Lixnaw Integrated Constructed Wetlands

Sustainable and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment system in Lixnaw, Co. Kerry.

The Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW) in Lixnaw is currently experiencing several challenges that affect performance and impact the local environment. These include odour issues that are a concern for the community as well as water quality and system efficiency during certain weather and tidal conditions. The site also faces operational challenges that need to be addressed. Uisce Éireann is now progressing works to resolves these issues and provide a sustainable wastewater treatment system for the local community. 

This project involves the upgrade of the existing Constructed Wetland (CW)-type Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) to address odour issues and improve overall treatment efficiency for the benefit of the local community. The proposed works will also ensure ongoing compliance with environmental discharge standards, while supporting the long-term sustainability of the system.

Proposed works includes the installation of the following below ground infrastructure:

• A new septic tank 

• A new stormwater holding tank 

• A new final effluent pumping station 

• Associated upgrades to pipework and deepwater settlement ponds.

• This project will provide sufficient wastewater treatment to meet environmental requirements for existing and future populations.
• This project will create a cleaner, healthier, and more enjoyable environment for the local community.
• The constructed wetland will serve as a carbon sink, helping to offset emissions from other sources.
• The proposed constructed wetland solution incorporates vegetated ponds planted with native species suitable for the local environment. Vegetation within each of these CW ponds will enhance the biodiversity of the existing landscape.
• There will be minimal visual impact created by the limited above ground infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 2001.
   

Uisce Éireann is committed to community enhancement and improvement. Recognising the natural capital social value of nature-based solutions, as part of the site selection process consideration is given to utilising a CW site as an amenity space for the wider community and designing the wetland as accessible as possible to the public. Low level fencing, footpaths and viewing areas may be incorporated in the design to encourage local engagement with CW habitats and wildlife as the CW establishes over its lifecycle.  Where appropriate, development of a CW site as an amenity space will be carried out in consultation with the Local Authority.

Customers can contact the project team on 1890 252 261 during office hours (8am-5pm), email communications@water.ie or can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 (24/7) if they have any questions about the project.

Uisce Éireann regrets any inconvenience these necessary wastewater network improvements may cause. Details of any supply interruptions associated with this project will be updated regularly on the Uisce Éireann website.

Works at the ICW in Lixnaw were substantially complete in December 2020 and the project is now fully operational, however, we have moved to the commissioning period, which is next phase of the project.

An integrated construction wetland (ICW) is a sustainable, natural wastewater treatment system that is designed to look and function as a natural wetland. An ICW is an environmentally-friendly way to treat wastewater and will result in reduced operational and maintenance costs, biodiversity creation, while also reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Uisce Éireann is in the process of establishing a framework worth €25,000,000 for constructing CW treatment plants in communities across Ireland. Constructed wetlands are an integral part of UÉ’s sustainability and biodiversity goals, which include net zero carbon by 2040, halving our energy intensity by 2030, and net positive biodiversity by 2030.