the state of ireland 2014 - Engineers Ireland

THE STATE OF IRELAND 2014 A REVIEW OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN IRELAND

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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.

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THE STATE OF IRELAND 2014 | A REVIEW OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN IRELAND

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S FOREWORD

CONTENTS

This report is an independent assessment of infrastructure in Ireland in 2014. This is the fourth edition of the report where

actions vital to the future prosperity of Irish

members of Engineers Ireland have gauged

society as well as informing the general public.

the existing quality and future needs of the

This is the fourth year of The State of Ireland

Republic of Ireland’s infrastructure.

report and the annual reports aim to create a

I would like to thank them for their time and

framework that can measure Ireland’s success

commitment in producing this updated report.

in improving its international competitiveness

The details contained within are a commentary

through productive infrastructure.

on Ireland’s infrastructure as opposed to

Too often in Ireland, the best of plans are

original research. The ambition of the report is

delayed or not carried through to fulfilment:

to offer a fair and accurate appraisal of the

this must change. If it is because of a lack of

current state of infrastructure in Ireland. The

understanding among the general public and

document also outlines the actions which we

thereby a failure by the experts to

believe are vital to improve the condition of that

communicate clearly the technical

infrastructure. It underlines the importance of

requirements that may impact on a few but

long-term planning in sustainable economic

that will benefit the citizens of the country as a

development, increasing competitiveness and

whole, then we must address our failings and

in improving the lives of all Irish citizens.

seek to improve.

In preparing this report we are cognisant of our

This report is our contribution to the challenge

country’s financial constraints and the still

of strengthening Ireland by identifying the

limited resources available but we believe that

future needs of infrastructure investment and

every effort should be made to invest in

addressing existing deficiencies.

Director General’s Foreword

3

Why Infrastructure Matters

4

Grading System

4

Key Recommendations

6

Energy

8

productive infrastructure, which will always have a positive payback. Any infrastructure is

Transport

14

Water and Flooding

18

Waste

24

Communications

26

Abbreviations

27

by definition economic infrastructure as it is the internal facilities of a country that make business activity possible. Very clearly, given the country’s existing financial limitations, a process of prioritisation needs to be undertaken with respect to the recommendations outlined in this report. Therefore, this expert advice is intended to inform those who make investment decisions about infrastructure in Ireland: politicians at national and local level, civil and public servants, regulatory bodies and trade organisations. Our essential aim is to

John Power

contribute to the debate on Ireland’s future, to

Chartered Engineer Director General

stimulate that debate and to recommend

3

WHY INFRASTRUCTURE MATTERS: IRELAND 2014 ALMOST EVERY ASPECT OF IRISH LIFE DEPENDS ON THE QUALITY OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE

It is clear that productive infrastructural

water; energy plants and gas pipelines for

Indeed, history demonstrates that

development is central to economic

heat and light; phone and broadband to

societies have become more and more

prosperity. If Ireland is to prosper,

connect us for global business, social and

dependent on the quality of their

infrastructural development across every

entertainment purposes; roads, rail and

infrastructure. It seems certain that this

aspect of the economy will be an essential

ports to deliver the goods we buy and sell;

dependence will continue to increase in

part of the process.

and a waste management network to

the coming decades. The accelerating pace

recover renewable resources.

of change as well as its sheer

Our prosperity and the future prospects of

Our island nation on the edge of the

unpredictability accentuates the challenge

our children depend on the continued ability

Atlantic has always been subject to

in addressing infrastructural needs. The

of this country to attract inward investment

extreme weather but with increased

quest to maintain and develop the capacity

and to trade our goods and services

incidences of severe flooding, coupled with

of infrastructure to meet the future needs

internationally. In both cases, our

storm damage to electrical and

of Irish society is further sharpened by the

competitiveness is paramount and is hugely

communications networks, we have

simultaneous need to address climate

dependent on the quality, efficiency and

witnessed first-hand just how vital robust

change.

reliability of our infrastructure.

infrastructure is to the smooth running of

In the pursuit of a low-carbon society, the

Aside from its economic importance,

modern Irish society. Failure to maintain

sustainability of infrastructure and the way

infrastructure is the cornerstone of modern

and invest in vital infrastructural services

infrastructure can facilitate

society. We rely upon treatment plants and

can only increase Ireland’s vulnerability to

environmentally friendly initiatives at all

water mains to supply us with drinking

disruptive events.

levels is of essential importance.

GRADING SYSTEM Analysis of key areas of infrastructure includes a straightforward grading system. Engineers Ireland has assessed each area of infrastructure using the following grades:


A B

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.

This report provides an independent

the confidence of international markets

projects last as long as it takes to

assessment of what we need to do to

and investors to fund a programme of

complete a project and for as long as value

protect and develop the sophisticated and

investment in some of our national

is being created thereafter. Capital

inter-dependent system upon which the

infrastructure and our economic future.

investment projects can range from a few

people of Ireland rely.

Budget 2014 identified a capital investment

months in duration to several years. There

When we published our first The State of

programme of €17.1 billion to maintain

is also a multiplier effect that these

Ireland report in 2011, our ambition was to

and improve the country’s infrastructure.

projects have by facilitating further job

help to prioritise the productive

The Government is also committed to the

creation indirectly in other connected

infrastructure and projects that are most

procurement of greater non-traditional

sectors of commerce.

critical to our future. While we retain that

funding sources for infrastructure via

Crucially, vital skills are being lost to the

ambition, Engineers Ireland also

Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and the

Irish economy and the Irish construction

recognises that though we have exited the

sale of suitable State assets.

industry through the absence of major

bailout, there are still very real economic

Engineers Ireland acknowledges the

infrastructural projects. This report is

challenges in Ireland and for this reason

reality of the need to reduce public

intended as our contribution to the debate

not all infrastructural programmes can be

expenditure and to continue reducing the

on building the future of Ireland. It

supported, no matter how desirable they

deficit. Nonetheless, capital investment is

recognises the challenges facing the

may be. Spending cuts have affected all

vital to meet the Government’s desire to

country and sets out fundamental steps

areas of Irish society since the inception of

stimulate the economy. Jobs associated

which should be taken to meet those

this report. Ireland is very much reliant on

with capital investment and infrastructure

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.

5

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS 2014 ENERGY

Overall grade

TRANSPORT

B

Overall grade

C

Well planned and properly executed investment in infrastructure will yield a dividend for Ireland. This outlay is essential for attracting inward investment in the future and for improving the quality of life for Irish people. These are the key recommendations which Engineers Ireland believes are vital to the recovery and future prosperity of Ireland:


Status: Energy infrastructure in Ireland has served the country well in the past but is now facing significant challenges, including security of supply, competitiveness and meeting carbon emissions targets. Vision: The strategic development, taking cognisance of today’s financial constraints, of a reliable, competitive, sustainable supply of energy to meet the needs of Irish society and its economy, and possibly provide a source of income through the export of natural energy resources.

12-Month Recommendations • Review the planning process to remove the high planning risk for energy infrastructure projects that are vital to security of energy availability. • Commence construction on the new North-South Interconnector to allow energy transfers and bolster security of supply. • Connect the Corrib gas field to the national network.

Five-Year Recommendations • Continue to diversify Ireland’s energy sources to include a mix of fossil and sustainable sources as per the EU Renewable Energy and Fuel Quality directives. • Develop facilities to import liquefied natural gas. • Increase the storage capacity of oil stocks to facilitate fuel switching from five to 30 days.

Sector Electricity Gas Petroleum products

Grade BB B

Status: Ireland’s transport system is of mixed quality, where top quality signature projects sit alongside much poorer infrastructure. Vision: The development of an integrated and competitive transport network, which meets the needs of a growing economy by providing internal and external connectivity of the very highest standard.

12-Month Recommendations • Develop initiatives to change commuter behaviour and allow the shift from car to other modes of transport in all urban areas with public transport links. • Commence construction of the M17/18 Gort to Tuam Motorway Scheme. • Progress funding mechanisms for delayed national road projects countrywide.

Five-Year Recommendations • Accelerate the prioritisation of investment in infrastructure projects to increase Ireland’s competitiveness and address the unemployment challenge. • Progress planning process for port redevelopments in Cork and Galway. • Agree standards for data formats and communication protocols for integrated traffic systems to enable information sharing.

Sector Road: Motorways Road: Other routes Rail Airports Sea ports Sustainable transport

Grade BD D B CC


WATER AND FLOODING

Overall grade

WASTE

C

Overall grade

COMMUNICATIONS

C

Status: Ireland retains many natural advantages and investment over the last decade has helped to improve water quality, which had been deteriorating. Challenges remain, however, not least in flood protection and in mitigating the effects of climate change. Vision: The expansion of a safe, healthy, plentiful supply of water at low cost is fundamental, as is the management of the quality of water resources, and the improvement of resilience to the increased dangers of flooding.

Status: The industry is proactively moving towards an integrated approach to waste management and to a position where waste is considered a resource, which can generate energy and employment while retaining an ongoing commitment to recycling. Vision: An integrated approach for the management of residual waste, taking into account recycling ambitions and the need to meet EU objectives.

12-Month Recommendations

• Ensure that new regulation to strengthen the current waste collection permit system is brought into force. • Deliver the new waste management plans. • Progress the construction of waste recovery treatment capacity options that have acquired planning consent, including anaerobic digestion, composting, waste to energy and mechanical biological treatment facilities.

