Government approves Shannon pipeline to supply water to Dublin

A pipeline from the River Shannon to supply water to the Dublin area - described as "one of the largest and most important infrastructure projects in the history of the State" - was approved by the Cabinet today (Wednesday).

The multi-billion euro project would see water being extracted from the river at Parteen Basin, north of Limerick city, before being piped to the capital, passing through parts of Offaly and other counties along the way.

Uisce Eireann said today's approval of the project by Government means it can now proceed to the planning stage. It added that, when complete, the initiative had the capacity "to ensure secure sustainable water supplies for up to 50%" of the country's population.

It said communities in Offaly and North Westmeath were among those which could benefit from the new water supply.

"This essential project will provide Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow with a resilient, safe, secure water supply," stated Uisce Eireann.

It said the project would also "create a treated water supply 'spine' across the country with the capacity to serve communities along the route" in North Tipperary, Offaly, and North Westmeath.

Areas of Offaly which could tap into treated water from the pipeline were listed as Tullamore, Clonaslee, Edenderry, Rhode, Daingean, Walsh Island, Geashill and Dunkerrin/Moneygall.

Commenting after the Government decision, Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien said it was now hoped that a planning application for the project would be submitted to An Bord Pleanála in 2025.

"This marks an important first step in what is a multi-billion euro project which will ensure a sustainable water supply for our country both now and into the future.

"Not only that, but this project will enable much needed housing delivery. One of the key recommendations in the recently published Housing Commission report was to ‘take urgent action to ensure delivery of the critical Water Supply Project for the Eastern and Midlands Region' and with today's Cabinet approval we are doing just that and showing our commitment to this project and to the future generations," said the Minister.

Uisce Éireann CEO, Niall Gleeson added: "The Water Supply Project is critical for the future of our country.

"By delivering a secure, climate-proof supply of water for up to 50% of the State’s population it will facilitate increased demand for housing, enable sustainable economic growth and support competitiveness across the region.

"Crucially it will also help us meet the challenges of climate change by diversifying our water supplies to ensure safe, resilient water services for communities across the region, and reduce the vulnerability to drought and other extreme weather events."