn
(cfrAM) studies, which focus on flood
maintenance regime to manage flooding
create still more economic challenges.
prevention, protection and preparedness.
remains poor. the curtailment of maintenance
Potentially viable flood risk management
regimes to save money in the short term
options to reduce or manage the risks for the
incurs larger costs in the longer term. the
300 AfAs will then be available for public
pluvial flooding through monster rain events is
consultation in 2015, and based on this
compounded because the amount of solid
consultation, flood risk Management Plans
material going into gullies and drains
will be prepared before the end of 2015.
increases, causing blockages and flooding.
the report of the flood Policy review Group in
the probability of this occurring can be greatly
26 WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE
A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd
WASTE Waste management infrastructure in Ireland is undergoing a transformation as the move away from landfill disposal continues. New treatment infrastructure is required if the State is to achieve its statutory diversion targets and ambitions of becoming self-sufficient with regard to particular wastes. What is the current state of the infrastructure?
45%, which is above the EU27 norm of 40%.
anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities are also
Landfill gate prices, excluding the levy, have
active in Ireland. These biological facilities are
Waste management infrastructure is in a
dropped significantly since the economic
treating food waste, green waste and certain
period of transition as historical treatment
downturn and local authorities have struggled
agricultural sludges and wastes. Further
destinations are being replaced by more
to compete with privately operated facilities.
growth in infrastructure in this area is
advanced and environmentally preferred
The available tonnage of residual wastes has
predicted in the coming years.
solutions. With the reorganisation of local
fallen significantly in this period also, while
Ireland’s first waste-to-energy facility is
authorities into three waste management
the landfill levy has been increased
located in Co. Meath and is accepting
regions in October 2013, a consultation
substantially. The levy currently stands at €75
non-hazardous residual wastes, which were
process on the new waste management plans
per tonne.
previously buried at landfill facilities.
commenced and all submissions were
As landfills decline other waste destination
Incineration to energy recovery
received by 30th January 2015.
treatment infrastructure has been
increased by 114%
Latest statistics available from the the
constructed or is being developed. There are
in 2012.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are
now 45 composting facilities with 386,100
from 2012. The number of landfills in Ireland
tonnes of operating capacity. The most recent
stood at 25 compared to 87 in 1995 – a
figures available show that
decrease of over 70%. The drop in the number
composting of biodegradable
of landfills reflects the changes in the waste
waste increased by 44%
market, with local authorities gradually
compared to the previous
exiting the collection and disposal markets.
year. A total
The amount of landfills accepting municipal
of five
waste for disposal is continuing to decrease, as is the remaining landfill disposal capacity – estimated at 12 years gross in 2012. Landfill closures are resulting in the inter-regional movement of waste. Municipal solid waste generation has dropped by 23% since the peak of 2007 despite significant population growth during that period. A decrease in personal consumption linked to the economic downturn is a contributor to the declining trend. The recycling rate for municipal waste is now at
WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE 27
THE STATE OF IRELAND 2015
OVERALL GRADE
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2015 12-MONTH
C
n ensure that new regulations are adequately enforced n deliver the new waste management plans n Progress the construction of waste
FIVE-YEAR
n Put in place the correct mix of waste capacity infrastructure to manage non-hazardous and hazardous wastes n roll out the organic waste collection system to households and businesses in line with
recovery treatment capacity options that
statutory thresholds to allow further
have acquired planning consent, including
development of biological treatment
anaerobic digestion, composting, waste to
capacities including anaerobic digestion
energy and mechanical biological treatment facilities
n work with third-level institutes to develop waste and resource management modules as part of civil and environmental engineering courses to ensure that this area is serviced with appropriately educated graduates
there are plans to expand this facility to accept
includes dismantling, sorting, crushing,
carried out a study in 2013 to quantify the
some hazardous wastes in the future. the
compacting, pelletising, drying, shredding,
extent of these mechanical capacities available
development of the dublin waste-to-energy
repacking, separating and blending. the ePA
in the state.
