Wastewater infrastructure needed for up to 185,000 new homes takes major step forward

Uisce Éireann welcomes the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to grant a Wastewater Discharge Licence for the Greater Dublin Drainage Project, marking another major milestone in the delivery of one of Ireland's most important infrastructure projects.

It brings us closer to delivering the wastewater capacity needed for new homes, economic growth and thriving communities, while protecting public health and the environment. The licence is one of the final statutory approvals required for the project.

The Greater Dublin Drainage Project will provide the wastewater treatment capacity required to support growing communities across the Greater Dublin Area. It will help facilitate the delivery of new homes, schools, healthcare facilities, businesses and community amenities while ensuring wastewater is treated and returned safely to the environment. Once operational, the project will provide wastewater treatment capacity equivalent to half a million people living and working across the region.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said: "The Greater Dublin Drainage project is as critical as much as it is ambitious. 

“This project will enable us to drive on with the work set out in the housing action plan, underpinning the infrastructure for the delivery of tens of thousands of homes in the Greater Dublin area. 

“Today’s licence approval is an important milestone, of that there is no doubt. Uisce Éireann will move now to accelerate the delivery of this project.”

Commenting on the decision, Uisce Éireann's Director of Infrastructure Delivery, Maria O'Dwyer, said: “The EPA’s decision to grant the Wastewater Discharge Licence is an important step forward for the Greater Dublin Drainage Project. It reflects the extensive environmental assessment and planning behind the project. 

“This is essential infrastructure for communities across the Greater Dublin Area. It will provide the wastewater capacity needed to support up to 185,000 new homes, as well as schools, businesses and community amenities. It will also support economic growth and protect the environment for future generations.

“Today’s decision completes the project’s primary statutory consenting process. It brings us a significant step closer to delivering infrastructure that will support sustainable housing and growth across the region for decades to come.”

The project consists of a new regional wastewater treatment facility and sludge hub centre at Clonshaugh, an underground orbital sewer from Blanchardstown to Clonshaugh, a pumping station at Abbotstown and associated marine outfall infrastructure. 

We’re making good progress in the procurement process for the project, with preliminary construction works expected to commence before the end of 2026. We are continuing to work with all stakeholders to support the accelerated delivery of the project by 2031.

The Greater Dublin Drainage Project forms a key part of our long-term investment in wastewater services. It will help deliver reliable, resilient infrastructure for Dublin and the wider Greater Dublin Area, supporting communities and sustainable growth into the future.