Utilizing an Urban-Regional Model (MOLAND) for Testing the Planning and Provision of Wastewater Treatment Capacity in the Dublin Region 2006–2026

Abstract

Ensuring adequate provision of waste water treatment facilities in a rapidly growing urban area is a complex task. This article analyses the key legislation and planning frameworks which underpin the provision of new treatment facilities in Ireland and the extension of existing facilities as well as the mechanisms for mobilizing investment therein. Using the MOLAND model, the spatial distribution of three population projections for the Greater Dublin Region are examined and how this will impact on planned future capacity and defined catchment areas in two specific cases is discussed.

Acknowledgements

The Urban Environment Project is generously sponsored by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency as part of the ERTDI programme, which is funded through the National Development Plan. 2005-CD-U1-M1 “Decision support tools for managing urban environment in Ireland”. All work undertaken on the MOLAND model, for the Greater Dublin Region is subject to the license conditions of the software developers, Research Institute Knowledge Systems b.v. (RIKS b.v.) and the data set owners, DG JRC under license no. JRC.BWL.30715. The authors would like to thank the Dublin and Mid East Regional Authorities, in particular Deirdre Scully and Walter Foley for their cooperation in providing data and the context for the waste water facility case study. Access to Central Statistics Office POWCAR and POWSAR datasets by kind permission of Central Statistics Office, Ireland.

Notes

1. Directorate General—Joint Research Centre (DG-JRC).

2. Population equivalent (P.E.), refers to the amount of oxygen-demanding substances whose oxygen consumption during biodegradation equals the average oxygen demand of the waste water produced by one person. For practical calculations, it is assumed that one unit equals 54 g of BOD (biological oxygen demand) per 24 h.