facility has been delayed substantially and its future appears uncertain. the development of the proposed waste-to-energy facility in cork for the treatment of hazardous and municipal wastes is also uncertain following a planning
What does the future hold? the recent trends show that municipal wastes and other major waste streams, such as construction and demolition wastes, have dropped in ireland
refusal.
as a direct consequence of the
there are two active cement
economic downturn. the
kilns, which are accepting
tonnage of future streams of
residual wastes in the form
waste is intricately linked to the
of solid recovered fuel and
performance of the economy and
smaller quantities of other wastes such as chipped tyres, from operators. these facilities are providing
its ability to move out of recession. the ePA currently forecasts that an additional 825,000
a treatment outlet although their primary
tonnes of municipal waste will need to
function remains to manufacture cement
be managed in the state by 2025.
and the calorific value of the feedstock
the state has statutory obligations to
restricts the type of wastes which can be
meet specific targets in the coming
accepted.
years and failure to meet these will most
the largest quantity of waste treatment
likely result in financial penalties. the
capacity in ireland is classed as
immediate targets are those adopted
pre-treatment infrastructure and is seen
under the eu landfill directive, which
as a precursor to next step recovery or
requires the state to reduce the quantity
disposal operations. the mechanical
of biodegradable municipal waste
treatment which falls into this category
28 WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE
consigned to landfill. the indications are
THE STATE OF IRELAND 2015 | A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd
that the targets for 2010 and 2013 have been
facilities, e.g., biological treatment plants
met. the threshold limits set for the future
and waste-to-energy plants. investment is
target year of 2016 will be more difficult
needed in collection and treatment
to achieve, but preliminary data for the
infrastructure, e.g., composting
first half of 2013 suggests that ireland is on target to achieve that obligation. the separate national target of diverting 50% of household waste from landfill by 2013 was surpassed in 2012, with just 44% of municipal waste landfilled in that year, and 56% recovered.
the tonnage of future streams of waste is intricately linked to the performance of the economy and its ability to move out of recession.
facilities and Ad plants, if the state’s desire to manage organic wastes in a more sustainable and resource-focused manner is to be achieved. the national shortfall in capacity needs to be addressed if the state is serious about achieving self-sufficiency. the upcoming publication
other european targets adopted for the
of the ePA’s review of capacity will be a key
sound environmental management of waste
publication in highlighting and quantifying
batteries and end-of-life vehicles will
the treatment capacity gaps and will point a
require investment to ensure these are
there has been no significant investment in
way forward.
achieved.
landfills for a few years as a partial
the preparation of new waste management
the new national waste policy statement has
consequence of a decision on Poolbeg, so
plans will be important in the context of
reinforced the state’s commitment to ending
the waste equation is balanced by reduced
developing a planning framework which
the practice of disposal to landfill. the
consumerism and the export of black bin
encourages the appropriate treatment
10-year goal of the virtual elimination of
waste.
capacities to be developed. these need to be
landfill has been set and the path to
should the economy show signs of recovery,
put in place within the next 12 months so the
achieving this objective, along with the
with the consequent increase in waste
management of wastes can be properly
state’s ambition for self-sufficiency in terms
levels, the gap between capacity to manage
planned. the involvement of all public and
of treatment capacity, will drive the
and volume will grow, and the absence of
industry stakeholders is needed to ensure
infrastructure agenda.
investment will be highlighted.
that the output of this process is effective
the current trend of exporting residual
and sustainable.
