The Government has approved Uisce Éireann to proceed with planning for the Eastern Midlands Water Supply Project. This work aims to secure water supply to nearly 50% of Ireland’s population through the Eastern and Midlands regions including the Greater Dublin Area.
The Water Forum has long called out the need to build resilience in the drinking water supply to the Greater Dublin region. The population of this region is increasing faster than other areas of the country, coupled with increasing economic development, resulting in increasing demands for drinking and wastewater services. Currently 85% of the water supply needed for the Dublin area comes from the River Liffey, equivalent to 40% of its flow. This results in very little spare capacity to meet increasing demand or supply shortages.
The Eastern Midlands Water Supply Project has now been approved by the Minister to go to An Bord Pleanála for planning permission in 2025. While Uisce Éireann gives no timeline for completion of the project is it likely to take up to 10 years. The 2022 census recorded a population increase of approximately 2% per year in the eastern midlands region. If such rates continue for the next 10 years the stress on water supplies will continue to increase, a situation potentially further exacerbated by increasing temperatures and drought owing to climate change impacts.
The Water Forum has recommended that the Government substantially increases its efforts to improve water conservation, i.e. using and wasting less water. This will require initiatives from education and communications to water efficiency measures (fittings and appliances) in all new builds as a way to reduce the growing pressure on water supply and wastewater services.
Dr Matt Crowe, Chairperson of the Water Forum stated: ‘A recent water consumer survey completed by the Water Forum showed that 74% of people supported water conservation measures but did not know how to go about it.’
Press release:
Water Forum Response to the Eastern Midland Water Supply project approval to go to planning.
