The Recommended New Water Supply Option Announced
Monday 19th July 2010
Technical, environmental and economic studies (including extensive stakeholder consultations) have been underway since 2004 in relation to the development of a potential new water supply source for the Dublin Region (Water Supply Area). In total, 10 potential new water supply options were evaluated. A clear recommended option has now emerged from the detailed studies and consultations.
The recommended option (Option F – see Fig below) involves abstraction of water from Northern Lough Derg on the Shannon, pumping of raw water during high flow and flooding periods into large scale storage lakes in Bord Na Mona owned former / cutaway bogs in Co Offaly, treatment of water adjacent to the raw water storage lakes and pumping of treated water to the Dublin, Mid East & Midland Regions.
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The Water will be of benefit to at least 9 Counties ( 4 Dublin Counties, Meath/Wicklow/Kildare/ with strategic supply provision to Offally and Westmeath) to support balanced regional development (the principal purpose of the project is to provide security of water supplies and to sustain and grow jobs and the economy and particularly to afford growth opportunities to the Nationally important strategic industries relying on water to generate exported products).
The proposed storage area (at Garryhinch near Portarlington) envisages;
· A new (Midlands) water based eco park, built on cut away bog, of approx 500 acres, including a major storage reservoir. This proposed eco park is based on the UK Rutland water model. The Rutland site, operated by Anglian Water, now attracts 1 million visitors per year. It generates major local employment and hosts an internationally significant RAMSAR site for migrating birds. It also supports industry. Proposed amenities at the new storage site include fishing, boating, water and leisure sports and the overall concept builds on the work undertaken by Bord Na Mona at it’s Lough Boora developments.
The water storage lakes will contain a minimum 2 month’s average supply of water for the Dublin, Mid East & Midland Regions. Availability of this stored water enables abstractions of water (from Lough Derg) to be matched to flows into Lough Derg. The lakes will be filled during high flow periods and will be used during low flow periods to provide the required water supply volumes. In low flow periods abstractions can be minimised or ceased entirely if flow conditions warrant. Water levels in Lough Derg will not be affected by the water abstraction proposals. Environmental assessments to date have identified that the proposal is sustainable. The next stage of assessments (Environmental Impact Assessment – EIA), which is required for the planning process, will scope the proposed abstraction regime and associated raw water storage in greater detail. The EIA process will involve further stakeholder consultations.
To submit queries please contact us.
Read more information on the consultation process.