Reforms in how big infrastructure projects are delivered should speed up two “critical” water schemes, according to Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure Jack Chambers.
A meeting of the Cabinet subcommittee on infrastructure discussed two projects – the plan to build a pipeline from the river Shannon to supply water to Dublin and the Midlands, and the Greater Dublin Drainage Project – on Monday. Both projects are seen as important for future housing development.
The Irish Times understands there was discussion at the meeting around accelerating the timelines of both schemes amid concern that costs rise when there is a delay in projects going to tender.
Judicial review proceedings had held up the long-planned drainage project in Dublin – which involves the construction of a wastewater facility – but it is now progressing after the legal action was resolved late last year. The cost is estimated at between €1.9 billion and €2.3 billion.
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Uisce Éireann’s plan to extract water from the river Shannon – called the Water Supply Project Eastern and Midland Region – is estimated to cost between €4.6 billion and as much as €10 billion in a worst-case scenario.
Plans for the 170km pipeline, first proposed two decades ago, were lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála in December. Uisce Éireann said that if planning permission is received without delay, construction will begin in 2028 and take five years to complete.
Some community groups near the Shannon are against the plans for a pipeline to supply the east of the country, amid concern it will damage water flow and pose an ecological risk to the river.
Chambers said on Wednesday that forthcoming legislation “will help accelerate delivery of these critical projects”. He plans to bring the legislation – the Critical Infrastructure Bill – to Cabinet next month.
He said the Bill prioritises decision-making around particular projects.
Chambers also mentioned separate legislation aimed at mitigating the risk of judicial reviews. He said the cumulative effect of the reforms “should speed delivery for these projects”.
Chambers was speaking at a press conference on the establishment of a new Infrastructure Regulatory Simplification Unit in his department, aimed at tackling overlapping and unduly complex regulatory frameworks.
RTÉ reported on Wednesday that Clare and Tipperary county councils are making submissions on the planning application for the project that are expected to outline opposition to the proposed pipeline. Limerick City and County Council has yet to decide whether it will make a submission to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
Responding to the report, Chambers said: “It’s extremely disappointing to see local authorities take very parochial interest in such a project ... If this project is stopped, it’s going to slow economic growth into the 2030s and will seriously harm housing supply.”
A Clare County Council statement on Wednesday evening said the local authority is preparing a chief executive report to be submitted to the planning commission in respect of the water supply project application. It said: “This report will set out the views of the Planning Authority on any effects of the proposed development on the environment and the proper planning and sustainable development relevant to Co Clare.”
The report is to go before next month’s meeting of the council, when “councillors will by resolution have the opportunity to attach recommendations and these will be sent to the Commission together with the chief executive report”. It is understood this process will allow councillors with concerns about the project an opportunity to raise objections.