12-Month Recommendations • Continue targeted inspections of domestic waste water treatment systems to maximise resources. • Achieve agreed annual targets for domestic meter installation and commence reading. • Publish the flood maps generated by the National CFRAM Programme • Launch the Flood Studies Update portal

Five-Year Recommendations

Five-Year Recommendations

• Progress the 2021 milestones as identified in the review cycle of the River Basin Management Plans. • Reduce unaccounted for water (UFW) to 30% nationally and reduce carbon footprint of water services by 20%. • Preparation of the Catchment Flood Risk Management Plans (under the National CFRAM Programme) by 2015

• Have in place the correct mix of waste capacity infrastructure to manage non-hazardous and hazardous wastes. • Roll-out of the organic waste collection system to households and businesses in line with statutory thresholds to allow further development of biological treatment capacities including anaerobic digestion.

Sector Water supply and wastewater Water quality Flooding

Grade C+ CD

Overall grade

B+

Status: The deficiencies of Ireland’s communications infrastructure prevent it from meeting producer and consumer needs. Vision: Ireland needs to have a fast and reliable communications infrastructure, which drives the knowledge economy and compensates for our peripheral status.

12-Month Recommendations • Progress the Electronic Communications Networks Bill legislation into the statute books. • Continue the delivery of infrastructure necessary for advanced broadband nationwide and bring regional broadband costs down to match rates and speeds available in Dublin. • Roll out the 4G next generation network nationwide.

Five-Year Recommendations • Continue to bring broadband costs down and achieve EU and UK norms within five years. • Achieve universal high-speed broadband to substantially all parts of the State by 2016 through the continued development of the next generation networks, as well as satellite-based access services. • 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.

• Work with third-level institutes to develop waste and resource management modules as part of civil and environmental engineering courses to ensure this area is serviced with appropriately educated graduates.

7

12-Month

ENERGY

Review the planning process to remove the

A secure energy infrastructure with adequate energy networks and storage facilities is essential

high planning risk for energy

for Ireland’s economy. Energy production, transmission and storage are vital components of the

infrastructure projects that are vital to

energy infrastructure and are crucial for an integrated energy market. Developing an energy

security of energy availability.

infrastructure that meets future needs to reduce carbon emissions to acceptable national and EU

RECOMMENDATIONS 2014

targets presents a major challenge to the energy industry. Commence construction on the new North-South Interconnector to allow energy transfers and bolster security of supply.

Connect the Corrib gas field to the national network.

Five-Year Continue to diversify Ireland’s energy

ELECTRICITY

sources to include a mix of fossil and

Electricity is vital to virtually every aspect

2020. In January, the European

sustainable sources as per the EU

of people’s lives and to the economy,

Commission announced that it would drop

Renewable Energy and Fuel Quality

particularly with the development of the

mandatory renewable targets for member

directives.

knowledge economy and, in the future, the

states after 2020 but that a 27% overall

transport sector. An increase in the use of

target for the EU would be maintained.

Develop facilities to import liquefied

indigenous resources for this electricity

Ireland was referred to the European Court

natural gas.

and the decarbonisation of same is critical

of Justice one day later for its failure to

to the medium to long-term health of the

fully transpose the EU’s renewable energy

Irish economy.

directive legislation into its national laws.

Increase the storage capacity of oil stocks to facilitate fuel switching from five to

Electricity infrastructure in Ireland is, on

30 days.

What is the current state of the infrastructure?

the whole, well maintained and safe,

Sector

Grade

Given the sharp downturn in electricity

has been very substantial investment in

Electricity

B-

demand, the levels experienced in 2008

Ireland’s power generation facilities in the

Gas

B

are not expected to return until 2018. The

past 10 years, with the result that existing

Petroleum products

B

likelihood that economic growth will be

generation capacity is potentially sufficient

lower in the near future than was

to meet projected needs for the next

previously envisaged means that Ireland’s

decade.

existing electricity infrastructure is largely

Nonetheless, based on national

capable of meeting short and

projections for 2020 targets, more flexible

medium-term demand.

power generation and electricity storage

Growth in capacity to produce renewable

will be needed to match the intermittency

energy from wind continued in 2013, with

of renewable electricity. Older, less

an installed capacity on the island of 2,771

efficient power generation plants should

megawatts. Under the EU’s 20:20:20

be retired to allow new, more efficient

strategy, however, Ireland has to supply

plants to operate on a cost-effective basis;

16% of its final energy consumption from

this has been signalled by EirGrid in its

renewable sources and, according to our

latest generation capacity statement.

own national policy, 40% of our electricity

In addition, the ESB has spent in excess of

generation must come from renewables by

€4 billion in upgrading Ireland’s

Overall grade

B 8 WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE

meeting international standards. There


transmission and distribution networks in

within regional planning policy.

movements in the coming decade, leaving

the past decade. In 2012, EirGrid

In general, Ireland’s electricity

it more difficult to anticipate how

completed construction of its 500MW

infrastructure is capable of supporting

demographic change will contribute to

East-West Interconnector between Ireland

current demand for electricity, but it will

infrastructure requirements. Furthermore,

and Britain. The Interconnector provides

need to be significantly reinforced to

there have been very significant technical

an increased opportunity to trade

provide a network capable of supporting a

advances in recent years, which will

electricity between the island of Ireland

more de-carbonised society.

contribute to reducing electricity demand

and the market in Great Britain. Ireland’s

The ESB is currently rolling out an electric

and related emissions in the future,

electricity transmission network was

vehicle charging infrastructure across

including developments in lighting,

constructed to meet relatively low

Ireland, which will contribute to the

appliances, smart meters, smart homes,

transmission requirements, with the

Government target of 10% electric cars by

and distributed generation. There are

exception of the Moneypoint lines to

2020 and assist with decarbonisation.

other challenges to overcome; Ireland has

Dublin. The recent addition of a

the advantage of access to wind, ocean and

considerable amount of wind-powered

What does the future hold?

wave energy resources, but the challenge

generation located in areas that are

To meet Ireland’s 2020 targets, full support

is to harness these resources and to

remote from population centres, has

must be given to the Better Energy

integrate them into the existing

changed the transmission requirements.

Programme, the National Renewable

infrastructure.

Accordingly, a number of the low-capacity

Energy Action Plan, and the Eirgrid 2025

Operating a power system with very high

lines are now being upgraded.

Plan. In addition, the transition to

levels of wind generation presents

There are, however, locations in the

sustainable financing mechanisms in the

particular challenges to system stability

country, particularly in the north west and

domestic and non-domestic sectors must

that need to be addressed. EirGrid and

south west, where the transmission

be progressed. The addition of the REFIT 3

Systems Operator Northern Ireland (SONI)

network is relatively weak and is incapable

programme, which supports up to 310MW

have embarked upon a multi-year

of supporting either major industrial

of biomass-fuelled combined heat and

programme ‘Delivering a Secure,

projects, or major renewable energy

power (CHP) projects, will contribute to the

Sustainable Electricity System’ (the DS3

development at present. In some

final 4,000MWs of renewable generation

programme), which is designed to ensure

instances, network development may be

capacity required to meet the 2020 40%

that we can securely operate the power

required to precede confirmed generation

target.

system with increasing amounts of

demand and the network owner must be

There is now significant uncertainty as to

variable, non-synchronous, renewable

permitted to be proactive in this respect

both the direction and scale of population

generation over the coming years.

9

The renewable resources available in

mechanisms to facilitate Irish electricity

Ireland have opened up an opportunity to

exports to Great Britain.

harness these resources for exporting to

In terms of investment requirements, the

One-third of Irish households and many

other markets, most notably Great Britain.

new North-South Interconnector and other

commercial premises, schools, hospitals

The Memorandum of Understanding

major transmission projects such as Grid

and industries rely on gas for heating.

signed by the Minister for

West and Grid Link are important in

While Ireland has a significant mix of coal,

Communications, Energy and Natural

facilitating Ireland’s 2020 renewable

oil and gas power plants available, gas

Resources and by the UK Secretary for

energy targets and in ensuring security of

has become the fuel of choice due to its

Energy and Climate Change commits both

supply in the longer term. Further delays

cost competitiveness and low carbon

governments to complete their

to these projects should be avoided but

emissions.

considerations of how Irish renewable

questions regarding any technical issues

energy resources might be developed to

should be answered clearly to address the

the mutual benefit of Ireland and the UK.

concerns of interested parties. The final


This opens up the possibility for far greater

routes and transmission options should be

Ireland’s gas infrastructure meets the best

levels of renewable generation

agreed and progressed.

international standards. This

development in Ireland than would

The planning process in Ireland can be

infrastructure has adequate capacity to

otherwise be required to meet the needs of

especially challenging for the delivery of

meet all projections of demand, and is

the Irish population only.

overhead transmission lines, wind farms,

capable of supporting projected economic

and other network assets. We must

development. Following the completion of

What actions do we need to take?

address planning issues if we are to

high pressure transmission pipelines, such

Grants for energy conservation measures

deliver infrastructure necessary for the

as the Interconnector 2, linking Scotland

in industry were removed during 2011,

common good.

and Ireland; the pipeline to the west; the

while grants for insulation and home

The depletion of oil reserves, concerns

Galway-Mayo pipeline; and, the

energy generation were reduced. Allowing

about energy security, and the

south–north pipeline, there is now the

for the current economic climate, these

environmental threat of greenhouse gases

potential to build out the low pressure

decisions should be reversed.

mean that Ireland cannot exclude

distribution network around these

Transmission and distribution systems

consideration of nuclear power in the

pipelines. There is adequate spare capacity

must be operated and maintained to the

longer term. Indeed, if we do not see a

in the system to accommodate this and the

nuclear power plant on the island of

capacity should be fully utilised given the

Ireland, we are likely to depend on nuclear

improved international outlook for both

power in some sense via interconnector(s)

gas availability and prices. The extension

to the UK and Europe.

and development of gas infrastructure in

highest standard. Following on from the Ireland–UK MoU, the State must seek to develop market and regulatory

NATURAL GAS

Ireland has contributed substantially in helping to reduce carbon emissions from Ireland in the industrial, commercial and residential sectors, but particularly in the power generation sector.

