Shannon To Dublin Pipeline Get Government Green Light

One of the biggest construction projects in the history of Ireland has received government backing, with the cabinet approving the planned Shannon to Dublin pipeline.

Under the plans, Uisce Eirann will be able to apply for planning permission next year to push ahead with the scheme, which is estimated will cost €6 billion. The scheme will see two per cent of the Shannon’s water being extracted and diverted towards the capital region.

Uisce Eireann said the pipeline would offer “the capacity to ensure secure sustainable water supplies for up to 50 per cent of the population”, with the project being seen as vital to meet the water needs of the growing population in and around Dublin.

However, not everybody is happy with the project, with the Irish Times reporting that some farmers are unhappy with the proposed route.

However, speaking to the Irish Independent, the chief executive of Uisce Eireann said most landowners willingly let the organisation onto their land and were cooperative, while asset strategy manager Angela Ryan stated that the pipeline will be buried at least 1.2 metres deep, so agricultural work can resume on the 500 farms that will be crossed by it.

If the plan does get permission, digger dealers will be getting lots of orders as excavation work takes place to create the channel for the 170 KM pipeline, which will reach a termination point reservoir at Peamount, west of Dublin.

The pipeline would not be the only construction work involved, as it would be the main spine from which further pipes would take new supplies to several towns and cities, from Drogheda to Carlow.

Commenting on the project, housing minister Darragh O’Brien said: “This marks an important first step in what is a multibillion euro project which will ensure a sustainable water supply for our country both now and into the future.”