A major infrastructure initiative aimed at safeguarding the Greater Dublin Area’s water supply could cost up to €10 billion, with estimates ranging from €3.3 billion to €10.4 billion, according to recent risk analysis.
The ambitious plan proposes a 170-kilometre pipeline transporting treated water from the lower River Shannon at Parteen Basin in County Tipperary to Peamount in Dublin.
The project, under consideration for years, is a response to growing concerns over long-term water shortages in the region.
Increased demand driven by population growth, urbanization, and climate-related factors has placed significant pressure on Dublin’s existing water infrastructure. The proposed pipeline aims to provide a sustainable solution capable of meeting the needs of nearly half of Ireland’s population.
However, the financial implications of the project have sparked significant debate. Initial estimates of €3.3 billion have ballooned due to risks highlighted in correspondence between the Department of Housing and the Public Accounts Committee.
The plan has faced opposition from environmental advocates and local communities along the proposed route. Critics have raised concerns about the ecological impact on the River Shannon and nearby habitats, questioning whether alternative solutions might be more sustainable and cost-effective.
Public consultation on the project is currently underway, offering stakeholders an opportunity to voice their opinions. The feedback gathered will inform the next stages of planning and decision-making. Meanwhile, the Department of Housing has said that the pipeline represents a long-term strategy to address water security challenges over the next 50 years.
