During a recent research trip to Waterford city, we were able to film a two-man crew operating a Johnston C401 mid-sized road sweeper on Slievekeale Road. First invented in 1846 in Manchester, England, the mechanised road sweeper has evolved from a simple mechanical device into the state-of-the-art machine, part of a fleet operated by Waterford City & County Council.
GREAT MANURE CRISIS
In the mid 1800s as cities across the world expanded, what began as a simple operation and a frequent sight—of typically a single man with a hand-cart or a donkey and cart, clearing litter and animal dung from the streets—marked the beginning of organised street sweeping. At the time, street waste posed a serious public health risk. In fact, just a few years earlier, in 1894, London faced the infamous ‘Great Manure Crisis,’ as the waste produced by over 50,000 horses overwhelmed sanitation services, prompting grave concerns about urban health and the city’s future.
MECHANICAL SOLUTIONS
As horse populations grew across Ireland and Britain, the need for efficient street cleaning became critical. In response, inventors began developing mechanical solutions. In 1843, Manchester engineer Joseph Whitworth introduced one of the first mechanical street sweepers. His design featured a large rotating drum fitted with stiff wire bristles, which swept debris onto a conveyor system that lifted it into an onboard storage container—an early innovation in mechanised street cleaning.
Further advancements emerged in the United States, where the first self-propelled street sweeper—powered by a steam engine and designed to clean railway tracks—was patented in 1868. In 1879, Eureka C. Bowne became the first known woman to patent a street sweeper, incorporating mechanical components designed to improve efficiency and collection (Patent No. 222447).
WATERFORD COUNCIL
The Local Government (Ireland) Act of 1898 effectively shifted local governance from the Irish autocracy to elected councillors. Among the earliest duties assumed by the newly established county, rural district, and urban district councils was the formalisation of road cleaning in towns and suburbs across the country.
The first county council elections in Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city were held on April 6th 1899. Following the Local Government Reform Act, Waterford City and County Council was formed in 2014 through the merger of the city and county councils.
ENVIRONMENTAL SECTION FLEET
Brian Murray, Environment Department Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, explained the structure of street cleaning across the region, “While the Council operates as a single organisation, the Environment Section is responsible for the three main urban centres—Waterford City, Tramore, and Dungarvan. Street cleaning in the wider county is managed by the Roads crews, who handle all operational aspects outside these urban areas.”
The Environment Section of Waterford City and County Council manages street cleansing in the city centre, using four road sweepers of varying sizes to clean roads and footpaths. Activity increases in winter due to leaf fall and storm debris. The team also operates a truck-mounted power washer for footpaths, two bin trucks for public litter bins, and several 3.5-tonne trucks for illegal dumping and related waste issues.
The Environment Section’s outer city cleansing team covers areas between the inner and outer ring roads, including main roads and large housing estates. They operate two road sweepers, with activity increasing during winter due to storms and leaf fall. A grab lorry and a tractor with trailer are used for removing large items of illegal dumping. Both the inner and outer city crews also support major events like the Spraoi Street Festival and Winterval. The Council’s fleet is managed by the Machinery Yard in Dungarvan.
Tramore and Dungarvan have similar, smaller-scale setups to Waterford City. Crews in both towns also maintain presentation of the towns through grass cutting, planting, and related tasks.
Brian also told us the inner-city cleansing team currently uses a Johnston C401 mid-size sweeper, that we filmed on Slievekeale Road, which is set to be replaced by a new hire model soon. A similar sweeper is also expected for Dungarvan. The team also uses a small footpath sweeper and two compact sweepers. For the outer city, two large Johnston VT 650 sweepers are used on main roads and housing estates.
JOHNSTON C401
A long way from the traditional broom and dust cart, the Johnston C401 mid-sized sweeper—represents a modern, high-efficiency low carbon approach to street cleaning.
Renowned for its low carbon footprint, the C401 is a compact road sweeper featuring an FPT Euro 6 engine that adjusts power and engine revs to demand, cutting fuel costs and emissions. An innovative torque management system optimises the power of the turbocharged diesel Iveco engine power, reducing fuel use and emissions.
The stainless steel hopper is paired with a high-capacity, mesh-protected fan for maximum airflow. A heavy-duty suction system supports payloads up to 5,000kg, with a 10,500kg GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass), and features a patented 4-wheel steer system for excellent manoeuvrability.
Its JVM screen system provides real-time data on engine speed, temperature, sweeping hours, and distance, along with diagnostic fault detection. The machine is designed with operator comfort and well-being in mind, featuring an air-suspension seat with lumbar support, cruise control, heated and tinted windscreen, in-cab heating, radio/MP3 player, optional air conditioning, and an adjustable soft-feel steering wheel.
To maximise operator efficiency, it also includes clear glass floor panels for improved visibility, full automotive suspension, power-assisted steering, and a third seat for additional crew members.
ONGOING EQUIPMENT INVESTMENT
Demonstrating their ongoing commitment to maintaining a clean city, the Environment Department continues to invest in the latest low-emission cleansing vehicle technology. As part of this strategy, they will soon take delivery of a state-of-the-art, Swiss-made BUCHER Municipal road sweeper from the CityCat V20 range, offering a 4–5m³ capacity.
If you have a story to share, please email Kevin Reid [email protected]
Waterford City & County Council
Sources of Information and Photo Credits:
Billy Penn Newsletter
Brisk UK
Bucher Municipal AG
Eolas Magazine
Irish Legal Blo
Johnston Sweepers Surrey UK
National Library of Ireland Collection
Schwarze Industries LLC
Waterford County Council