What does the future hold? One of the key missing elements is the completion of the Corrib gas field project, which is essential for securing Ireland’s energy security as it has the potential to meet up to 60% of Ireland’s requirements at peak production. First gas is due to flow from the Corrib field in 2015. Steps should be taken to further safeguard Ireland’s future gas supplies by ensuring that an efficient and robust regulatory



regime is in place to support ongoing

and 25% less than diesel. Nonetheless, in

considered, including from landfill sites,

offshore exploration and to allow for the

terms of future network extensions, these

wastewater facilities, and from

safe development of unconventional gas

should continue to be evaluated on an

grass-based bio-methane. One of the most

reserves which exist here.

economic basis, always taking into

difficult energy sources to substitute for a

A second key element is the development

consideration the need for a robust and

greener, more cost effective, and more

of further gas storage facilities. At present

reliable network. Future planning needs to

secure alternative are petroleum products

there is a single gas storage facility in

address the question of whether there is

for road transportation. Compressed

Ireland located off the south coast. This

the demand to extend gas to every town in

natural gas (CNG), which can be used on

facility has the capacity to store only 3.5%

Ireland and, where it is not economic to do

the transport network, offers an

of Ireland’s annual gas consumption,

so due to lack of demand, measures to

alternative to such petroleum products. To

whereas the average strategic gas storage

stimulate this demand should be

facilitate diversification of fuels used in

capacity in mainland European countries is

considered.

road transport, it should be Government

20%. One would expect that the country at

A report by the Western Development

policy to ensure that liquefied natural gas

the end of the pipeline would have the

Commission, which examined the benefits

for freight vehicles is available throughout

highest storage capacity, and not the

of extending the gas grid to a further 11

the motorway network.

lowest.

towns in the north west, estimated that

As a first step there is an opportunity to

€20.6 million could be saved annually in

convert fleet vehicles, such as city bus


fuel costs between commercial and

fleets that are used close to their base

The national infrastructure is extensive

domestic gas users if gas were available

depots, to CNG, and locating the

and major centres of population are well

as an option in these towns. Consideration

re-fuelling infrastructure in these depots.

supported by infrastructure. There are,

should be given to similar studies being

This model has been implemented

however, a number of towns and areas in

carried out in other regions of the country

successfully in many European cities, and

cities that are not supplied with natural

to assess the potential benefits and to

a 2012 trial on a bus in Cork city proved the

gas. The availability of gas could make a

inform national gas infrastructure

benefits of the concept in Ireland also.

noteworthy contribution to communities

strategy. To diversify Ireland’s natural gas

There is also potential to develop

that do not already have it, by facilitating a

supply network, it is important to develop a

indigenous biofuels from a number of

significant reduction in both energy costs

port facility for the importation of liquefied

sources to complement or replace CNG as

and in greenhouse gas emissions. Gas

natural gas. The development of gas from

a fuel for vehicles in the future, further

emits 40-50% less CO2 than coal or peat

renewable resources should also be

reducing the need for imported gas.

11

PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

recommendations of this study were

2013. In addition, the joint Department of

published in 2013 and concluded that the

Communications, Energy and Natural

current infrastructure is adequate to meet

Resources (DCENR)/ENI regional survey

Petroleum products are the key source of

projected demand into the future.

will aid the DCENR and industry in

transport energy in Ireland. A secure

identifying areas of prospectivity for oil and

supply of these products is essential for


gas offshore.

mobility and for economic activity.

Very little fuel oil is now used for electricity

The Atlantic Margin Licensing Round,

Considerable volumes of oil are also

generation in Ireland. While some 65% of

which offered substantial acreage off the

consumed in major industrial units. In

Ireland’s power generation comes from

west coast, resulted in the award of 13

addition, significant amounts of liquified

natural gas, an adequate stock of oil is

licensing options. A total of 12 applications

petroleum gas (LPG), oil and kerosene are

required to be immediately available for

were received to convert these options to

still used for heating in areas outside the

fuel switching in the event of a disruption to

full frontier exploration licences. The next

natural gas service areas.

gas supply. Currently, there is only enough

round is due to be announced in April 2014

oil stored at power stations to enable them

and will close in September 2015. The only


to run on oil for about five days.

exploration well to be drilled in 2013,

There is a move to convert some of the fuel

Dunquin, did not encounter commercial

In respect of petroleum products, the

oil storage facilities at older oil-fired power

hydrocarbons.

facilities for importation are adequate, as

stations, which are no longer in operation,

are the storage facilities for commercial

or are planned for closure in the near


use. In terms of commercial oil stocks, the

future, for the storage of lighter oil

To minimise risks to Ireland in respect of

sustained high cost of oil and the volatility

products. This could significantly improve

petroleum products, the State needs to

in international oil prices has resulted in

the security of our electricity supply system.

diversify and use sustainable sources for as

significant challenges for the commercial

This process is in its early stages and will

much of its energy needs as it can. A clear

oil companies in maintaining high levels of

require a significant investment in

and coherent plan needs to be pursued to

oil inventory.

refurbishment, new infrastructure, and the

meet this ambition. Oil is the primary fuel

In line with Government policy, the National

oil stocks themselves, in order to provide

source for home heating and supplies

Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) has

meaningful levels of alternative oil supply

approximately two-thirds of the heating

undertaken a process of rebalancing

in the event of a gas supply disruption.

market. A reduction in this level of

Ireland’s strategic oil reserves onto the

The Irish economy is particularly

dependency on oil for heating is required.

island of Ireland, increasing the percentage

vulnerable to serious price shocks, which

The Better Energy Programme should, in

of its total reserves stored on the island of

could have a dramatic impact on the

particular, be fully supported as it aims to

Ireland from 46% in 2007, to 71% by the

country’s GDP. The danger of a sudden oil

retrofit homes.

end of 2013.

price rise presents a further risk to the

Increased levels of biofuel in transportation

This programme is continuing, with both

economy.

fuels (ethanol in petrol, and biodiesel in

new and refurbished storage facilities

Indeed, the impact would most likely be

motor diesel) will steadily displace

planned for the future. Ireland has only one

more severe on Ireland than on other

equivalent volumes of hydrocarbon fuels.

oil refinery, located at Whitegate, Co. Cork.

European countries, because of our high

However, it must be borne in mind that the

This refinery supplies about one-third of

dependence on oil imports. This was

vast majority of biofuels, like fossil fuels,

Ireland’s total oil consumption and is

evident from political events in North Africa

are also imported. The 2012 mandatory

mandated to be in operation until

and the Middle East during 2011 and 2012.

level of 4% biofuels in motor fuels, was

mid-2016. However, post 2016, its future is

Therefore, the benefits to be derived from

increased to 6% in 2013, and will rise over

uncertain. In recent years there has been a

the discovery and production of oil and gas

time to closer to 10% by 2020, and this will

significant decline in the number of

from offshore oil fields in Ireland’s sea

assist this initiative. The pace of such

refineries operating in the EU.

domain are considerable. While the story of

increase will of course have to be

In light of this and the uncertainty relating

oil and gas exploration offshore Ireland has

developed in harmony with approved

to Whitegate, in 2011 the Government

largely been one of sporadic activity, there

changes to EU motor fuel specifications.

commissioned a ‘Study of the Strategic

have recently been some more positive

The introduction of a grant to allow for the

Case for Oil Refining Requirements of the

developments. Four seismic surveys in the

modification of petrol engine cars so that

Island of Ireland’. The findings and

Irish offshore area were carried out in

they become flexi-fuel and can receive



bio-ethanol or petrol should be considered.

and the State is a long way short of the

how they are to be addressed. Offshore

Equally, investigation should be undertaken

intensive drilling programmes that would

Ireland needs to be promoted more to the

of agricultural capability for bio-ethanol

support the development of an indigenous

international oil and gas industry. Proactive

and bio-diesel production, and appropriate

offshore industry. To increase exploration

steps should be taken by relevant industry

incentives and supports provided to

activity, a regulatory and fiscal regime

organisations, public representatives,

encourage sustainable biofuel production.

should be maintained which gives

Government departments and State

The development of more sustainable

confidence to investors and which facilitates

agencies to increase public understanding

energy is laudable and, if acted upon

a predictable field development process so

of the industry and to assure potential

responsibly, the pace of such development

that all stakeholders have a clear

applicants for licences that their presence

will be steady but, most likely, slower than

understanding of the issues involved and

and their investments are welcome.

we’d like. In the meantime, we should not lose sight of the fact that we are an island nation with no pipeline connections to mainland Europe, wholly reliant on oil imports entirely by ship. Improvement in oil storage infrastructure is therefore key. The extent to which such improvement will be required is likely to be influenced by the future of the Whitegate Refinery, and the continuity of NORA’s programme for the development of further storage on the island of Ireland. The capacity to fuel switch from gas to oil at gas-fired power stations should be increased from the current five days to 30 days. Exploration drilling has been at a historically low level for the past few years

13

TRANSPORT


12-Month Develop initiatives to change commuter

For much of the history of independent Ireland, investment in transport infrastructure was

behaviour and allow the shift from car to

inadequate. However, substantial improvements have been made since the end of the 1990s.

other modes of transport in all urban areas

Developing a transport infrastructure, which meets the requirements of Irish society and the Irish

with public transport links.

economy, is essential to the future prosperity of the state. Critical to this is an integrated approach to road, rail, air, and sea transport.

