UISCE ÉIREANN IS going to submit a planning application next week for the largest-ever water project in Irish history.

The project aims to provide Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow with a “resilient, safe, secure water supply” through a 170km pipeline.

Currently, the River Liffey supplies 85% of the water requirements for the Greater Dublin Area.

Uisce Éireann said this dependence on the Liffey results in a “serious vulnerability to risks such as prolonged drought or contamination”.

Meanwhile, Uisce Éireann’s forecasts show that, because of economic growth, population growth and the impact of climate change, the Greater Dublin Area will need 34% more water by 2044 than is available today.

If the planning application is successful, Uisce Éireann proposes to start construction in 2028, with completion within five years.

The project is now estimated to cost between €4.58 billion and €5.96 billion.

A map of the proposed pipeline

Councillors, as well as farmers and landowners along the route raised objections, but Uisce Éireann has since agreed to pay affected locals on average €100,000 each in compensation.

Uisce Éireann also committed to providing millions in funding for community benefit schemes to support communities affected by the construction.

At the peak of construction, 1,000 people will be working on the project.

The pipeline will abstract a maximum of 2% of the average flow of the River Shannon at Parteen Basin.

This water will be treated near Birdhill, Co Tipperary and then sent 170km through pipes in counties Tipperary, Offaly and Kildare to a termination point reservoir at Peamount in Co Dublin, connecting into the Greater Dublin Area water distribution network. 

Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure Jack Chambers TD, said the submission of the planning application is a “major milestone” that will help “unlock housing” in the east and midlands.

“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,” he said.

Speaking about the project, Maria O’Dwyer, Infrastructure Delivery Director at Uisce Éireann said the project will play a critical role in housing delivery long-term. They hope to start construction “as quickly and efficiently as possible”.