Ervia update on Nenagh gas works
Ervia's multi-utility project for Nenagh town is on schedule with all large scale trenching works now complete on Kenyon St.
The €17 million project marked a significant milestone in late May with the delivery of new wastewater connections to all existing businesses and residents on Kenyon St, significantly helping to alleviate odour and flooding issues. New gas and water mains have also been installed as part of these works.
One of the engineering challenges that was successfully completed was the construction of the new wastewater pipeline under the Clareen stream. The old sewer culvert running all along Kenyon St has been decommissioned.
Construction works are ongoing with the upgrade of the wastewater system in the centre of Nenagh as well as the continued installation of gas and water mains in conjunction with the wastewater works. There are also gas mains and water services installation works continuing on the outskirts of the town.
Wastewater work is currently progressing along Pearse St with Kickham St works planned to follow thereafter. The overall project, which consists of 40km of gas pipelines, 4.2km of water mains and 1.5km of wastewater mains, is expected to be complete by mid-summer 2017. Four streets will benefit from complete road reconstruction following the completion of wastewater works - Kenyon St, Pearse St, Kickham St and Friar St.
Acknowledging the cooperation of local business owners and residents, Construction Manager Brendan McDermott said: “We are very conscious of the inevitable disruption caused by a project of this scale and would like to once again to thank the people of Nenagh and the Nenagh Chamber of Commerce for their patience and cooperation as we continue to deliver gas, wastewater and water services in the town.
“We have had fantastic cooperation from people as the project has progressed and we are continuing to work closely with all businesses and residents to best manage traffic management and signage, on a continuous basis. Although there is some unavoidable disruption in the short term, this is a project which will deliver economic and social benefits to Nenagh for many years to come.”
Archaeological discoveries
There has also been significant archaeological surveying in advance of work commencing on Abbey Street and Friar Street. The works in these streets involved the pre-excavation of the proposed pipeline trench routes, while analysing and recording its contents.
Works in Abbey Street uncovered a number of ancient skeletal remains, which have been removed from the site by the archaeological team for further analysis. As a historic town, Nenagh has a rich archaeological story under its streets and earlier in the year the remains of an old town wall below the ground at Abbey St was discovered during investigative works.
According to Mr McDermott: “This is a very significant construction project right through the centre of Nenagh town, which has involved digging trenches at depths of up to four metres with ongoing archaeological monitoring.
“We are pleased with our progress to date and remain on schedule for completion of all work by next summer. We remain committed to keeping people updated on the progress of the works on the project and notification letters will be issued to all households in advance of work commencing on their particular street.”
Following completion of the work on Pearse St, it is proposed that the wastewater works will take place in the following sequence: Pearse Street south (currently underway), Kickham Street, Friar Street, Abbey Street, Martyr’s Road, Stafford Street (this location may in fact take precedence over Friar St, subject to agreement with Tipperary County Council), Dublin Road.
Tipperary County Council will continue to advertise street closures with alternative routes agreed and signposted. Details of street closures are also available on www.gasnetworks.ie/roadworks.