Commence construction of the M17/18 Gort to Tuam Motorway Scheme.

ROADS

Progress funding mechanisms for delayed

This section refers to the State’s road

There is a considerable difference between

national road projects countrywide.

network and its use for both private and

inter-urban motorways and other roads. This

public transport. Across all modes, from

is likely to remain given the National Roads

Five-Year

walking to HGV travel, 96% of all trips take

Authority’s (NRA’s) statement that it is unlikely

Accelerate the prioritisation of investment in

place using the road. A reduction in general

any major schemes will be constructed in the

infrastructure projects to increase Ireland’s

traffic volumes over the last five to six years

years 2013 to 2016. Beyond the motorways,

competitiveness and address the

and improvement in journey times has

Ireland’s remaining road network is in very

unemployment challenge.

brought traffic volumes to where travel

variable condition and is not capable of

demand is just below network capacity.

meeting usual demand, certainly not to an

Progress planning process for port

international level. On such roads there is

redevelopments in Cork and Galway.


significant congestion, especially at peak

Agree standards for data formats and

In terms of the motorway network, substantial

rest of the traffic onto the motorways are not

communication protocols for integrated

improvements have been made over the last

of sufficient quality, or are non-existent. The

traffic systems to enable information

number of years. Ireland now has a radial

lack of investment is clearly demonstrated by

sharing.

motorway network out of Dublin that is on a

only two new strategic road projects which

par with those in Europe. The inter-urban links

commenced construction in 2013 – the N11

to Dublin are new and in good condition. The

Arklow to Rathnew project and the N7

periods. For example, the links that pull the

Grade

new motorways are well maintained and have

Newlands Cross Flyover.

Road: Motorways

B-

appropriate capacity. Investment in roads has

The quality of non-motorway infrastructure

Road: Other routes

D

been targeted at upgrading roads where there

has deteriorated and has been repaired only

Rail

D

is highest demand, which means that Ireland’s

on a patchwork basis. Roads that were

Airports

B

motorways are certainly capable of meeting

repaired and strengthened in the 1990s are

Sea ports

C-

demand. One caveat is that the motorways

now due for maintenance again, as there has

Sustainable transport

C

invariably link to Dublin, though Sligo city does

been insufficient investment in maintenance

not have a motorway link to Dublin.

of national roads over the last 10 years, and a

Links between other cities are much less

similar situation exists for regional and local

impressive. The Cork to Limerick road, for

roads. The recent severe weather may also

example, is of relatively poor quality.

have damaged many of our roads and this

Significant investment is needed in terms of

needs to be assessed. There is a need to

connecting Galway, Cork, Limerick and

implement a road management system to

Waterford to each other. The Atlantic Corridor

manage deficiencies in the road surfaces and

is yet to be advanced sufficiently – an issue

manage roadworks and excavations, as well

that has featured in previous editions of this

as road markings and signs in both urban and

report. The funding available to operate,

rural areas. Austere budgetary measures

maintain and improve the national road

have seen the NRA’s maintenance programme

network has been reduced in recent years.

being significantly reduced.

Sector

Overall grade

C 14 WWW.ENGINEERSIRELAND.IE


Kildare, and Wicklow is to be welcomed. The National Journey Planner, which avails of intelligent transport system (ITS) integration, allows journeys of all modes to be planned throughout the country. For example, real-time passenger information for multiple operators, integrated ticketing, and passive safety systems like school speed warning signs all utilise ITS expertise. Dublin City Council’s traffic data open platform – Dublinked – enhances the traffic system in the capital. However, there is a lack of cohesion with each city and the NRA


maintenance regimes are put in place to

developing separately and evolving its own

Ireland’s national secondary roads and

continue improving the quality of national

traffic control system, with no standard for

regional roads are in need of a substantial

primary and secondary roads, and regional

the data format. Agreed standards for data

overhaul, and the priority should be secondary

roads, while further work needs to be done to

formats and communication protocols should

roads that connect to the primary network.

connect the main road network to air and sea

be developed collaboratively.

Many of these roads are in poor condition. The

ports.

There is an overall need to develop a national

pavement condition study will provide a

The development of rest and refuelling

ITS strategy to co-ordinate technologies,

foundation for allocation of funding on a needs

stations needs to continue on the motorway

infrastructure and investment while ensuring

basis, and funding implications for local

network, with only the Gorey M11 PPP

value for money.

authorities into the future, but there is no

scheme under construction and due to open

national agreement on performance for

in 2015. Ideally, the road system should be

maintenance of these roads. Reduced budgets

improved to further link the coastal cities of

mean that local authorities have insufficient

Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Sligo,

The Luas BXD project, which will link the

resources to maintain their road networks in

but this is obviously very much dependent on

existing Luas lines in Dublin city centre, is the

acceptable condition.

our future financial outlook and will have to be

only major piece of transport infrastructure

Details have recently been announced of a

advanced in the context of prioritisation.

to get underway in 2013.

€332.9 million investment programme for

Urban streets have been neglected with

2014 for regional and local roads. The

inadequate lighting provided and poor or no

package will allow approximately 1,910km of

footpaths in place. Urban areas also require


regional and local road to be maintained,

substantial investment to move towards a

Although the Luas, the DART and inter-city

2,156km to be strengthened, 245 low-cost

low-carbon sustainable model. This will

trains are fully utilised at peak times, they are

safety projects to be carried out, and 162

involve investment in bus lanes, cycle lanes,

usually capable of meeting demand. Irish

bridge rehabilitation projects in 2014.

pedestrian facilities and facilities for the

heavy rail infrastructure is generally well

A proposal to introduce a bus rapid transit

mobility impaired, as well as initiatives to

maintained, following the installation in places

(BRT) system to Dublin has been proposed

attract car users onto public transport or

of new track to facilitate higher train speeds

and will go forward for planning approval in

other modes of travel.

and increased commuter demand; this work

2014.

There is also a major deficit in park-and-ride

needs to be continued across the network.

facilities. Currently, Irish road infrastructure is

The Railway Safety Capital Investment


not geared towards environmental and low

Programme has ensured vital asset renewal

The scale of reduction in capital expenditure

carbon concerns. Significant investment is

works, including track renewal and upgrading

by the Government is unprecedented. If the

needed to draw people out of their cars for

bridges. With projects like the DART

Government does not reverse that decision, it

even part of their journey. There are major

Underground, Kildare Route Project Phase 2

is most unlikely that there will be any new

policy initiatives to develop cycling across

and the Navan Railway Line deferred for the

projects, other than those already identified,

Ireland, including the introduction of cycle

near future, there are currently no plans to

commencing in the short to medium term.

lanes in new roads. Funding of €32.5 million

increase capacity on any of the lines. The light

Therefore, it becomes imperative that

for sustainable transport projects in Dublin,

rail system in Dublin appears to be well

RAIL

15

supporting projected economic development.

is put forward. The development of the

Further investment is needed to get people

inter-urban motorways has put increased

out of their cars and onto bus and rail. Such

pressure on air transport within Ireland. As

investment should also attempt to link up the

road travel times have improved, prospective

existing rail facilities, particularly in Dublin.

air passengers are less willing to spend time

The Government’s decision to defer funding

waiting in airports for flights.

for Metro North, DART Underground, the

The impact on development, given the recent

Navan Railway Line and the Western Rail

merger of a newly independent Shannon

Corridor leaves the LUAS line as the only

Airport with a restructured Shannon

major project that will be undertaken.

Development Company to form a

Allowing for this, planning must still recognise

commercial entity, has yet to be seen.

the future desirability that the rail network can be linked up in an efficient manner and


with other transport modes. Decisions need to

If Ireland’s export-driven economic recovery

maintained. The main deficit in terms of both

be taken and communicated. While rail in its

is to continue, then we will see a return to

light and heavy rail in Dublin is still

current state is capable of meeting current

growth in our airports. In many respects, the

connectivity, but with the Luas BXD underway,

demand, the system needs further

recent completion of the new terminals in

some progress on this issue is likely in the

development to improve the linkages between

Dublin and Cork has Ireland well positioned

foreseeable future. The extension of the rail

the major centres of population. The business

to accommodate such growth. However,

spur to Dublin Port has facilitated access for

case for extending the DART to Dublin Airport

airport infrastructure takes a long time to

rail freight to ship side, thereby improving

has been developed and it is estimated that

deliver and we must not lose sight of the

competitiveness.

within 15 years, 9.4 million passengers per

need to progress connectivity and further

annum would use the DART extension. This

infrastructure developments to avail of

project should be accelerated – not deferred.

opportunities.

What does the future hold? Irish rail infrastructure is not geared to

Commercial services have now ceased at

address environmental and low carbon

both Galway and Sligo. Funding for Ireland

concerns. It is not designed to take people out

West Airport Knock, Waterford, Donegal, and

of their cars or to drive a significant modal

AIRPORTS

shift; consequently, it is not sufficiently

Ireland is an open economy with substantial

number of years.

attractive to travel by train. The dispersed

inward investment. This investment relies in

These airports, however, are crucial for

nature of the population does not facilitate the

large part on the ability to access Dublin and

foreign access to peripheral areas of the

economic development of the passenger

the regional gateways from international air

country, and are therefore vital for inward

network and makes it difficult for the train

transport hubs. International air connectivity

investment in those areas.

system to compete with road travel. Even in

is critical for tourism and business travel.

