Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
294. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the Government's policy regarding finding a solution to Dublin's future water requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19579/23]
View answerSince 1 January 2014, Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. Uisce Éireann takes a strategic, nationwide approach to asset planning and investment, and meeting customer requirements. The prioritisation and progression of individual projects is a matter for determination by Uisce Éireann.
Uisce Éireann is progressing a strategic national project to help meet the long-term future water supply needs of the Greater Dublin Area. The preferred scheme involves an abstraction of water from the lower River Shannon at Parteen Basin in Co. Tipperary, with water treatment nearby at Birdhill. Treated water will then be piped 170km to a termination point reservoir in County Dublin, connecting into the Greater Dublin Area. Uisce Éireann has prepared the Preliminary Business Case (PBC) as prescribed by the Public Spending Code. The PBC will also undergo a rigorous review process including independent external assurance process carried out by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). Government consent to the PBC for the project will fall to be considered following the completion of the CRU external assurance process in late 2023/early 2024.