What actions do we need to take?
municipal (and hazardous) wastes for
the state needs to continue to fund and
ireland is currently landfilling an estimated
treatment to waste-to-energy, incineration
support national programmes and
39% of our municipal waste, down from 64%
and cement kilns in other european member
campaigns, which are helping to drive the
in 2007. the waste infrastructure market is
states reflects the state’s inability to date to
better use of resources and the prevention
changing as the state moves away from the
adequately manage its own residual wastes.
of wastes. Programmes and projects such
practice of landfilling towards more
the export solution is providing short-term
as rX3, the national waste Prevention
advanced and sustainable solutions. ireland
gains, in terms of diverting waste from
Programme, and reuse initiatives, such as
has a considerable way to travel before we
landfill, but it is a reactive and
freetradeireland.ie and sMile, need
can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best
market-driven approach to a long-term
continued investment if economic growth
environmentally performing european
environmental problem, where
and waste arising are to be decoupled in a
member states, who have corresponding
self-sufficiency is the preferred option for
sustained manner.
disposal rates of less than 5%.
waste management, where possible. energy
lastly, the imperative of finding new ways to
the stalled process of developing the
generation and job creation are another
manage waste demands a rethink on the
Poolbeg incinerator in dublin, and a similar
positive gain.
education being taught to third-level
fate for the cork incinerator, has meant that
investment in infrastructure is needed if we
graduates. undergraduate courses must be
the management of waste in ireland is being
are to close the capacity gap and become
geared to and mirror what the demands in
kept in equilibrium by the exporting of black
more self-reliant in terms of treating our
the sector are. the changing landscape of
bin waste. Previous editions of this report
own waste. the state’s existing capacities
waste management will have to be
have suggested that waste management in
are unbalanced, with high capacity levels of
addressed in the future education of
ireland was in a form of limbo until a
pre-treatment and mechanical treatment
engineering and science
definitive decision on Poolbeg was made.
and below capacity levels of final destination
undergraduates.
WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE 29
THE STATE OF IRELAND 2015
COMMUNICATIONS Ireland’s communications network is responsible for saving lives, assisting in business decisions and providing citizens and tourists with entertainment options. From critical contact among emergency services, to the transfer of ‘big data’ from devices, and the method by which a large segment of the population accesses their leisure activities – be that online shopping, gaming or sharing updates on social media – our dependency on our voice and data transmission infrastructure is probably at its greatest. What is the current state of the infrastructure?
caused by electrical storms and high winds.
when compared to five other countries in
Communications prices have been generally
Western Europe. The only area where it is
The roll-out of the 4G network by Ireland’s
in decline over the last 12 months according
ranked more expensive is fixed broadband
mobile providers continued in 2014.
to ComReg’s Q3 2014 market data report.
for business use – 8% more expensive than
Although coverage is still limited by
However, price increases announced by UPC
the average and pricier than the UK.
networks to specific urban areas, Vodafone
and Eircom across their bundles in the last
Just over two million (61%) mobile users
claims that almost 90% of Ireland’s
month means that a different picture may
now own a smartphone and this is reflected
population is now covered by 4G. Some 9% of
emerge this time next year. Both providers
in the increase in wifi minutes – up by 99%
mobile users accessed the 4G network and
cited investment in infrastructure as one of
from 2013. Wifi hotspots also increased by
data volumes continued to rise. An increase
the reasons for rising costs to consumers.
22%.
of 75% from 2013 on the volume of data
Ireland ranks cheaper than the UK and four
There has been no progress on connecting
accessed by mobile users via their devices
other OECD countries for pre-paid mobile
either the submarine cable system at Killala,
indicates the difference between 3G and the
packages and second cheapest for bill pay –
Co. Mayo, or the ‘dark fibre’ network.
high speeds offered by 4G, which allows
again cheaper than the UK. However, when it
video streaming and live gaming to
comes to business packages, Ireland is
What does the future hold?
smartphones.
ranked last out of six comparable OECD
The cost and quality of broadband access is
The growth in subscriptions to broadband
countries, with the average price 38% more
fundamental to the economic success of
with faster speeds (excluding mobiles)
expensive than for all the countries analysed.