Of concern and in need of consideration in

terms of the development of park-and-ride facilities, the basic infrastructure to support

Kerry will remain in place for the next

the future as traffic grows and possibly


exceeds previous highs, is the single point of

greater use of the train is largely absent, and where it is available, pricing strategies often

Irish airports and air traffic control systems

N27 from the north or R600 from the south.

deter usage. In this, Ireland lags a long way

are well maintained and the Dublin Airport

Surface access to the airport is by road only,

behind the rest of Europe. This is partly a

Authority (DAA) and the Irish Aviation

as the topography does not lend itself to the

function of geography and of the reality that

Authority (IAA) continue to invest to maintain

development of a rail line. Given the

Ireland is a small island, with a dispersed

the safety and security of the infrastructure.

scattered nature of the population in the

population. There is limited development

The new terminal buildings are important

airport’s service area, public transport is not

potential for an urban rail network in Cork;

State assets, and their value will be seen in

seen as a viable mode of transport for

however, light railway is a consideration.

the medium-to-longer term as traffic volumes

passengers but could be developed to

increase again. The DAA has plans to develop

alleviate airport employee commuter traffic.


a second runway and this investment will be

The development of a bus service could help

If a modal shift in the use of transport is

required, albeit perhaps not in the short term,

lessen congestion at the Kinsale

envisaged, then rail is not capable of

but when a business case for its development

roundabout.


access into Cork Airport for all traffic via the


economy. The first phase, if approved, would commence in 2015. This is the first project to apply for planning permission on grounds of “imperative reasons of overriding public interest” or IROPI. The Port of Cork is currently hosting public consultations on its plans for expansion at Ringaskiddy. Dublin Port is currently well served by external infrastructure – in particular the Port Tunnel link to the national motorway network. However, activity at the port is expected to double by 2040, significantly increasing the number of trucks on the road


small quay walls around the coast that are

network. The capacity of the external road

In the short-to-medium term, we need to

in need of repair and replacement, which

network will have to accommodate any

continue to invest in the maintenance of our

may require emergency repairs given the

expansion of the port.

airports and protect these assets to support

recent stormy weather. Following a decline

economic recovery. In the longer term we

in recent years, the volume of traffic


need to plan so as to exploit opportunities

through ports has more or less stabilised,

Ireland needs to develop its commercial

that present themselves and continue to

with export growth emerging in some

ports to facilitate larger vessels, which can

rectify weaknesses in our existing

sectors. More importantly, the changing

deliver economies of scale and improve

infrastructure and travel experience.

market conditions are driving the need to

overall national competitiveness. It is

Smaller regional airports should be

invest in new port infrastructure, for

imperative, also, to streamline the statutory

maintained because of their importance for

example, the international trend towards

planning process to ensure that this

the economic development of Ireland

larger vessels.

infrastructure can be delivered in an integrated and timely fashion. The projects

outside of Dublin.


that are currently pre-planning should be

SEA PORTS

The changing market conditions and

supported.

logistics will fuel the need for new or

Strategic traffic in the context of the

Ireland’s commercial sea ports are vital for

expanded facilities availing of deeper water

national roads primarily comprises major

most exports and imports, as well as for the

opportunities, but will require better

inter-urban and inter-regional traffic, which

tourism sector. Furthermore, our marine

hinterland connections. Inner city renewal

contributes to socio-economic development.

infrastructure includes both large and small

will also push more port activities out of city

The transportation of goods and products,

fishery harbours and small leisure

centres and release valuable land for

especially traffic to and from main ports and

harbours. The Ports of Dublin, Shannon

development. However, port infrastructure

airports, both freight and passenger related,

Foynes, and Cork are Tier 1 port

tends to be large and can take many years

is key to the sustainability of Ireland’s

infrastructure, as per the 2013 Ports Policy

from planning to delivery; therefore, ports

economy. It stands to reason then that the

document.

must plan far in advance for such

connectivity, particularly for freight, of our

infrastructure.

seaports to the overall transport network


The Port of Galway has recently submitted a

needs to be prioritised.

€126 million plan to build a new deepwater

The capacity of the external road network at

The commercial ports are generally well

port and reclaim land from Galway Bay

all ports can be maximised through demand

maintained by the port companies. There

under the Strategic Infrastructure Act.

management to accommodate any

has been significant investment in the

The current harbour is operating below

expansion. Charging structures to

larger fishery harbours in recent years,

capacity due to tidal restrictions and the

dis-incentivise shipping and truck

while there has been some investment in

new development plans will allow it to

movements at times when other pressures

the smaller harbours, like Cill Rónáin

attract larger commercial and cruise

are on roads are high, e.g., commuter

Harbour on Inis Mór. There remain many

vessels thereby benefiting the local

traffic, could be introduced.

17


12-Month Continue targeted inspections of domestic waste water treatment systems to maximise resources.

WATER AND FLOODING

Achieve agreed annual targets for domestic

Most nations face a crisis of water supply in the coming decades and many also face the challenge

meter installation and commence reading.

of rising sea levels. These are global issues and Ireland is better placed than most to meet them; however, the country must defend these natural advantages. Three aspects of water in Ireland are

Publish the flood maps generated by the

considered here: water supply and wastewater; water quality in the natural environment; and,

National CFRAM Programme

flood management.

Launch the Flood Studies Update portal

Five-Year Progress the 2021 milestones as identified in

WATER SUPPLY AND WASTEWATER

the review cycle of the River Basin Management Plans.

Raw water is taken from the natural

deal of work to be undertaken, particularly

environment and then treated, stored, and

in the areas of monitoring and sampling.

Reduce unaccounted for water (UFW) to 30%

distributed through pipes into people’s

The most recent Urban Waste Water

nationally and reduce carbon footprint of

homes. After use, it is then collected as

Discharges update report published by the

water services by 20%.

wastewater, treated again and returned as

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in

clean water to rivers or coastal waters.

January 2013 stated that 36% of waste

Preparation of the Catchment Flood Risk Management Plans (under the National CFRAM Programme) by 2015

Sector

Grade

water treatment plants did not meet all


waste water quality standards or EPA

The most significant development in the

The latest report from the EPA in 2012 on

management of Ireland’s water assets

the quality of drinking water in Ireland

guidelines – down from 42% in June 2012.

Water supply and wastewater

C+

occurred in March 2013, with the

showed that, for example, E.coli

Water quality

C-

establishment of Irish Water as a

compliance in public water supplies

Flooding

D

semi-state company under the Water

continues to improve, with seven cases in

Services Act 2013 and the Water Services

2012 compared to 87 in 2005 – a reduction

(No.2) Act 2013. The new authority brings

of 92%. A similar reduction (89%) for E.coli

the water and wastewater services of 34

failures in private water schemes was

local authorities under one national

reported in the same period.

service provider with the phased handover

Private group water supplies remain

of assets commencing on January 1, 2014.

inferior to public schemes, however, and

In accordance with EU directives, and with

smaller private supplies are significantly

part-funding from central government

poorer in quality.

through the Water Services Investment

The EPA published its final Effluent

Programme, local authorities have made

Characterisation Study report in July 2012,

significant progress in the last 15 years in

which investigated the estimation tool

the improvement of public water and

provided to waste water treatment plant

wastewater infrastructure. As the EU

operators, which are a means of

Commission Review of the Urban Waste

estimating the release of pollutants. The

Water Treatment Directive from December

main objective of the project was to

2011 demonstrates, there remains a great

redefine the tool by capturing a wider pool

Overall grade



of data and thereby improve the tool’s

The problem is compounded by breakages

been made with smaller towns and

properties. The results indicated that

which result in leakage on a large scale.

villages. The EPA’s Remedial Action List

further studies and investigations are

Indeed, water leakage, unauthorised

(RAL) is driving the improvement of water

required.

usage, and metering errors have caused

treatment plants with good results.

The Rural Water Programme has been

major problems for county councils and in

A further difficulty with existing

instrumental in the improvement of private

some areas mean that more than 50% of

infrastructure is the amount of infiltration

group water schemes. The need remains

water is unaccounted for. On top of the

into the main sewers. In some areas,

to add tertiary treatment in many areas to

antiquity of the system, the failure of

infiltration remediation projects have not

address issues such as cryptosporidium.

building inspection regimes and the

been successful and some systems may need to be replaced as a consequence.

The prevalence of E.coli in private group

absence of contract sign-offs has meant

water schemes at levels almost eight

that some housing estates built in the

times in excess of those in the public water

early part of the century do not comply


supplies remains a significant concern. As

with the building regulations. This has

Certainty of water supply at reasonable

per the Water Services (Amendment) Act

resulted in increased pipe breakages

cost gives Ireland a distinct competitive

2012 and the National Inspection Plan

(especially in cold weather). Further, a

advantage in developing indigenous

developed by the EPA, the inspection of

number of pumping stations and treatment

industries and in attracting foreign direct

domestic waste water treatment systems

plants were put in by developers as

investment (FDI). The planned

for some 500,000 homes, mainly in rural

short-term measures and are now

development of the national water network

Ireland, commenced in September 2013.

defunct, while others, which were intended

needs to be aligned with any overall

In general, significant challenges remain.

to be permanent plants, have not been

improvement strategy to support

The patchwork of different schemes, which

maintained and are no longer operating in

investment in new industries.

are stitched together to comprise the

compliance with planning conditions.

