Construction On The Greater Dublin Drainage Project Gets Green Light

Uisce Eireann’s Greater Dublin Drainage Project has recieved the green light to proceed to construction.

An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted approval for the project which will service North Dublin and parts of both Meath and Kildare.

It'll provide wastewater treatment for the equivalent of half a million people living and working across the Greater Dublin Area, with Uisce Éireann’s Infrastructure Delivery Director Maria O'Dwyer saying:

"The delivery of the Greater Dublin Drainage Project is a key part of Uisce Éireann's investment in new wastewater infrastructure in Greater Dublin and will facilitate housing and growth, protect public health into the future."

“The Greater Dublin Drainage Project was first submitted for planning in 2018 and since that time, population and economic growth means the volume of wastewater we are producing has continued to grow, so the delivery of this critical infrastructure project is more important than ever."

"Current projections are that the amount of wastewater generated in the Greater Dublin Area including parts of Wicklow, Kildare and Meath will increase by over 50% in the period to 2050."

"The delivery of this essential project on the northside of Dublin in addition to the upgrade to the Ringsend Treatment Plant on the southside of the City (to be complete by the end of this year) will provide the capacity and resilience to support economic and social development for many years to come."

The Greater Dublin Drainage Project consists of:

• a new regional wastewater treatment facility and sludge hub centre on a 30-hectare site at Clonshagh
• an underground orbital sewer from Blanchardstown to Clonshagh
• an outfall pipe to return the treated wastewater to discharge point six kilometres out to sea.

This project is set to increase the development potential of Dublin and parts of the surrounding counties by providing new infrastructure that will alleviate pressure within the existing wastewater network.

Uisce Éireann is reviewing the grant of permissions and attached conditions.

The next phase of work involves completing the remaining pre-construction statutory processes and progressing the procurement of contractors to construct the project.

Given the scale and complexity of the project, Uisce Éireann anticipates construction works will extend over a 4-year period.