Dublin wastewater project must be fast-tracked now green light has been given – Ó Muirí

Construction of new wastewater treatment infrastructure for Dublin must get moving quickly now that the green light has finally been given, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí was speaking as An Coimisiún Pleanála today approved the construction of infrastructure that will support half a million people living and working across the Greater Dublin Area.

Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí said: “The Greater Dublin Drainage Project is a hugely positive step in protecting public health and crucially, will enable the delivery of additional housing, while safeguarding the environment.

“During my time as a Dublin City Councillor, my engagement with this project first started in July 2012, 13 years ago. This project is a case-in-point of just how long it can take to deliver essential public infrastructure projects of substantial scale in Ireland today.

“Previously we were told that the project would be completed in 2025, yet here we are with little to show other than a planning approval and a project cost that has likely at least doubled in the interim.

“Today’s planning permission is a long-awaited green light – but we need to get on with it now and break ground to deliver that additional treatment capacity for 500,000 people. We cannot keep letting the lack of essential infrastructure impede the delivery of housing and the further growth of our economy.”