Planning bid published for Shannon pipeline through Offaly to Dublin

A planning application is due to be lodged next week for one of the largest infrastructure projects in the history of the State - a proposed 170-kilometre pipeline to supply water from the River Shannon, through Tipperary, Offaly, and Kildare, to the wider Dublin area.

In today's Offaly Independent, Uisce Éireann published a two-page planning notice outlining its intention to apply for permission to An Coimisiún Pleanála in relation to the proposed Strategic Infrastructure Development known as 'Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region'.

The proposed multi-billion euro project would consist of a 1600mm diameter underground steel pipeline which would extend in "a generally northeastern direction" from the Shannon's Parteen Basin through counties Tipperary, Offaly, Kildare and Dublin.

The Strategic Infrastructure Development planning application and Compulsory Purchase Order application for what will be the largest water project in Irish history will consist of more than 500 separate documents.

Uisce Éireann said that, if planning permission is granted, it proposes to start construction in 2028, with completion within five years, at an estimated cost of between €4.58 billion and €5.96 billion.

"When delivered, this once-in-a-generation project will ensure a sustainable, secure and resilient supply of drinking water to the Greater Dublin Area and wider Eastern and Midlands region, necessary to support our growing population and economy, including the increased demand for housing," said Uisce Éireann.

It added that the project "has capacity to address supply water needs for up to 50% of the State's population".

In addition to the pipeline passing through Offaly, some of the infrastructure associated with the project would also be based in the county. There's a proposal to construct a 2,160 square metre booster pumping station on 2.6 hectare site at Coagh Upper, Birr.

Four "potential future connection points" are included in the plans, two of which are in Offaly, at Killananny, and Ballyhugh or Springfield.

In addition, eight temporary construction compounds are being proposed along the pipeline's route, including a 15.6 hectare compound at Killananny in Offaly.

The county would also have six temporary pipe storage depots associated with the project - these would be based in the townlands of Toora, Boveen, Fortel, Derrinboy, Derryweelan and Rathlumber.

A long list of Offaly townlands through which the pipeline would pass is included in the planning notice, and reproduced at the bottom of this article.

A decision to proceed with the water extraction project was approved by the Government in June 2024. Minister Darragh O'Brien said at that stage it was hoped a planning application for the project would be submitted in 2025 - and that target looks set to be reached just before the year draws to an end.

The planning application, Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement for the project are to be made available for inspection at a number of locations, including the offices of Offaly County Council in Tullamore, from January 6 to February 25, 2026.

The application is also due to be made available on a dedicated project website at: www.watersupplyproject.ie.

Public submissions on the plans can be made to An Coimisiún Pleanála up until a deadline of 5.30pm on February 25 next.

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers said: "The submission of this planning application for the Water Supply Project to An Coimisiún Pleanála 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 right through the Midlands and Eastern region of our country."

Speaking about the project, Maria O’Dwyer, Infrastructure Delivery Director at Uisce Éireann said, "It is estimated that 34% more water will be needed by 2044 in the Greater Dublin Area. This project is critical to enable us to support housing delivery and is backed by the Government’s continued funding commitment.

"Over the coming months we will continue to engage with potential contractors and progress the procurement process so that, subject to the planning approval, works can be mobilised as quickly and efficiently as possible."

The Offaly townlands through which the water pipeline would pass are listed by Uisce Eireann as follows: Toora, Derrinclare, Cangort Park, Ballaghboy, Kilmurryely, Galbally, Tonagh, Curralanty, Tubbrid, Boveen, Clonoghil Upper, Rath More, Clonoghil Lower, Gorteenafoly or Newhall, Cree, Kilcolman, Ballyatty, Clonbeg, Clonbrone, Nadneagh, Killeenbreaghan, Fortel, Killaun, Castletown, Ballinree, Oakleypark, Kilmaine, Killyon, Rathgibbon South, Rathgibbon North, Killinure, Streamstown, Breaghmore, Coagh Lower, Cloghanmore, Coagh Upper, Ballyroe, Pass, Kiltubbrid Island, Money, Laughil, Derrinboy, Coolfin Glebe, Killeen and Lugnaboley, Knockhill and Drinagh, Ballindrinnan, Ballynacarrig, Derries, Gortacur, Clonshannagh, Rathrobin, Clondonnell Glebe, Killananny, Annaghmore, Gorteen, Killeigh, Ballinvally, Millbrook, Finter, Raheenduff, Cloncoher, Killellery, Curragh, Derryweelan, Lugmore, Alderborough, Ballyduff South, Dalgan, Clonad, Rathfeston, Island, Gorteenkeel, Clonarrow or Riverlyons, Killoneen, Esker Beg, Drumcaw or Mountlucas, Ballyhugh or Springfield, Ballycon, Newtown, Esker More, Rathlumber, Rathvilla or Rathclonbrackan Ballinrath, Ballykilleen, Ballynakill, Kilcumber, Shean, Cloncant, Cushaling and Codd Co. Offaly.