Breaking Planning granted for Greater Dublin Drainage Project
Uisce Éireann said it had received the green light for the Greater Dublin Drainage Project from An Coimisiún Pleanála, formerly An Bord Pleanála.
The scheme services north Dublin and parts of Meath and Kildare and will provide wastewater treatment for half a million people.
While the project has received planning, there is an eight-week window during which objectors can take a judicial review.
The project is important because the treatment plant in Ringsend is currently at full capacity.
Uisce Éireann's Infrastructure Delivery Director Maria O'Dwyer said the scheme "was first submitted for planning in 2018 and since that time, population and economic growth means the volume of wastewater we are producing has continued to grow, so the delivery of this critical infrastructure project is more important than ever."
The project consists of a new regional wastewater treatment facility on a 30-acre site at Clonshaugh.
There will also be an underground orbital sewer from Blanchardstown to Clonshaugh and an outfall pipe at Baldoyle to return treated wastewater to a discharge point 6km out to sea.
Uisce Éireann is also working to upgrade the Ringsend treatment plant.
While the Greater Dublin Drainage Project will not be operational until 2032, the capital faced the danger of some homes being turned down for planning if the project did not proceed.
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Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
New service station to be built outside Gorey despite appeal – ‘you have failed to identity the obvious potential safety problems'
Situated in Knockmullen on the R741 regional approach road to Gorey, an application to develop the service station was submitted to Wexford County Council (WCC) in July of last year by Mr Pat and Tom Redmond. WCC granted planning permission to the applicants on February 19, 2025 but did so only after approving the 'material contravention' of the Gorey Local Area Plan (LAP) so that a service station could be developed at this location. A material contravention occurs when a planning application significantly deviates from the objectives of the local development plan, but the planning authority (WCC) deems it necessary for the area's sustainable development. In its first planning report on August 26 of last year, WCC stated that the site is in 'an area zoned Business and Technology Park where a petrol station is not normally acceptable' and that, as a result, 'the proposal would therefore be a material contravention of the Local Area Plan'. However, following a request for further information including a revised road safety audit, WCC's updated planning report (December 17, 2024) stated that its roads department considered the development to 'be acceptable' and recommended that a material contravention be applied. Prior to planning being granted, the chief executive of WCC approved the development on the grounds that the service station will provide local facilities for car users on 'one of the main routes into the town', that it will 'provide ten electric vehicle recharging points which are currently lacking in the Gorey area', and a 'changing places' facility which will enhance the network of services that brings dignity for people with a range of disabilities'. The chief executive also noted the service station will bring 'additional employment opportunities and investment to Gorey' before the application was approved by local councillors. Opposing the development, Mr Oliver Lynn, who owns a property opposite the site, objected to the changes in road layout which will 'obstruct access' to his home and argued that the road safety audit had 'failed to identity the obvious potential safety problems within the scheme' and failed to provide 'recommendations to minimise collision occurrence and severity'. He also argued that the new road junction design would result in an 'increased risk of side-on collision for traffic turning right into the private laneway', 'increase congestion' beside his home and that a 'private commercial entity should not be allowed to supersede the rights of users of the private laneway to safely and without obstruction, access their lands and homes'. After planning permission was granted for the service station, Mr Lynn lodged an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála, the national planning authority, on March 14 of this year. ADVERTISEMENT In his appeal, he referenced the material contravention and stated his belief that his concerns were not 'adequately highlighted' in the process. 'Given the Gorey LAP is eight-years-old, it is not in keeping with proper planning and development to make a zoning change of this nature prior to the development of a new plan,' read his appeal. Mr Lynn's appeal also referenced the size of the development, stating that it was in excess of 100m2 and thus contravened the Wexford County Development Plan. On the issue of road safety, Mr Lynn's appeal stated that existing issues will be 'considerably worsened' by the development of a service station and that 'inadequate provision is (being) made for traffic entering (his) laneway approaching from the Gorey direction'. Highlighting the presence of a recorded monument on the development site, Mr Lynn also stated that he had not been notified of WCC's decision to approve planning permission until he contacted its offices. In their response to Mr Lynn's appeal (April 14, 2025), Mr Pat and Tom Redmond said the development had been permitted by WCC following a 'transparent and lawful application of the material contravention procedure'. 