enterprises that need connectivity for their
continues, mainly in the 30Mbps+ category,
Broadband costs are becoming more realistic
business. In Ireland, the cost of broadband
which has more than doubled from 2012 to
in comparison to our European neighbours,
access is coming down, which is essential for
43%, most probably due to the roll-out of
possibly because of the increased
small and medium enterprises so they are
fibre networks to regional cities and towns.
competition in the marketplace and
not disadvantaged in comparison with other
Fixed broadband subscriptions increased by
investment in the network over the past few
countries. However, the disparity of speeds
almost 7% on last year, yet fixed voice traffic
years, which have improved the services on
available is increasing between rural and
declined by the same amount. The increase
offer. Fixed broadband for private use is
urban areas, and prices do not reflect this.
in subscriptions is likely attributable to
second cheapest when ranked with five other
The Government’s announcement of the
services being offered as bundles. The
OECD countries and is less expensive than
National Broadband Plan in November 2014
vulnerability of the fixed-line network along
the UK. Similarly, mobile broadband for
is a step towards reducing the gap that exists
the western seaboard was again tested
domestic and business use is also on
between urban and rural areas in Ireland in
during recent winter weather with outages
average 50% cheaper than the average price
terms of access to high-speed broadband –
30 WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE
A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd
OVERALL GRADE
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2015 12-MONTH
B
n specify the deadlines for completion of the national broadband Plan n continue the roll-out of the 4G and fibre
FIVE-YEAR
n continue to reduce broadband costs across business and domestic services n Achieve universal high-speed broadband
networks nationwide to ensure the
to a substantial part of the state by 2016
availability of high-speed broadband on a
through the continued development of the
wider regional basis
next generation networks as well as
n reduce service costs when rates and speeds are not equal in rural/urban areas
mobile services n ireland’s national and regional broadband infrastructure should be in the top five of european league tables in terms of availability, uptake and speed by 2016
fixed and mobile. coupled with the
accessing tv programmes from mobile devices.
transmission networks, the communications
esb/vodafone plan to use the former’s
further investment is required in major
infrastructure has the potential to reduce the
network to connect some 500,000 homes and
network upgrades to cater for the higher
need for travel to attend meetings and to
businesses to fibre, this means that ireland’s
speeds of terabytes, which will be required in
reduce carbon emissions. on the downside,
broadband infrastructure will be reinforced,
the future. the continued roll-out of the 4G
hosting and hot-site facilities for network
and will further help to address the deficit in
network, increased fibre access, the
servers have high energy requirements.
rural areas. Advanced broadband speeds
esb/vodafone collaboration and the delivery of
nonetheless, the temperate climate in ireland
must be delivered on a far greater scale
the national broadband Plan to the 700,000
reduces the requirements for cooling/air
across the country.
homes and businesses identified will
conditioning, with reduced environmental
ownership of ireland’s telecoms
strengthen ireland’s communications
impact compared to other countries. ireland’s
infrastructure is in the hands of 150 banks
infrastructure and contribute to its increased
intellectual property (iP) and data protection
and lenders to eircom. A key issue must be
competitiveness. the Government needs to put
regimes need to keep abreast of
the ability of the overseas owners to balance
a timeline on the delivery of the national
international legislation in order to
the demands of their shareholders with the
broadband Plan other than post 2016.
needs of the irish economy.
cloud computing applications hosted in data
cloud computing is also set to be a major
centres are a key area of growing economic
cornerstone of ireland’s economic growth
activity and rely on a high capacity, resilient
into the future. Already, major multinationals
communication service. the Government
like Amazon and Microsoft have data centres
needs to prioritise connecting ireland’s
here, and Google has been granted
network to international cities if we
permission to build a second data centre in
are to compete for and with global
clondalkin.
business.
remain competitive in the global marketplace.
by providing
What actions do we need to take?
voice and
ireland’s future is dependent on our ability to
data
further develop fibre networks and mobile-based access services. changes in lifestyle with the advent of smartphones and tablets have implications for network usage including shopping, downloading music and
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