Uisce Éireann has submitted the planning application for the largest-ever water project in Irish history – the Water Supply Project Eastern & Midlands Region has a projected value of between €4.58 billion to €5.96 billion.

The Strategic Infrastructure Development planning application and Compulsory Purchase Order application for the Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region has now been submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála. The planning application will consist of over 500 separate documents.

Water supply in the Eastern and Midlands region faces major challenges, notably the over-reliance on a single source to supply 1.7 million people. When delivered, te once-in-a-generation project will ensure a sustainable, secure and resilient supply of drinking water to the Greater Dublin Area and wider Eastern and Midlands region. It will also enable the water company to adapt to the effects of climate change by diversifying its water supply sources.

The essential project will provide Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow with a resilient, safe, secure water supply. It will also create a treated water supply ‘spine’ across the country, providing infrastructure with the capacity for future offtakes to serve communities along the route in Tipperary, Offaly, and Westmeath. In addition, the project will enable supplies currently serving Dublin to be redirected back to Louth, Meath, Kildare, Carlow and Wicklow, providing security of supply to homes and businesses, which will support growth and promote regional development.

The Water Supply Project proposes to draw water from Parteen Basin, upstream of Parteen Weir on the Lower River Shannon, utilising a maximum of 2% of the long-term average flow at Parteen Basin. It is proposed that the water will be treated near Birdhill, Co Tipperary and treated water will then be piped 170km through counties Tipperary, Offaly and Kildare to a termination point reservoir at Peamount in County Dublin, connecting into the Greater Dublin Area water distribution network.

Image: Water Supply Project Map

Subject to a successful planning application, Uisce Éireann proposes to start construction in 2028, with completion within five years, with a budget estimate of between €4.58 billion and €5.96 billion. Based on the cost estimate, Uisce Éireann say the project can deliver in excess of €10 for every €1 of project costs, representing a positive investment for the State.

At peak construction, the project will employ more than 1,000 people directly, with a significant associated spend on local supplier goods and services. Uisce Éireann is proposing a bespoke Community Benefit Scheme as part of the Water Supply Project, to support communities that will host construction activities and permanent infrastructure.

Speaking about the project, Maria O’Dwyer, Infrastructure Delivery Director at Uisce Éireann said:

“The need is clear - the growing water supply deficit and lack of supply resilience in the Eastern & Midlands Region is simply not sustainable. It is estimated that 34% more water will be needed by 2044 in the Greater Dublin Area. This project is critical to enable us to support housing delivery and is backed by the Government’s continued funding commitment. Over the coming months we will continue to engage with potential contractors and progress the procurement process so that, subject to the planning approval, works can be mobilised as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, commented:

“The submission of this planning application for the Water Supply Project to An Coimisiún Pleanála is a major milestone that will unlock housing in the Eastern and Midlands Region. This project is a vital piece of infrastructure to support Ireland’s development, not alone in the delivery of new homes for young people, families and workers in our economy, but to sustain businesses and communities right through the Midlands and Eastern region of our country.”