Shannon Pipe to 'proceed to tender' but Uisce Éireann criticised for 'jumping the gun'

The proposed Shannon Pipeline has been called a 'waste of taxpayers' money' | Local Library

placeholder image — The proposed Shannon Pipeline has been called a 'waste of taxpayers' money' | Local Library

Uisce Éireann says the Pipe is essential to support housing and economic growth in Dublin

APPROVAL has been given for the Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region to proceed to the next stage under the Government’s Infrastructure Guidelines.

This project involves the development of a new source of drinking water with the capacity to supply up to 50% of Ireland’s population across the Eastern and Midlands region.

“It will be essential,” said an Uisce Éireann statement, “in order to support housing and economic growth across the region, including in the Dublin Area, in the decades to come.”

Following the lodging of a planning application in December, a Detailed Business Case for the project has now been approved by the Uisce Éireann board and in turn now noted by Government. “

This paves the way for the procurement and tendering process to progress in order to accelerate the delivery phase for the project.”

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said, “The Water Supply Project is a vital piece of infrastructure to unlock housing and facilitate growth in the Eastern and Midlands Region. Its delivery is critical to help us achieve the aims of Delivering Homes, Building Communities, our housing action plan. The project, along with Uisce Éireann’s other major infrastructure project, the Greater Dublin Drainage project, reflects significant Government investment in water infrastructure to support housing and development.”

However, Nenagh Councillor Seamus Morris was critical of the announcement. Cllr Morris said a planning application consisting of over 500 documents was only lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanala just last December, with detailed submissions also made by Tipperary County Council and other state bodies as well as by many concerned local groups and individuals. He said a decision on the project, which is estimated to cost up to 6 billion Euro, is not expected any time soon. “They’re trying to force the issue here. It’s a scandal to be honest with you.”