Vartry Water Treatment Plant – GRP Access Systems
Water treatment – GRP access infrastructure
This project involved the supply and installation of GRP walk-on odour control covers for a sludge tank at Strongford Sewage Treatment Works in Stoke-on-Trent, delivered for Severn Trent Water.
Project Overview
- Industry: Water Treatment
- Location: Vartry Reservoir, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
- End Client: Irish Water
- Project Scope: New water treatment plant access infrastructure
The project required the provision of GRP access systems to support safe movement across multiple operational areas within a new water treatment facility. The access infrastructure was designed to suit the site layout and the environmental demands associated with water treatment operations.
Project Requirements
The water treatment environment presented requirements for access systems capable of performing reliably in wet and operationally demanding conditions. Key requirements included:
- Safe access across elevated and ground-level plant areas
- Defined load ratings for walkways, platforms, and handrails
- Long-term resistance to corrosion and moisture
- Slip-resistant walking surfaces
- Modular systems compatible with the overall plant design
All access systems were required to comply with Irish Water safety and performance standards.
Installed GRP Solution
PJNC supplied a coordinated range of GRP access components across the facility, including:
- 850 m² of solid GRP decking
- 750 m of GRP handrail
- 12 GRP access ladders
- 11 GRP staircases
- 12 GRP platforms
The systems were configured to provide consistent access performance across multiple areas of the treatment plant.
Technical & Design Requirements
The GRP access systems were designed to meet the following technical criteria:
- Decking and platforms: load rated to 5 kN/m²
- Handrails: load rated to 0.74 kN/m
- Slip-resistant surfaces suitable for wet environmentsC
- orrosion-resistant materials appropriate for water treatment exposure
- Structural stability across stairs, walkways, platforms, and ladders
These requirements ensured compliance across all access routes within the facility.
Installation & Delivery
GRP components were delivered to site in prefabricated sections to support efficient handling and assembly. Modular construction allowed installation to be coordinated alongside other plant works, supporting safe sequencing and reducing on-site disruption.
Outcome & In-Service Performance
The completed GRP access systems now provide safe and durable access throughout the Vartry Water Treatment Plant. The non-corrosive construction supports long-term performance in a high-moisture environment, while defined load ratings and slip-resistant surfaces support ongoing operational use with minimal maintenance.
Project Gallery
Project Enquiries & Technical Discussion
If you have a similar requirement within a water treatment or process environment, PJNC can support early-stage design, load assessment, and access system configuration to suit your application.
Reference this project where relevant when submitting your enquiry to assist our technical team.