Alan Kelly
Question:322. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he supports the full construction of the Shannon-Dublin pipeline by Uisce Éireann. [44930/23]
View answerTuesday, 17 October 2023
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The Water Supply Project is a strategic national project, included in the National Development Plan, to help meet the long-term water supply requirements for the Eastern and Midlands region. The preferred scheme for the project involves the abstraction of water from the lower River Shannon at Parteen Basin in County Tipperary. The abstracted water will be treated at a new water treatment plant and pumped via a new water pipeline to Dublin and other potential supply locations across the Eastern and Midlands region.
The Water Supply Project – Eastern and Midlands is at the Preliminary Business Case Stage of the Public Spending Code. The Preliminary Business Case incorporates detailed options appraisal and assessments of risk along with the proposed approach to implementation of the proposal.
In addition to its role as economic regulator of Uisce Éireann, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities is carrying out an external assurance review of the Water Supply Project – Eastern and Midlands Region Preliminary Business Case under the Public Spending Code and will issue guidance to my Department shortly.
Under the Public Spending Code, major infrastructure projects must have their Preliminary Business Case reviewed by the Major Project Advisory Group (MPAG) established by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. Following the MPAG review, the Water Supply Project Preliminary Business Case will be considered by Government in late 2023/early 2024.