Currently, the basic cost to non-domestic

national supply of water, contains

Infrastructure for wastewater collection

customers of public water supply and

elements which are entirely outdated.

and treatment plants is of variable quality

waste water collection in Dublin city is

Some parts of the system date from the

across the country. A lot has been done to

€1.99 per cubic metre; €3.04 in Wicklow

Victorian era; others come from the 1950s

develop treatment plants in compliance

and €1.59 in Kildare for example.

and 1960s when Ireland replaced sections

with the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment

Across Europe this can be almost €7 per

of the network using asbestos cement. The

Directive. This is particularly the case in

cubic metre, because some countries seek

network is not now of the required

large towns and cities which have been

to achieve full cost recovery. Furthermore,

standard.

addressed, and some advance has also

widespread infiltration of groundwater into

19

the sewer network results in increased

programme from 2014. The Regulator

volumes of sewage being pumped

must ensure that Irish Water has the

unnecessarily. On top of that, there is a

means to adequately fund the investment

This section deals with the quality of

high volume of unaccounted for water

programme.

water in the natural environment – lakes,

(UFW) due to leakage in the water supply

Developing an appropriate and sustainable

rivers, groundwater, and coastal bays and

system. This makes the cost of services

funding model for water services by the

estuaries.

more expensive than it needs to be.

water regulator in the longer term is

Energy costs present a future risk. Ireland

central to the development of Ireland’s

needs to manage water carefully so that

water and wastewater infrastructure.


the treatment and transportation costs do

Water charges need to be introduced in

The European Commission’s ‘Blueprint to

not become excessive. The installation of

Ireland for all users, independently of

Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources’

domestic water meters should start to

progress on metering, and without costly

document outlines actions that concentrate

address these issues of leakages and UFW

universal allowances. This is not simply a

on better implementation of current water

in the network.

matter of generating revenue, but is also

legislation, integration of water policy

Climate change will place Ireland’s water

about improving the management of the

objectives into other policies, and filling the

supply system under significant pressure.

system.

gaps, in particular as regards water quantity

Longer dry spells will dictate that more

Steps must be taken to secure a long-term

and efficiency. The objective is to ensure that

storage is required. Ireland needs to

water supply for the Dublin region as the

a sufficient quantity of good quality water is

consider the design of water management

key economic driver of the country. Bord

available for people’s needs, the economy

systems to ensure that there is more

na Mona indicated during 2013 that the

and the environment throughout the EU.

storage capacity.

necessary environmental studies have

Water quality in Ireland in the main

Tighter EU standards for lead solvency in

been completed and that it was ready to

continues to improve due to investments in

drinking water were introduced in

apply for planning permission to build a

wastewater treatment schemes, progress in

December 2013.

reservoir that would extract water from the

monitoring standards, and the completion of

The challenge is to identify lead service

Shannon to meet demands in the eastern

remedial actions as per the original EPA

pipes from the mains to individual

region.

RAL.

properties. The Irish Water metering

The future trend will be to reduce the mass

The most up-to-date figures available from

programme provides an opportunity to

transfer of water from remote reservoirs.

the EPA show that, of the almost 13,200km

identify lead pipes and develop a plan to

More rainwater harvesting at homes and

of rivers surveyed in Ireland between 2007

deal with lead solvency.

businesses will be required to limit the

and 2009, the river quality monitoring

need for bulk transfers at high energy

showed 70% were unpolluted and 30% were


cost. The Regulator, working with Irish

impaired to a greater or lesser extent.

The consolidation of water services from

Water, will have to develop tariffs that

Serious pollution was recorded at just 20

34 local authorities to a single

strike a balance between the need to

sites, down from 39 in 2004-2006. The

vertically-integrated publicly-owned water

recover the high portion of fixed costs in a

monitoring reports are completed in a

utility company should benefit the

water service, while giving an incentive

three-year cycle and the last full report was

consumer. Irish Water must manage the

through a variable charge for customers to

published in 2010. In 2012, 97% of bathing

drinking water and wastewater assets on a

reduce their bills.

waters met EU mandatory standards despite

national basis to achieve efficient service

Ireland must reduce the carbon footprint

the wettest summer on record for 50 years.

delivery and capital investment, without

of the water distribution system, through

Stricter water quality criteria for Blue Flag

jeopardising the skills and knowledge

the use of wind power at pumping stations,

beaches was introduced in 2013, however,

already in the local authorities and supply

for example. Renewal of water pipe

and the number of flags awarded to Ireland

chain. The complementary introduction of

infrastructure is vital. In many countries

dropped by 13. A major programme – the

a water regulator should guarantee

there is a strategic imperative to replace a

River Basin District Management Plans – is

sustainable water financing and

certain percentage (at least 1%) of water

underway to meet the objectives of the EU’s

professional consumer engagement.

infrastructure on an annual basis. It

Water Framework Directive, which is

The Water Services Programme 2010-2013

should be a national imperative that we

designed to protect all high status waters,

has now concluded and Irish Water will be

upgrade at least 1% or more of water and

prevent further deterioration of all waters,

responsible for the capital investment

wastewater infrastructure anually.

and restore degraded surface and ground


WATER QUALITY


waters to good status by 2015. The Directive



was introduced in response to the increasing

With the introduction of water charges,

The monitoring of water quality by the EPA

threat of pollution and the demand from the

consumers may be tempted to drill private

is comprehensive, but sufficient resources

public for cleaner rivers, lakes and beaches.

wells in an attempt to reduce costs. Figures

are not always available to act on the

Now, for the first time, there is a framework

from the 2012 EPA report on drinking water

recommendations that come from

for the protection of all waters including

quality in Ireland indicate that 11% of private

monitoring. It is important that this

rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal waters and

wells are contaminated and not suitable for

situation be resolved. Ireland is expected to

groundwater, and their dependent wildlife

consumption without treatment. The future

comply with EU targets for the provision of

habitats, under one piece of environmental

risks to water quality include those from any

secondary treatment in urban wastewater

legislation. As previously referenced, the

further development pressures in both

by 2015. The River Basin Management

2009 European Court of Justice ruling

urban and rural areas, which brings online

Plans have been adopted, with the objective

against Ireland for not properly

more wastewater to be treated and

to increase the proportion of rivers and

implementing EU rules on domestic

assimilated back into the environment.

canals at good or high status from just over

wastewater treatment units in mainly rural

There are risks also from climate change. In

50% to 68% by 2015, with further

areas, has resulted in the development and

drought conditions, there may not be enough

improvements up to 2027.

implementation of the EPA inspection plan

water to dilute treated sewage effluent as

With the implementation of the Water

since September 2013. Identification of

designed. In heavy rainfall, the sudden

Framework Directive now the responsibility

non-compliant domestic waste water

change in raw water quality arising from

of one entity, this should allow for more

systems is underway and remedying of

flooding can quickly compromise water

co-ordination. An implementation report

faults should result in the reduction of

supplies. Cryptosporidium outbreaks have

and annual progress report should

discharges coming into contact with surface

demonstrated the fragility of water supply

document this process. A

water. Significant investment in municipal

and its importance to normal living. Many

properly-resourced programme of

wastewater treatment plants has ensured

Irish water schemes are under threat from

catchment risk management plans and of

that huge progress has been made in the

cryptosporidium because of inadequate

groundwater protection plans is vital for

last decade and Ireland’s water is

barriers in treatment. Comprehensive water

every water source and adequate funding

recovering, though much work remains to be

safety plans and catchment management

must be provided if Ireland is to meet the

done.

plans are required to manage this risk.

targets set for it.

21

FLOODING

where maintenance is the responsibility of

decisions of local authorities, further work is

the riparian landowner. While maintenance

required to ensure that the principles of the

Many parts of Ireland will remain in danger

programmes in many river channels that are

guidance are embedded and understood by

of flooding and risks in areas that are

not part of an arterial drainage scheme were

both councils and planners in the decision

currently not associated with flooding will

never particularly well structured, the

making process.

increase. This will continue to present

capacity of local authorities to maintain

considerable challenges for the Office of

drainage districts and use their statutory


Public Works (OPW), which is the lead

powers to maintain other river channels is

In the context of the EU Floods Directive,

agency for flood risk management in

unlikely to be improved from cuts to local

the National Preliminary Flood Risk

Ireland, the local authorities and other

authority budgets and resources in future

Assessment completed in 2011 identified

bodies with responsibilities for flood risk

years.

300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs)

management. Flooding can derive from

Local authorities, under the Framework for

around Ireland. The OPW and its partners

coastal/tidal, fluvial (rivers), pluvial (intense

Major Emergency Management, are required

are now developing detailed flood maps

rainfall) and groundwater sources.

to develop Emergency Response Plans to

through the Catchment Flood Risk

provide co-ordinated responses to major

Assessment and Management (CFRAM)


emergencies including flood events resulting

studies, which focus on flood prevention,

from severe weather. The OPW provides

protection and preparedness. Potentially

Ireland’s recent experience of flooding

advice and assistance to local authorities,

viable flood risk management options to

differed from 2009 in that it mostly resulted

when requested, in reviewing their Flood

reduce or manage the risks for the 300

from coastal surges caused by high tides

Emergency Response Plans. However, the

AFAs will then be available for public

coupled with low atmospheric pressure

responsibility lies with individual local

consultation in 2015 and based on this

causing storm force winds. Coastal erosion

authorities and progress in this regard is

consultation, Flood Risk Management Plans

was in some cases considerable and

inconsistent across the country and can be

will be prepared before the end of 2015.

overnight. The disruption, human suffering

improved.

