Project Details

CLIENT

Wills Bros

YEAR

2024

COST

 €700,000

LOCATION

Promenade Road, Dublin Port

OVERVIEW

This project involved the design, installation, and commissioning of two submersible sewage pumping stations located at Dublin Port on Promenade Road. The work was carried out at two critical interceptor sites—Interceptor #1 (West) and Interceptor #2 (East)—as part of the Dublin Port Greenway development. These interceptors play a vital role in the port’s broader silt and oil interception and surge pumping system, managing both stormwater and foul water while mitigating high tide surges.

The project forms part of the Tolka Estuary Greenway initiative, which seeks to transform the bay into a cycle and pedestrian-friendly area. Upgrading the interceptors was essential to support environmental improvements and unlock the full recreational and ecological potential of the estuary.

SCOPE OF WORK

The original scope of works included:

  • Installation of three submersible propeller pumps per interceptor capable of lifting wastewater above high tide levels.
  • Design flow capacities of 200–500 l/sec per pump.
  • Integration of new isolation penstocks:
    • 1 x 1200mm penstock at each interceptor
    • 2 x 900mm internal penstocks
  • Enhanced instrumentation and control systems including:
    • Ultrasonic level controllers
    • WIO and silt sensors
    • High level alert floats
    • MCC panel with PLC control

FME proposed key design optimisations to improve future maintenance, pump efficiency, and ease of installation.

INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING

Pump Configuration:

  • Flygt PL7020 propeller pumps installed in a Duty / Assist / Standby (Interceptor #1) and Duty / Assist / Assist (Interceptor #2) configuration.
  • Each pump delivers up to 250 l/sec, allowing scalability to 750 l/sec in assist-assist mode.
  • All pumps are driven by Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) to match flow with tidal conditions, conserving energy and extending asset life.

Pipework Design:

  • Individually fabricated DN400 stainless steel smooth-bore cannister pipes provided optimal hydraulic performance and resistance to corrosion.
  • Each pipe includes access tees for simplified maintenance and inspection.

Controls & Automation:

  • Ultrasonic sensors as the primary level control, backed by float switches for redundancy.
  • MCC panels built to Form 2 standard, with integrated PLC logic for autonomous operation.
  • GSM autodiallers installed for real-time failure alerts via SMS or phone call.

Safety & Maintenance Enhancements:

  • Modular cannister pump setup eliminates the need for confined space entry during maintenance.
  • Centralised lifting systems with restrained cabling improve safety and minimise turbulence damage.

OUTCOME

The upgraded interceptor pumping stations now provide high-capacity, energy-efficient wastewater management at Dublin Port, ensuring resilience against tidal surges and reducing environmental impact on the Tolka Estuary. By adopting Flygt technology, stainless steel pipework, and smart control systems, the project achieved:

  • Improved operational efficiency
  • Simplified maintenance protocols
  • Enhanced environmental performance
  • Future-proofed pumping infrastructure in support of the Greenway’s long-term vision

This solution supports Dublin Port’s strategic goals of sustainability, public amenity development, and operational excellence.