'From the outset the planning authority considered the development to be appropriate subject to resolution of identified issues,' they continued. 'There is no legal or policy bases to suggest that planning applications should be withheld or curtailed during the life of an extended local area plan. In relation to Mr Lynn's concerns regarding road safety, the applicants said the proposed development has been designed 'in accordance with all relevant road and traffic safety standards and guidance' and the road safety audit did not raise 'concerns about the proposed site entrance to the broader road network or the ability of the R 741 to safely accommodate the development'. They also contended that, in accordance with the Local Area Plan, the subject site does not lie 'within or in proximity to any recorded monuments, newly identified archaeological sites or areas classed as historic town and archaeological interest'. In his assessment of the case, planning inspector with An Coimisiún Pleanála Mr Peter Nelson addressed the issue of the material contravention and the applicants' other properties in the area. 'The proposed service station will be accommodated on a section of the Business and Technology Park (BTP) zoned lands in this location and I consider that there is adequate space on the remaining BTP lands and on the existing Hatch Lab site for its potential expansion and for similar types of units which will provide office space for start-ups. 'I also note that there is a large section of undeveloped BTP zoned lands on the Courtown Road. The applicant has submitted a letter stating that as the owner/landlord of the M11 Business Campus, where the Hatch Lab is located, they have struggled to secure tenants for the space since its completion in 2017. "They state they have an addition c.2,800 sqm of commercial space in Gorey that they are having difficulty leasing. Having regard to all of the above I consider that the proposed development will not prejudice the expansion on the existing Hatch Lab or the development of similar type enterprises. I also consider that there are currently adequate zoned lands for BTP use in Gorey. 'While recognising that the provision of a service station on BTP zoned lands is a material contravention on the LAP, I consider that given the site is located on the main approach to Gorey, to and from the M11, I consider that in principle that this location is acceptable for a service station. Being on the edge of the town the service station, which includes the provisions of ten electric car space will provide a service for Gorey town. "I note that the planner in his report considers the site is far enough off the M11 so as not to attract motorway users which would create additional unnecessary traffic to the southern part of the town. I consider that this would be the case.' With regards to the road safety concerns highlighted by Mr Lynn, the inspector stated that the 'proposed entrance with the new signalised junction will significantly slow the traffic along this section of the R741' and that 'cars travelling from Gorey will have adequate visibility and will safely be able to turn right into the laneway'. 'I do not consider that the scale of the development will result in an excess number of trips in/out per day so as to cause concern,' he continues, adding that the proposed service station will 'not cause undue traffic congestion' in this location. As Mr Lynn and Messrs Redmond had a difference of opinion regarding the presence of a recorded monument in the site location, Mr Nelson sought to provide clarity on this issue. Referencing the National Monuments Service's Historic Environment Viewer, Mr Nelson says it describes a 'circular enclosure defined by a slight fosse or drain' which is visible on Google Earth. In addition, archaeological testing by Seán Shanahan in the area immediately to the east of the central enclosure recovered a pit. As a result, Mr Nelson stated that the 'implication of the proposed development on any archaeology needs to be assessed'. 'I recommend that a condition be attached requiring the applicant to engage a suitably qualified archaeologist to carry out an Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) including an archaeological impact statement and mitigation strategy, to be submitted for the written agreement of the planning authority in advance of any site preparation works, groundworks and/or construction works.' Recommending that permission be granted and that Mr Lynn's appeal be dismissed, Mr Nelson stated that 'the proposed development would be acceptable and would not seriously injure the amenities of the area and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety'. However, he did recommend that a number of conditions be applied to the application including a stipulation that the 'total net retail sales space of the forecourt shop shall not exceed 100m2', that 'all proposed car parking spaces shall be capable of accommodating functioning electric vehicle (EV) charging stations/points', and that the developer shall engage a 'suitably qualified (license eligible) archaeologist to carry out an Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) . . . in advance of any site preparation works and groundworks'. , Following Mr Nelson's report, three members of the Coimisiún na Pleanála board (Chris McGarry, Mary Henchy, and Marie O'Connor) met on July 9 to assess his recommendation. They chose to accept Mr Nelson's recommendation and grant planning permission for the service station.
