Irish government approves next stage in €6bn water supply project for Dublin

The Irish cabinet has approved the next stage of the €6bn project to pipe water 170km from the River Shannon, to safeguard supplies to the greater Dublin region which is currently dependent on the River Liffey.

This means Uisce Éireann (Irish Water) can now apply for planning permission for one of the largest infrastructure projects yet considered in the state. An application is expected next year.

A maximum of 2% of the average flow of the Shannon is due to be extracted, with treated water piped to a termination point reservoir at Peamount in Co. Dublin.