The Report of the Flood Policy Review

and financial losses have been significant.

During recent years, Ireland witnessed the

Group in 2004 recognised that new or

The local authorities face a severe challenge

inappropriate development of residential,

recalibrated digital flood estimation

in reducing or managing the risks related to

commercial and industrial properties in

methodologies that reflect conditions and

intense rainfall and under-capacity of the

floodplains. A legacy from this is that flood

technologies in modern Irish hydrology

urban drainage infrastructure as well as the

risk in these developments will need careful

could significantly improve the quality and

costs of cleaning up the most recent

management in future years, potentially

facility of flood estimation for the purposes

damage. The new colour-coded warnings

imposing additional strains on the resources

of flood risk management. A

issued by Met Éireann were of assistance to

of local authorities. Inappropriate

comprehensive research programme

the public and other agencies in

development should be eliminated through

referred to as the Flood Studies Update

understanding the risk posed by the weather.

local authority implementation, by 2015, of

(FSU) is now complete and the OPW is

The OPW continues to advance major capital

The Planning System and Flood Risk

finalising a web-based applications portal

flood relief schemes and minor flood works

Management guidance issued by the

to implement extreme rainfall and flood

to protect against fluvial, coastal/tidal and

Department of the Environment, Community

estimation computations at river locations

groundwater flooding. However, there are

and Local Government (DECLG) and the OPW

in Ireland, based on the methodologies

significant challenges that remain. The lack

in 2009. This should ensure that, when used

developed through the FSU research. The

of river defences in some towns combined

in combination with the flood mapping being

portal, which will be launched in 2014, will

with poorly maintained river channels are an

produced by the OPW and through strategic

also provide a means of disseminating the

issue. While the OPW is responsible for

and local flood risk assessments, flood risk

FSU research documentation.

maintenance programmes in river channels

is a key consideration in preparing

Non-structural flood risk management

that are part of arterial drainage schemes,

development plans and local area plans and

relies heavily on adequate flood forecasting

the maintenance in other channels is more

in the assessment of planning applications.

and warning. A strategic review of options

ad-hoc. Of particular concern is the

While evidence indicates that application of

for flood forecasting and flood warning in

management of river channels within

the guidance is gaining traction in the

Ireland has been completed. The final

drainage districts and of river channels

planning and development management

report has been completed setting out the



finding and recommendations, which are currently under consideration. Ireland’s capability to plan and implement a maintenance regime to manage flooding remains poor. The curtailment of maintenance regimes to save money in the short term incurs larger costs in the longer term. The pluvial flooding through monster rain events is compounded because the amount of solid material going into gullies and drains increases, causing blockages and flooding. The probability of this occurring can be greatly reduced by the introduction of a proper monitoring, reporting and maintenance regime.

What actions do we need to take? The CFRAM studies will be a major addition to the way Ireland manages flood protection and they are scheduled to be finished by 2015. Across the country, the Flood Risk Management Plans will be central to a pro-active approach for identifying and managing existing and potential flood risks. They must be used to develop an appropriate long-term strategy across the country for dealing with flooding. Ireland needs to move towards tailored flood warning systems across the country and towards an agreed approach to the maintenance of water courses. Significant funding is required for the OPW and local authorities if they are to implement the measures (structural and non-structural) which are necessary to alleviate flooding. In this regard, the Government decision to ring fence the OPW capital budget (that includes provisions for major and minor flood relief schemes) is positive, but further funding to the local authorities is required to address the increasing urban storm water drainage problems. Despite the economic challenges facing the country, it is important that resources and funding be protected in future budget allocations. The difficulty is that failure to resolve the flooding issue will in turn create still more economic challenges.

23

12-Month

WASTE

Ensure that new regulation to strengthen

Waste management infrastructure in Ireland is undergoing a transformation as the move away from

the current waste collection permit system

landfill disposal continues. New treatment infrastructure is required if the State is to achieve its

is brought into force.

statutory diversion targets and ambitions of becoming self-sufficient with regards to particular wastes.

Deliver the new waste management plans.


composting facilities with 386,100 tonnes of

Progress the construction of waste recovery

Waste management infrastructure is in a

digestion (AD) facilities are also active in

treatment capacity options that have

period of transition, as historical treatment

Ireland. These biological facilities are treating

acquired planning consent, including

destinations are being replaced by more

food waste, green waste and certain

anaerobic digestion, composting, waste to

advanced and environmentally preferred

agricultural sludges and wastes. Further

energy and mechanical biological treatment

solutions. The reorganisation of the local

growth in infrastructure in this area is predicted

facilities.

authorities into three new waste management

in the coming years. Ireland’s first

planning regions in October 2013 means that

waste-to-energy facility is located in Co. Meath

Five-Year

preparation of new waste management plans

and is accepting non-hazardous residual

Have in place the correct mix of waste

has commenced. At the start of 2013, the

wastes which were previously buried at landfill

capacity infrastructure to manage

number of landfills in Ireland stood at 25,

facilities.

non-hazardous and hazardous wastes.

compared to 87 in 1995 – a decrease of over

There are plans to expand this facility to accept

70%. The drop in the number of landfills

some hazardous wastes in the future. The

Roll-out of the organic waste collection

reflects the changes in the waste market, with

development of the Dublin waste-to-energy

system to households and businesses in

local authorities gradually exiting the collection

facility has been delayed substantially and its

line with statutory thresholds to allow

and disposal markets. The amount of landfills

future appears uncertain. The development of

further development of biological treatment

accepting municipal waste for disposal is

the proposed waste-to-energy facility in Cork

capacities including anaerobic digestion.

continuing to decrease, as is the remaining

for the treatment of hazardous and municipal

landfill disposal capacity – estimated at 12

wastes is also uncertain following a planning

Work with third-level institutes to develop

years gross in 2012. Landfill closures are

refusal.

waste and resource management modules

resulting in the inter-regional movement of

There are two active cement kilns that are

as part of civil and environmental

waste. Municipal solid waste generation has

accepting residual wastes in the form of solid

engineering courses to ensure this area is

dropped by 23% since the peak of 2007 despite

recovered fuel and smaller quantities of other

serviced with appropriately educated

significant population growth during that

wastes such as chipped tyres from operators.

graduates.

period. A decrease in personal consumption

These facilities are providing a treatment outlet,

linked to the economic downturn is a

although their primary function remains to

contributor to the declining trend. The recycling

manufacture cement and the calorific value of

rate for municipal waste is now at 45%, which is

the feedstock restricts the type of wastes which

above the EU27 norm of 40%.

can be accepted.

Landfill gate prices, excluding the levy, have

The largest quantity of waste treatment

dropped significantly since the economic

capacity in Ireland is classed as pre-treatment

downturn and local authorities have struggled

infrastructure and is seen as a precursor to

to compete with privately operated facilities.

next step recovery or disposal operations. The

The available tonnage of residual wastes has

mechanical treatment which falls into this

fallen significantly in this period also while the

category includes dismantling, sorting,

landfill levy has been increased substantially.

crushing, compacting, pelletising, drying,

The levy currently stands at €75 per tonne.

shredding, repacking, separating, and blending.

As landfills decline other waste destination

The EPA carried out a study in 2013 to quantify

treatment infrastructure has been constructed

the extent of these mechanical capacities

or is being developed. There are now 45

available in the State.


Overall grade


operating capacity. A total of five anaerobic



environmental performing European member

self-sufficiency. The upcoming publication of

The recent trends show that municipal wastes

states who have corresponding disposal rates

the EPA’s review of capacity will be a key

and other major waste streams, such as

of less than 5%. The stalled process of

publication in highlighting and quantifying the

construction and demolition wastes, have

developing the Poolbeg Incinerator in Dublin,

treatment capacity gaps and will point a way

dropped in Ireland as a direct consequence of

and a similar fate for the Cork Incinerator, has

forward. The preparation of new waste

the economic downturn. The tonnage of future

meant that the management of waste in Ireland

management plans will be important in the

streams of waste is intricately linked to the

is being kept in equilibrium by the exporting of

context of developing a planning framework

performance of the economy and its ability to

black bin waste. Previous editions of this report

that encourages the appropriate treatment

move out of recession. The EPA currently

have suggested that waste managment in

capacities to be developed. These need to be

forecasts that an additional 825,000 tonnes of

Ireland was in a form of limbo until a definitive

put in place within the next 12 months so the

municipal waste will need to be managed in the

decision on Poolbeg was made. There has been

management of wastes can be properly

State by 2025. The State has statutory

no significant investment in landfills for a few

planned. The involvement of all public and

obligations to meet specific targets in the

years as a partial consequence of a decision on

industry stakeholders is needed to ensure

coming years and failure to meet these will

Poolbeg so the waste equation is balanced by

that the output of this process is effective and

most likely result in financial penalties. The

reduced consumerism and the export of black

sustainable. The State needs to continue to

immediate targets are those adopted under the

bin waste. Should the economy show signs of

fund and support national programmes and

EU Landfill Directive, which requires the State

recovery with the consequent increase in waste

campaigns that are helping to drive the better

to reduce the quantity of biodegradable

levels, the gap between capacity to manage and

use of resources and the prevention of

municipal waste consigned to landfill. The

volume will grow and the absence of

wastes. Programmes and projects such as

indications are that the targets for 2010 and

investment will be highlighted.

