Uisce Éireann has published a submissions report on its Water Supply Project for the Eastern and Midlands Region following public consultation earlier this year.

The project is described as a once in a generation development and the first major new source of water supply for the region in more than 60 years. It is intended to secure a long-term and climate-resilient supply capable of supporting population growth and housing demand.

More than 120 submissions were received during the eight-week non-statutory consultation held in spring. The report summarises feedback on the project’s benefits, environmental considerations, proposed infrastructure and construction approach.

Six public information open days were held in Tipperary, Offaly and Kildare along with online webinars. Uisce Éireann said the process allowed stakeholders, landowners and members of the public to comment on the plans and that feedback has informed design and environmental reporting ahead of a planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála later this year.

The plan proposes abstracting up to 2 per cent of the long-term average flow from the Parteen Basin on the Lower River Shannon. Water would be treated near Birdhill, Co Tipperary before being transported through a 170km pipeline across Tipperary, Offaly and Kildare to a termination reservoir at Peamount in Co Dublin, where it would connect to the Greater Dublin Area network.

The project is expected to provide a more secure water supply for Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow and create a treated water supply corridor across the country that could facilitate future connections for local communities. It would also allow existing supplies currently used in Dublin to be reallocated to counties including Louth, Meath, Kildare, Carlow and Wicklow.

Gary Gibson, Senior Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann, said the region remains heavily dependent on the River Liffey, which currently supplies 1.7 million people. He said forecasts indicate that water demand will increase by 34 per cent by 2044.

“With a growing supply deficit and low resilience in the system, the current situation is not sustainable. The publication of this submissions report is another significant step in delivering essential infrastructure. We thank all stakeholders and communities who participated in the consultation. Their feedback has helped shape the next phase of the project,” he said.

The public consultation submissions report can be viewed here.