Circular tanks form the backbone of modern wastewater management, providing robust and efficient containment solutions for critical infrastructure projects. We recently demonstrated this capability by supporting Ward & Burke, on behalf of Uisce Éireann, in the delivery of significant upgrades to the Newport Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) in County Tipperary.
This €7 million investment was designed to modernise the existing facilities, ensuring the plant could meet both current demand and future needs. Our team at Shay Murtagh Precast was tasked with the design, supply, and installation of three bespoke precast circular tanks. These units, which fall under our range of concrete storage tanks, were central to increasing the plant's operational capacity to a population equivalent of 3,600 people.
The scope of the project required precise engineering to manufacture specific units for different stages of the treatment process. We delivered a Storm Tank with a 15.25m internal diameter and 3.5m panel height, an Aeration Tank of the same diameter with a 6m panel height, and a Final Settlement Tank measuring 11.86m in diameter with a 5m panel height.
A significant engineering challenge on this site was the location of the installation. Two of these large circular tanks had to be constructed within cofferdams, a complex requirement that demanded absolute accuracy during the installation phase. The use of off-site manufacturing ensured that the precast components were produced to exact specifications, allowing for rapid and safe assembly on-site despite the constrained working environment. This approach minimised risks associated with sealing and testing, ensuring the structural integrity required for long-term performance.
These upgrades play a vital role in protecting the local environment, specifically improving water quality in the nearby Mulkear River. By ensuring compliance with national and EU wastewater regulations, the project supports local development while safeguarding natural resources. This collaboration highlights the value of precast concrete in delivering complex projects that provide lasting community benefits.