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Irish Times
Letters to the Editor, August 6th: On monitoring public spending, housing solutions and landlords' rent roll
Sir, – Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Jack Chambers, have announced funding worth billions for Uisce Éireann and the electricity infrastructure, to facilitate housing projects in areas where water and electricity supplies are way behind what is needed. The environment, of course, should be prioritised in all of these ventures. Because of the vast amounts involved, I suggest an independent body be established to scrutinise every cent that is used by Uisce Éireann, the electricity upgrades, the developers and builders and what type of housing is to be built. These accounts should be made public as the projects proceed so that there is no waste of public money – there has been so much waste in the past. We have a right to know how money is spent in all aspects of work promised by the Government. We need accountability and an independent body with real teeth and powers of disclosure would prevent the profiteering that happens all too often in major projects. READ MORE The Government owes it to the people of Ireland that they will not be hoodwinked again by terms like 'Housing For All' – that is obviously a joke in the current emergency. – Yours, etc, KEVIN BYRNE, Bantry, Co Cork. Tackling the housing market Sir, – In his always interesting articles , David McWilliams addresses the housing crisis for the second week in a row (' An answer to Ireland's housing crisis is right behind us ,' August 2nd). He repeats the generally accepted explanation for the crisis, that of an ever-increasing demand outstripping a supply apparently incapable of catching up. He recommends that immigration numbers need to be capped on the demand side and barriers to supply need to be reduced. Few media economists mention the negative effect of corporations and individuals using the housing market to get a better return on investment. Because of the crisis, these investment funds and a significant number of private individuals buy houses because the high rents and rising house prices are a far better option than bank deposits or shares. Until the crisis is over – and currently there is no sign that this is anywhere in sight – we should call on our politicians to pass legislation to the effect that no one could buy a house in which they were not going to live. The removal of the investors and speculators from the demand side of the market would leave more room for people who need to buy homes. The right to private property enshrined in the Constitution is, according to the same Article 43, 'regulated by the principles of social justice'. To paraphrase Mr McWilliams, it is worth greenlighting such a proposal in a crisis. – Yours, etc, LEE HEALY, Ballincollig, Co Cork. Sir, – David McWilliams's column, presents a provocative and timely solution to the housing crisis by promoting 'YIMBYism' – the construction of small homes in back gardens. While I fully understand and share the urgency of the need to increase housing supply, I must caution against uncritically embracing this idea without examining its longer-term environmental and social consequences, especially for cities like Dublin. Garden development may seem like a no-brainer in a crisis, but we must recognise that public urgency should never override sustainability. Dublin already faces significant challenges due to climate change, including increasing flood risks, rising seasonal temperatures, and infrastructure stretched beyond capacity. Gardens are one of the few permeable surface areas left in our urban landscape and replacing them with impermeable housing will worsen surface runoff, overwhelm drainage systems, and heighten flood dangers. This runs counter to the sustainable drainage and climate resilience strategies our city so desperately needs. Gardens are not just vacant land; they are the backbone of the city's green infrastructure. With Dublin's urban tree canopy already among the lowest in Europe, averaging around 10 per cent, and lower still in many built-up areas, garden spaces support urban biodiversity, regulate heat, and offer mental and physical health benefits for residents. Paving over this resource may offer momentary relief, but it will leave our city more vulnerable and less liveable in the decades to come. If garden homes are to be considered, they must be subject to rigorous environmental criteria: prioritising permeable surfaces, retaining trees, incorporating quality design standards, and ensuring that these homes add to, rather than subtract from, the social and environmental fabric of our communities. We must be careful that short term improvisations don't undermine the very ground beneath our feet. Let's solve our housing crisis boldly, but also wisely – with a mind toward resilience, sustainability, and long-term urban health. – Yours, etc, LOUISA MOSS, Cabra, Dublin 7. Landlords and their earnings Sir, – The most surprising thing about Lorcan Sirr's recent article, ' How much do landlords really earn? You might be surprised, ' (August 4th) is that, in the case of small landlords, it doesn't answer the question. Sirr confusingly conflates the idea that all small landlords are struggling in an overall sense with the reality that many are struggling with their property investment, in a market that is as dysfunctional for them as it is for the renter. As an actuary who has worked with statistics for decades, it always surprises me to see experts quote statistics and then imply tangential conclusions. The 85 per cent higher gross household income of those with a second property is most likely to be largely explained by higher salaries/income that have enabled them to buy a second property in the first place rather than income from this property. Interestingly, Sirr doesn't elaborate on the sharp drop off in the income difference when comparing gross to net (85 per cent dropping to 56 per cent). This is likely to be disproportionately impacted by how rental income is taxed, a topic that bizarrely is largely ignored in the media. With income tax of 40 per cent, USC of 8 per cent and PRSI of 4 per cent all applying, the small landlord is left with 48 per cent of the rent after Revenue takes the majority. Deduct an annual management fee, some repairs, time lost to constantly changing regulatory requirements, and the psychological burden of being consistently vilified in the media, and you are more likely to get a real insight into 'How much do small landlords really earn' and why they are exiting the market. – Yours, etc, EMMETT McCRANN, Kilmainham, Dublin 8. Sir, – I was intrigued by the headline to Lorcan Sirr's Opinion piece. And almost immediately disappointed that the article moved on from the very salient issue of landlord incomes within a few column inches. It was interesting to learn that, according to CSO data, the gross household income of small landlords was 85 per cent higher than that of non-landlords, with net income 56 per cent higher. What I would have liked more clarity and analysis on, however, was if that 'net' figure is simply net of tax or net of tax and other costs, such as mortgage principal payments, maintenance and compliance? This I think would give the reader a fuller view of the matter on which to base an informed opinion. The rest of the article about the power of lobbyists was all very interesting, but it is not what was promised by the headline. – Yours, etc, MARIEL DEEGAN, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16. A long wait Sir, – Once again Frank McNally has taken me back more than 70 years. He knows I like to live in the past, because it's cheaper (Irishman's Diary, August 1st). His reference to remission of sins, purgatory etc, reminded me that thanks to a good grounding in Christian doctrine I knew all about mortal sin about 10 years before I got a chance to commit one. – Yours, etc, MATTIE LENNON, Blessington, Co Wicklow. Where are the dog wardens? Sir, – Are there any actual dog wardens or are signs at the entrance to beaches just there to be ignored? I spent some time with my family on a Wexford beach on bank holiday Sunday. There were very many dogs running around despite the sign saying all dogs should be on a lead and kept in restricted places. One such animal took a fancy to my granddaughter's sandcastle and lifted his leg on top of it to relieve himself. It was quite disgusting. I spoke to the lifeguard who said it was outside her remit. She also told me she phoned the number given to contact a warden but the telephone was never answered. Dogs should not be allowed on beaches between, at least, 9am and 6pm. – Yours, etc, LAURA O'MARA, Stillorgan, Co Dublin. A dangerous country Sir, – Carolanne Henry says that a recent spate of high-profile crimes against women should prompt us to 'acknowledge the fact that Ireland is not a safe place to be female' and that women should be 'howling from the rafters' for a legislative response (Letters, August 4th). Ms Henry ignores the fact that in 2024, 74 per cent of murder victims were men, and 62 per cent of assault victims were men. Eighty per cent of suicides and 78 per cent of those killed on our roads were male. At least two-thirds of people sleeping rough on our streets are men. If we can say that Ireland isn't a safe place for women, then the simple facts show that it is a far more dangerous place for men. There should be no hierarchy of victims based on gender, race, age or any other consideration, and it cheapens us all to suggest that crimes against women – which are in the distinct minority – ought to deserve some sort of special focus. – Yours, etc, SARAH-ANNE CLEARY Strokestown, Co Roscommon. Sir, – Ireland is a strange country where women and children have to die before they can be considered safe from a violent husband/partner/men ('The only comfort we have is that Vanessa, James and Sara are together and finally safe,' August 4th). They are not safe, they are dead. This crime must be fully investigated to identify any red flags that will be obvious in hindsight. Men don't kill their wives/partners and children out of the blue. There are always signs. Unfortunately, we and society are very good at ignoring or minimising them. – Yours, etc, Dr JACKY JONES, Galway. Sir, – Carolanne Henry's claim that 'Ireland is not a safe place to be a woman' resonates. As always, I am struck by the absence of a male outcry against abhorrent male violence. Decades ago, Germaine Greer stated in her book the Female Eunuch: 'Women have very little idea of how much men hate them.' Come on men – prove her wrong. If you can. – Yours, etc, PAMELA McDONALD, Blackrock Village, Cork. Supermarkets and food recalls Sir, – A bag of Tesco mild spinach was already half-eaten in my fridge when, mid-doomscroll on Instagram, I stumbled across news of its recall due to listeria. Now, instead of feeling virtuous, I'm overthinking every bowel movement and throwing out what was meant to be my week's attempt at healthy eating. It made me wonder how many others missed this news that could have spared them the worry-or the infection. During major weather events, we get push alerts straight to our phones. If meteorologists can issue nationwide alerts for incoming storms, shouldn't the Food Safety Authority of Ireland have the same power to warn the public about potentially contaminated food with a confirmed related death? Food for thought. – Yours, etc, ZOE CHARLETON SMITH, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin. Israel and guilt presumption Sir, – Una Mullally, in her otherwise admirable column in favour of the Occupied Territories Bill (August 4th), writes that 'everyone who called out war crimes and genocide for what they are from the get-go was right' and laments that this truth was not obvious to many of us sooner. It was the aggressive presumption of guilt, the lack of empathy and the overtly sectarian nature of the voices raised against Israel that made this reader too cautious to see its crimes for what they were for so long. – Yours, etc, PAUL GLYNN, Arbuthnot Road , London. Sir, – John Mulqueen's timely reminder of Irish Jews who fought fascism was kind enough to mention my father and uncle, Maurice and Max Levitas (Irishman's Diary, August 4th). I would add that, given their lifelong commitment to social justice, I have no doubt that they would support the Occupied Territories Bill as a useful contribution to international pressure on the Israeli government to stop the genocide in Gaza. – Yours, etc, Dr BEN LEVITAS, Grove Avenue, London. Distasteful reading Sir, – I read with distaste the latest report on the values of estates left by various recently deceased people the majority of whom do not appear to be public figures. The fact that the values of these estates are matters of public record does not make them of public interest. What purpose is served by publishing this, aside from identifying bereaved family members who may have benefitted from these estates? – Yours, etc, BRENDAN McCARTHY, Islington, London. Brought to book Sir, – Maureen Dowd is enthused by men who read novels (' Books are sexy and men who enjoy reading are attractive ', August 4th). Seemingly a 'man staring into a phone is not sexy. But a man with a book has become so rare . . .' I wonder does a Kindle e-book qualify ? – Yours, etc, MIKE MORAN, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Sir, – In relation to the article by Maureen Dowd, would she please confirm it also applies to old guys who read The Irish Times! – Yours, etc, JOE WALSH, Dublin 13.
Irish Independent
7 days ago
- Irish Independent
Uisce Éireann over halfway through ‘critical' repair works on Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare water supply
After nine months of planning, water running through the pipeline was turned off late last night to fix five leaks within the underground pipeline that transports a third of the drinking water for the Greater Dublin Area. 'I am happy to advise the works are progressing according to plan,' said Declan Healy, Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann. 'As we speak, specialist crews are within the pipeline and are fixing the leaks. 'We have also carefully cut the damaged section of pipeline and the cranes have removed these pieces. "The team are now preparing the excavation and shortly, we will commence laying the new pipe sections.' The large-scale operation involves the removal of 35 metres of pipeline to allow for the installation of a new section of pipe, with crews having just 28 hours from the time the section of pipeline is isolated to complete the work before supplies start being hit. "Small actions can help maintain everyone's water supply during the critical repair works,' Mr Healy said in appeal to customers to limit their water use while work is underway. The company said it chose the August Bank Holiday to conduct the repair works because there is typically a lower demand for water at that time. Mark O'Duffy, Uisce Éireann's infrastructure delivery manager, said called the operation 'the largest water network repair ever undertaken' in the country. "More than a thousand people have been involved at various different stages over the past few weeks,' he said. ADVERTISEMENT "Uisce Éireann operations and water services staff have been preparing the network across the city and in Kildare and Wicklow, managing storage levels to maximise our strategic storage to move water on the network so that it's optimally prepared for the shutdown.' Customers in Kildare and South Dublin who are supplied directly by the pipeline will be without water supplies for the duration of the works, but alternative supplies have been arranged with them, Mr O'Duffy said. The company has ensured that all treated water reservoirs in the greater Dublin area are as full as possible, and is urging customers to limit their water use which it says will help the repair teams to complete their work more quickly. "For this weekend we are appealing to everyone to act together and only use water for essential needs,' the company's head of water operations Margaret Attridge said. "Please hold off on filling baths, car washing, power hosing, window washing, filling paddling pools and anything that is not vital. "Reducing your water use will help maintain or extend water supply during the repairs, for yourself and, importantly, for vulnerable and high-risk users including hospitals and care homes.' The company's programme manager Declan Healy said it has an 'hour-by-hour programme' by which works will be conducted. "We have even done dry-runs just to work out all the timings. But with all complex civil engineering projects like this one, things on site can change, and things can go wrong.' Specialist repair crews will have only 28 hours before water levels become so low that customers will begin to experience inevitable shortages in water supply. The company has issued advice for the region's 1.7 million customers', including filling a jug with water to store in the fridge and turning off pre-programmed appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines to alleviate water use during the planned pipeline works.
