Water - MKO

Water

Our dedicated water team provides a wide range of services across the project lifecycle, supporting investigations, impact assessment, monitoring, feasibility studies, designs, construction, and operation.

We work in the fields of hydrogeology, environmental investigation, and monitoring. We have extensive experience in catchment and water resource management, fish passage improvement, river restoration and investigation, and remediation of contaminated sites, particularly where the aquatic environment has been affected. Working with specialists across MKO and our network of partnerships, we have over 20 years of experience supporting public and private sector clients in Ireland with best-in-class technical advice.

Experts in this field

Key contacts for our Water team

Michael Watson

Environmental Director

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Jon Hunt

Project Director, Water

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Henning Moe

Principal Hydrogeologist

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WATER Key Services

Comprehensive water services for effective project outcomes.

Hydrogeology

As we experience climate change, managing our water resources continues to be a critical challenge to society. We are a leader in groundwater assessment and management in Ireland. We apply our extensive groundwater knowledge to help develop new groundwater sources, protect existing sources, balance conflicting water needs, remedy groundwater contamination, meet water quality standards, and replenish aquifers. We also assess the impacts of project proposals on local groundwater resources and abstractions and propose appropriate mitigation, including guidance on licensing requirements. We have also prepared guidelines for the EPA on discharges to groundwater and investigated the impacts of climate change on groundwater resources for Geological Survey Ireland.

Environmental monitoring

Collecting and processing data from water flows, chemistry, occurrences, and interactions furthers the understanding of water in the environment. At MKO, we provide environmental water monitoring and compliance reporting for public and private sector clients across Ireland. These services include national programmes for groundwater, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and waste-licensed sites. We monitor industrial emissions licence sites and report on environmental and geotechnical issues, including structural stability at abandoned sites.

Barrier assessment and fish passage improvement

Removal or improvement of barriers to fish passage is among the key objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive. At MKO, we assess fish pass efficiency, plan dam or weir removal, develop fish passes to ensure or restore upstream fish passage at impassable barriers, and design fish-friendly hydraulic structures such as waterway crossings or flood retention basins. Our knowledge of Irish river and stream conditions allows us to align proposals with water resources legislation and work collaboratively with clients and key stakeholders.

Site investigations and waste classifications

The development of brownfield and greenfield sites requires an understanding of the surface and subsurface so that risks in development can be reduced. At MKO, we have designed and supervised site investigations for numerous sites nationally. Many of the site investigations require classification for reuse/disposal including, the collection of soil samples, waste material, and water that requires classification for reuse/disposal. We also conduct Phase 1 and Phase 2 assessments to support environmental due diligence and provide various supporting surveys and investigations.

Impact assessment (EIA, Habitats Directive and Water Framework Directive)

We prepare robust EIA, AA, and WFD Assessments taking account of the latest best practice as well as national and EU guidance. We work closely with our ecologist colleagues to ensure appropriate avoidance and mitigation measures are developed to improve project design.

Case Study

Selected Projects

01

Derrinlough Wind Farm

MKO secured planning permission for a wind farm development, on behalf of Bord na Móna Powergen Ltd at Derrinlough, Co Offaly.

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01

Barrigone Waste Management

MKO was the overall project manager responsible for preparing the EIAR and planning application.

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01

Finnegans Sand Quarry

MKO was commissioned by Finnegans Sand Ltd. to prepare a Planning and Environmental Report (PER), to accompany a planning application for an extension to the existing Finnegans Sand Quarry,

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01

Castlemore Quarry extension

MKO was commissioned by Roadstone to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) to accompany a planning application for a vertical extension to Castlemore Quarry, Co. Cork.

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