Uisce Éireann announced last week that the regions are overly reliant on water from the River Liffey. The new project, described as one of the largest and most significant infrastructure undertakings in the State’s history, involves constructing a pipeline from the River Shannon to a reservoir in Peamount, Dublin.

With Cabinet approval under the Infrastructure Guidelines, the project can now move to the planning phase. It will provide a reliable, secure water supply for Dublin, Meath, Kildare, and Wicklow, and a 170km treated ‘spine’ will benefit areas like Tullamore, Mullingar, Borrisokane, and Moneygall.

Uisce Éireann estimates that by 2044, the Midlands and Eastern regions will require 34% more water. The project aims to ensure sustainable water supplies for half the population through 2050 and beyond.

Planning permission is expected to be submitted to An Bórd Pleánala next year, with construction anticipated to take 4 to 5 years.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, emphasized the project’s importance for housing development:

“One of the key recommendations in the recently published Housing Commission report was to ‘take urgent action to ensure delivery of the critical Water Supply Project for the Eastern and Midlands Region.’ Today’s Cabinet approval demonstrates our commitment to this project and to future generations.”

Uisce Éireann CEO Niall Gleeson highlighted the project’s critical role in the country’s future:

“By providing a secure, climate-proof water supply for up to 50% of the State’s population, it will support increased housing demand, enable sustainable economic growth, and enhance competitiveness across the region. Importantly, it will help us address climate change challenges by diversifying our water sources, ensuring safe, resilient water services for communities, and reducing vulnerability to drought and extreme weather events.”

The Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region plans to abstract up to 2% of the average flow of the River Shannon at Parteen Basin, downstream of Lough Derg. The treated water will be piped 170km through Tipperary, Offaly, and Kildare to a reservoir at Peamount in County Dublin, integrating into the Greater Dublin network.