RX3; the National Waste Prevention

2013 have been met. The threshold limits set

The current trend of exporting residual

Programme; and, reuse initiatives, such as

for the future target year of 2016 will be more

municipal (and hazardous) wastes for

freetradeireland.ie and SMILE, need

difficult to achieve, but preliminary data for the

treatment to waste-to-energy, incineration and

continued investment if economic growth and

first half of 2013 suggests that Ireland is on

cement kilns in other European member states

waste arising are to be decoupled in a

target to achieve that obligation. The separate

reflects the State’s inability to date to

sustained manner. Lastly, the imperative of

national target of diverting 50% of household

adequately manage its own residual wastes.

finding new ways to manage waste demands a

waste from landfill by 2013 appears to have

The export solution is providing short-term

rethink on the education of third-level

been surpassed in 2012, with EPA preliminary

gains, in terms of diverting waste from landfill,

students. Undergraduate courses must be

data suggesting that just 39% of municipal

but it is a reactive and market-driven approach

geared to and mirror what the demands in the

waste was landfilled in that year. Other

to a long-term environmental problem, where

sector are. The changing landscape of waste

European targets adopted for the sound

self-sufficiency is the preferred option for

management will have to be addressed in the

environmental management of waste batteries

waste management, where possible. Energy

and end-of-life-vehicles will require investment

generation and job creation are another positive

to ensure these are achieved. The new national

gain. Investment in infrastructure is needed if

waste policy statement has reinforced the

we are to close the capacity gap and become

State’s commitment to ending the practice of

more self-reliant in terms of treating our own

disposal to landfill. The 10-year goal of the

waste. The State’s existing capacities are

virtual elimination of landfill has been set and

unbalanced with high capacity levels of

the path to achieving this objective, along with

pre-treatment and mechanical treatment and

the State’s ambition for self-sufficiency in

below capacity levels of final destination

terms of treatment capacity, will drive the

facilities, e.g., biological treatment plants and

infrastructure agenda.

waste-to-energy plants. Investment is

future education of engineering and science undergraduates.

needed in collection and treatment


infrastructure, e.g., composting

Ireland is currently landfilling an estimated

facilities, AD plants, if the State’s

39% of our municipal waste, down from 64% in

desire to manage organic wastes in

2007. The waste infrastructure market is

a more sustainable and

changing as the State moves away from the

resource-focused manner is to

practice of landfilling towards more advanced

be achieved. The national

and sustainable solutions. Ireland has a

shortfall in capacity needs to

considerable way to travel before we can stand

be addressed if the State is

shoulder to shoulder with the best

serious about achieving

25


COMMUNICATIONS

12-Month

Every time a phone call is made in Ireland, and every time a person in Ireland goes online,

Progress the Electronic Communications

they depend on the smooth operation of Ireland’s communications infrastructure.

Networks Bill legislation into the statute books.

Continue the delivery of infrastructure necessary for advanced broadband nationwide and bring regional broadband costs down to match rates and speeds available in Dublin.

Roll out the 4G next generation network nationwide.

Five-Year Continue to bring broadband costs down and achieve EU and UK norms within five years. consumers and businesses. There appears to

Achieve universal high-speed broadband to


substantially all parts of the State by 2016

The most significant development in mobile

capacity ‘dark fibre’ network along the M4/M6,

through the continued development of the

communications in 2013 was the introduction

identified in last year’s report. Emerald

next generation networks, as well as

of next generation 4G speeds by three of the

Networks has recently announced its intention

satellite-based access services.

main Irish operators. However, the network

to land the submarine cable system at Killala

coverage is currently confined to limited areas

in County Mayo.

Ireland’s national and regional broadband

in major urban centres of population.

Almost half of the population own a

infrastructure should be in the top five of

The recent extreme weather and electrical

smartphone – up from 19% in 2010 – and it is

European league tables in terms of

storms resulted in fixed line phone and

expected to grow to some 71% of the

availability, uptake, and speed by 2016.

broadband service outages for thousands of

population. The average number of potential

consumers and businesses across the State,

online devices in the Irish home is four, with

exposing the vulnerability of the network,

mobile devices more prevalent. Approximately

albeit it at a period of reduced business activity

one-third of Irish adults had access to a tablet

during the Christmas holiday period.

by the end of 2013.

When it comes to the cost of mobile

The increase in online devices means an

communications, Ireland is ranked 16th

increase in the demand for broadband.

among the European countries for low users

Broadband penetration increased to 67%, up

in the bill pay category – 36% more expensive

from 65% in 2012. The number of WiFi

than the average – and for pre-pay customers,

hotspots increased by 52% in 12 months from

Ireland is approximately 34% more expensive.

Q3 2012 to Q3 2013. Similarly, WiFi minutes

However, for medium and high users of mobile

increased by 103% over this period.

communications, Ireland is 16% and 39%,

The final phase of the programme to extend

respectively, less expensive than the European

100mbps broadband to all post-primary

average cost. In all cases it is more expensive

schools in Ireland is scheduled for completion

than the UK. Increased competition from more

by September 2014, with 516 schools across

providers in the broadband market should help

Ireland connected and a further 270 schools

to drive prices down further, benefiting Irish

due to be connected to complete the project.

Overall grade

B

+


have been no progress in connecting the high


Eircom began the roll out of its next

enterprises that need connectivity for their

has the potential to reduce the need for travel

generation access fibre network – VDSL – in

business. In Ireland, the cost of broadband

to attend meetings and to reduce carbon

2013 and it will serve 1.2 million homes by the

access is still high compared to our nearest

emissions. On the downside, hosting and

end of 2014 with broadband speeds of up to

neighbour and competitor – the UK – and

hot-site facilities for network servers have

70mbps. Eircom also announced its plans to

needs to be reduced if small and medium

high energy requirements. Nonetheless, the

increase its national fibre footprint. By July

enterprises are not to be disadvantaged by

temperate climate in Ireland reduces the

2016, 1.4 million homes and businesses will

comparison with those in other countries.

requirements for cooling/air conditioning with

be able to avail of fibre broadband with speeds

The recent announcement of new legislation

reduced environmental impact compared to

of up to 100mbps from a range of service

allowing the ESB to provide high-speed

other countries.

providers. UPC also revealed in 2013 that 41%

broadband and electronic communications is

Ireland’s future is dependent on our ability to

of Irish homes can now receive data speeds of

welcomed as it will add to the current

further develop fibre access networks and

up to 150mbps. Sky entered the broadband

broadband infrastructure in Ireland. It has the

satellite-based access services. These

market in 2013 further stimulating

potential to extend the reach of fibre to the

currently account for only a small percentage

competition. Ireland compares favourably with

home, enhancing broadband connectivity in

of total broadband subscriptions and this

other European countries in mobile phone

Ireland and tackling the broadband

needs to be dramatically increased in the

usage, with 5.6 million customers and a

infrastructure deficit in rural areas. There is a

short to medium term.

penetration rate of 122% – an increase of 2%

need for increased development of wireless

Changes in lifestyle with the advent of

on the same period in 2012. The number of

broadband media throughout the country (e.g.,

smartphones and tablets have implications for

texts sent declined by 25% as consumers’

WiFi and WiMax), particularly in areas of the

network usage including shopping,

mobile data usage increases. Correspondingly

country which are not adequately served by

downloading music, and accessing TV

data volumes increased by 39.7%. The

existing landline infrastructure. Crucially,

programmes from mobile devices. Further

economic downturn has reduced the demand

advanced broadband speeds must be delivered

investment is required in major network

for service provision, thereby facilitating the

on a far greater scale across the country.

upgrades to cater for the higher speeds of

existing network’s capability to meet the needs

Ownership of Ireland’s telecoms infrastructure

terabytes, which will be required in the future.

of citizens and business. The broadband

is in the hands of 150 banks and lenders to

It is still not clear how the cut by European

infrastructure, across its current range, is

Eircom.

Union leaders to the Connecting Europe

capable of meeting normal and peak traffic

A key issue must be the ability of the overseas

Facility from €9.2 billion to €1 billion will

demands, albeit sometimes at reduced

owners to balance the demands of their

impact on the Irish Government’s commitment

speeds. The Government’s plan for full

shareholders with the needs of the Irish

to investment in broadband services in Ireland.

broadband coverage in Ireland may have been

economy.

Cloud computing applications hosted in data

technically met, but the quality of the service is

Cloud computing is also set to be a major

centres are a key area of growing economic

of significant variance based on location.

cornerstone of Ireland’s economic growth into

activity and rely on a high capacity, resilient

Development of the network is required to

the future. Already, major multi-nationals like

communication service. The Government

extend coverage and increase data speeds

Amazon, Google and Mircrosoft have data

needs to prioritise connecting Ireland’s

across the entire State to facilitate expected

centres here, and Eircom has applied for

network to international cities if we are to

future business growth.

planning to build a large facility in west Dublin.

compete for and with global business. Ireland’s intellectual property (IP) and data



protection regimes need to keep abreast of

The cost and quality of broadband access is

By providing voice and data transmission

international legislation in order to remain

fundamental to the economic success of

networks, the communications infrastructure

competitive in the global marketplace.

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

MW:

Megawatts

Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

Greenhouse gases

Open cycle gas turbine

DECLG:

GHG:

OCGT: OPW:

Office of Public Works

IAA:

Irish Aviation Authority

RAL:

Remedial action list

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

kV:

KiloVolt

RX3:

Rethink, recycle, remake

Mbps

Megabits per second

UFW:

Unaccounted for water

DEHLG:

27

Engineers Ireland 22 Clyde Road Ballsbridge Dublin 4. Tel: 00 353 1 665 1300 Fax: 00 353 1 668 5508 www.engineersireland.ie