Ireland’s largest-ever water infrastructure scheme has reached a major milestone, with Uisce Éireann set to submit a planning application for the €6 billion Water Supply Project for the Eastern and Midlands Region.
The Strategic Infrastructure Development application, alongside a Compulsory Purchase Order request, will be lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála next week. The submission will include more than 500 technical and environmental documents, reflecting the scale and complexity of the once-in-a-generation project.
Addressing a Growing Water Supply Risk
The project is designed to tackle long-standing vulnerabilities in the Eastern and Midlands region, which currently relies heavily on a single water source to supply around 1.7 million people. When completed, the scheme will deliver a secure, resilient and climate-adapted drinking water supply to Dublin and surrounding counties, supporting population growth, housing delivery and economic development.
The infrastructure will directly serve Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow, while also creating a treated water “spine” across the country. This will allow for future connections to communities in Tipperary, Offaly and Westmeath, and enable existing water supplies to be redirected to counties including Louth, Carlow and parts of Wicklow, strengthening regional resilience.
Timeline, Investment and Economic Impact
Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to begin in 2028, with completion targeted within five years. The estimated project cost ranges from €4.58 billion to €5.96 billion, with Uisce Éireann stating the scheme is expected to deliver more than €10 in economic benefit for every €1 invested.
At peak construction, the project is forecast to employ over 1,000 workers, while generating significant demand for local suppliers and services. A bespoke Community Benefit Scheme is also planned, including a multi-million-euro Community Gain Investment Fund developed in collaboration with local authorities along the pipeline route.
Community Engagement and Environmental Safeguards
Extensive public consultation has already taken place, and Uisce Éireann will continue stakeholder engagement through dedicated Community Liaison and Landowner Liaison Officers. These teams will provide ongoing information and support to communities and landowners affected by construction and permanent infrastructure.
The project proposes to abstract water from the Parteen Basin on the Lower River Shannon, using a maximum of 2% of the long-term average flow. Water will be treated near Birdhill, County Tipperary, before being transported via a 170km pipeline through Tipperary, Offaly and Kildare to a terminal reservoir at Peamount in County Dublin, where it will connect to the Greater Dublin Area network.
Government and Utility Support
Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure Jack Chambers TD described the planning submission as a critical step in unlocking housing and supporting long-term development across the region.
Uisce Éireann’s Infrastructure Delivery Director Maria O’Dwyer said the project is essential to address a growing supply deficit, noting that water demand in the Greater Dublin Area is projected to rise by 34% by 2044. She confirmed that procurement engagement with contractors is ongoing to ensure rapid mobilisation once planning approval is secured.