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Date 21st November 2008: The public and all interested groups are being asked for their views on 10 possible options for supplying the Dublin Region with water from a new source.

By 2016 the Dublin Region, which includes parts of Meath, Kildare and Wicklow will begin to need supplies from a new water source, due to anticipated growth in population in these areas.

The options include taking water from Lough Ree or a combination of Lough Ree and Lough Derg, storing excess water in winter from Lough Ree and/or Lough Derg for use during dry spells, as well as taking water from Parteen Basin on the River Shannon. Building a desalination plant, using groundwater and taking water from a combination of the Liffey and Barrow rivers are also being considered. Full details are on www.watersupplyproject-dublinregion.ie. People have a full three months until Friday 27th February 2009 to give their views.

Some of the options are emerging as having capacity limitations and / or significant environmental constraints.

Tom Leahy, Executive Manager, Dublin City Council, says: “Our research tells us we need to get a new water source in place within the next eight years, so it’s vital that we are starting now to put plans in place to boost existing water supplies”.

"The development of a water supply plan is still in its early days and this is why we want input from the public and all stakeholder groups on what they think of these 10 initial proposals. Not all the 10 options will be workable and it’s essential we hear what people think, before four or five viable options are shortlisted for more detailed study in 2009.

A statutory process, called Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), is being carried out in relation to the water supply plan as part of the overall detailed studies being undertaken by consultants. This statutory SEA process is being carried out by Dublin City Council on behalf of the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government.

The SEA process includes formal public consultation. The publication of the 10 possible options are part of this public consultation. Following feedback from the public, the 10 options will be ranked. More detailed work will then be done on the most viable options.

After this a preferred source will be identified, which will, in time, be brought forward into the statutory planning process. The selection of a preferred option is not due until late 2009.

Nothing is decided at this stage. The studies and modelling which have been carried out involve a comprehensive examination of all options. A robust and sustainable solution is required to resolve this impending water supply problem as it is clearly unacceptable that half the population of the Country should have their water supplies put at risk.