Planning bid for €5 billion Shannon pipeline to Dublin

A planning application is due to be lodged next week for one of the largest infrastructure projects in the history of the State - a proposed 170-kilometre pipeline to supply water from the River Shannon, through Tipperary, Offaly, and Kildare, to the wider Dublin area.

Today (Friday) Uisce Éireann published a two-page newspaper planning notice outlining its intention to apply for permission to An Coimisiún Pleanála in relation to the proposed Strategic Infrastructure Development known as 'Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region'.

The proposed multi-billion euro project would consist of a 1600mm diameter underground steel pipeline which would extend in "a generally northeastern direction" from the Shannon's Parteen Basin through counties Tipperary, Offaly, Kildare and Dublin.

The Strategic Infrastructure Development planning application and Compulsory Purchase Order application for what will be the largest water project in Irish history will consist of more than 500 separate documents.

Uisce Éireann said that, if planning permission is granted, it proposes to start construction in 2028, with completion within five years, at an estimated cost of between €4.58 billion and €5.96 billion.

"When delivered, this 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, necessary to support our growing population and economy, including the increased demand for housing," said Uisce Éireann.

It added that the project "has capacity to address supply water needs for up to 50% of the State's population".

The counties that are to be supplied with water from the new pipeline are Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow, with Uisce Éireann stating that there's "capacity for future offtakes to serve communities along the route in Tipperary, Offaly, and Westmeath".

It was previously indicated that if a Westmeath supply is provided from the pipeline at a later stage it will be for the north of the county, rather than for the Athlone area.

The planning application, Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement for the project are to be made available on a project website at: www.watersupplyproject.ie.

Public submissions on the plans can be made to An Coimisiún Pleanála up until 5.30pm on February 25 next.