Solutions that work
Sika Ireland is supporting the refurbishment, protection, waterproofing and sealing of wastewater infrastructure with a range of specialist construction solutions
Ireland’s wastewater infrastructure plays a critical role in protecting public health and the environment. As investment continues in new treatment facilities and network upgrades, maintaining and protecting existing infrastructure remains an important priority.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than one billion litres of wastewater are treated every day at over 1,000 wastewater treatment plants across Ireland. However, the EPA has also highlighted the need for continued investment in treatment facilities and wastewater networks to address ageing infrastructure, improve environmental performance and meet regulatory requirements.
The EPA’s latest Urban Wastewater Treatment report notes that wastewater discharge continues to impact water quality in some rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters, demonstrating the importance of ongoing infrastructure investment and maintenance (Urban Wastewater Treatment in 2024 | Environmental Protection Agency).
Sika combines more than 100 years of experience in construction chemicals with a broad portfolio of products and system solutions used across infrastructure projects worldwide.By integrating repair, protection, waterproofing and sealing technologies, Sika provides solutions for both new construction and refurbishment projects within the water sector.
“Much of Ireland’s existing network and treatment facilities are ageing and require ongoing upgrading and maintenance. Population growth, urban expansion and increasingly stringent environmental regulations are placing greater demands on these assets. So, the combination of these challenges mean that ongoing investment is critical, not only in new treatment facilities to expand capacity, but also in the refurbishment, protection and maintenance of the existing assets,” says JR van Wyk, Business Development Manager – Residential & Infrastructure at Sika Ireland.
Does JR expect to see further investment from Government in the short-term? “The Government has already approved a €2 billion capital funding package for Irish Water this year to expand water and wastewater infrastructure. But we’re hopeful and optimistic that this investment will continue. I think it’s definitely needed and it’s basically a non-negotiable. It needs to happen just to keep the country pushing towards its goals.”
The improvements that are needed are wide-ranging, encompassing a combination of continued investments in new capacity and a stronger focus on maintaining and protecting existing assets.
“New treatment plants and network upgrades are essential to support population growth and meet environmental obligations, but many existing facilities can deliver reliable performance for decades if they are properly repaired, protected and maintained. So, a proactive asset management approach is really key.”
JR says the most common causes of deterioration in treatment plants are chemical attack, abrasion, erosion, water ingress and microbial induced corrosion, or MIC as it’s called in the industry. “Successful refurbishment requires not only repairing the damage, but also implementing long term protection measures to prevent it from occurring and extend the asset’s service life. Product selection and correct installation are important considerations in achieving the required performance.”
Regular condition assessments, timely refurbishment of ageing infrastructure and the use of durable and reliable products and systems are key. “By investing in preventative maintenance rather than waiting for critical failures, asset owners can improve operational reliability, enhance environmental compliance and maximise the value of existing infrastructure.”
Compliance to EU regulations is also playing a key role in this space. “Meeting the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive is a major challenge for Ireland’s water and wastewater sector. Stricter requirements for water quality, wastewater treatment and environmental protection mean that many existing facilities need to be upgraded and modernised. But this is an opportunity to stimulate the construction industry as it creates a need for greater investments in treatment plants, tanks, sewer networks and other water-retaining structures.” It also, says JR, increases the demand for durable and efficient solutions that improve plant performance, extend the asset’s life and supports long-term compliance with environmental regulations.
Protection and durability
Sika Ireland supplies a range of products for the repair, protection and waterproofing of water and wastewater infrastructure. “Whether it’s Sika MonoTop concrete repair systems, Sikagard protective coatings, Sika waterproofing membranes or the Sikadur-Combiflex SG joint sealing system, they’re all specialist systems designed to withstand harsh operating conditions, extend service life and reduce whole life maintenance costs of these water assets.”
The concrete infrastructure of wastewater systems faces a multitude of physical and chemical attacks that can compromise its longevity. Sikagard®-7000 CR stands out as a purpose-built solution to address these challenges and ensure maximum durability.
What differentiates Sika’s solutions is a combination of experience (operating for over a century), its proven technologies and the complete system solutions it can offer.
“By bringing together repair, protection, waterproofing and sealing expertise, we help asset owners maximise infrastructure durability, reduce maintenance costs and protect critical infrastructure for the long term. Our excellent global track record and well-known commitment to innovation have made Sika a trusted partner for the protection and refurbishment of water and wastewater infrastructure worldwide.”
Water is, says JR, the life essence of absolutely everything that exists on the planet. “It’s something that we need to look after and preserve as much as we can, whether it’s cutting leaks down to a minimum or making the processes as efficient as possible. At Sika, we help make that happen.”
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Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine
