Acceleration of the Greater Dublin Drainage project will be key to its timely delivery – Ó Muirí

The construction of new wastewater treatment infrastructure for Dublin must be accelerated to meet housing targets, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí was speaking following Cabinet approval of the Detailed Business Case for the Greater Dublin Drainage project.

“The scale and importance of this project cannot be overstated. It will involve the construction of a 14km orbital sewer and an 11km outfall pipeline off the coast of north county Dublin, ultimately providing sewage treatment capacity for up to half a million people.

Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí said: “In particular, I note that Uisce Éireann propose to advance critical works through a Preliminary Works Strategy.

“This approach aligns with the principles of the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan, which aims to break through inertia in the planning system while managing risk.

 “While this approach is not without risk, it is essential if we are to meet the delivery timeline set by Government.

“By addressing the most complex and challenging aspects of the project at an early stage, this approach will provide greater certainty for contractors, reduce delivery risk, and support more accurate pricing and project planning.

“As a councillor, I first engaged with this project in July 2012, more than a decade ago. This project is a case-in-point of just how long it takes to deliver essential public infrastructure projects of substantial scale in Ireland today.

“Continued failure to deliver core infrastructure is directly constraining Ireland’s ability to build homes, deliver vital social infrastructure such as schools and hospitals, and sustain the economic growth that underpins future public investment.

“Today’s Cabinet decision is a long time coming. The focus must now shift firmly to delivery. We cannot afford any further delays.

“Uisce Éireann must also work closely with local communities to minimise disruption, with regular leaflet drops and clear, timely updates on social media forming a key part of its engagement efforts”, concluded Deputy Ó Muirí.