Uisce Éireann seeking permission for "once in a generation" project which will impact Louth

Uisce Éireann have submitted a planning application for the "largest-ever water project in Irish history". 

Water supply in the East and Midlands is currently under immense pressure as it relies on a single source to supply 1.7 million people. 

The project will provide Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow with a secure water supply. 

Crucially, it will open enable supplies currently serving Dublin to be redirected to Louth, as well as Carlow. 

Uisce Éireann proposes that construction will start in 2028, with completion in five years. 

The estimated budget for the project is between €4.58 billion to €5.96 billion.

The project will aim to bring treated water from the Parteen Basin, on the River Shannon, to Peamount in Dublin. 

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Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure, Jack Chambers said the submission of the application is a "major milestone that will unlock housing in the Eastern and Midlands Region".  

"This project is a vital piece of infrastructure to support Ireland's development,  not alone in the delivery of new homes for young people, families and workers in our economy, but to sustain businesses and communities," he said. 

Maria O'Dwyer, Infrastructure Delivery Director at Uisce Éireann said the need for the project is clear. 

"The growing water supply deficit and lack of supply resilience in the Eastern & Midlands Region is simply not sustainable," she said.