Statutory Consents

Planning

In June 2018, Uisce Éireann submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála (now called An Coimisiún Pleanála) for the Greater Dublin Drainage project (the GDD Project), complete with an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS). The application was made under planning legislation that relates to Strategic Infrastructure Development. A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was also submitted for confirmation to An Bord Pleanála.

The GDD planning application is available here. An Bord Pleanála then held statutory public consultation including an oral hearing.

In November 2019, An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission and confirmed the CPO for the GDD Project. This planning permission was quashed following the issue of legal proceedings and a Court hearing. The planning application was subsequently remitted back to An Bord Pleanála by Order of the High Court on 16 July 2021 for a fresh decision (the Remittal Application). 

Following a request from the Board (now the Commission), and due to the passage of time that had elapsed since the original application was made, Uisce Éireann provided updated environmental assessments and information to the Board in October 2023 (the Addendum). This Addendum was the subject of public consultation in 2024 where interested parties were invited to submit observations on its content. Following consideration, An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission for the GDD Project in July 2025.

The planning application and Further Information, along with other material on the GDD Project, can be viewed and downloaded on the project website: www.gddapplication.ie.

Wastewater Discharge License

All wastewater discharges from Uisce Éireann facilities require a wastewater discharge licence (WWDL) from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This licence is necessary to ensure compliance with Irish and EU legislation that regulate for the safe disposal of treated wastewater into the environment. This supports the GDD Project’s aims of protecting public health and safeguarding the environment. The EPA’s assessment of the WWDL application is separate from and in addition to the planning process.

As part of the overall GDD Project consenting process, Uisce Éireann applied to the EPA for a WWDL for the proposed catchment, the North Dublin Agglomeration, that will be served by the project. This is a key component needed to deliver the GDD Project. This WWDL will cover the discharge of treated effluent at the proposed discharge location, 1 km north-east of Ireland’s Eye, along with assessment of the existing network, including stormwater and emergency overflows.

Given the scale of the GDD Project and its significant catchment area, the application for a WWDL is supported by a full environmental impact assessment report (EIAR). All documentation in respect of the WWDL application is available on the EPA website. Interested parties may submit written observations or submissions in relation to the application for the WWDL licence or the accompanying EIAR to the EPA via its website, or at its headquarters at P.O. Box 3000, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford.

Maritime Usage Licence Application (MUL250013)

In September 2025, Uisce Éireann applied to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) for a maritime usage licence under Section 117 of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021. The licence is required to undertake a programme of marine environmental surveys to support ongoing site investigation work for the Greater Dublin Drainage (GDD) project. These surveys will help inform the design and delivery of new wastewater infrastructure for the Greater Dublin Area. As part of the application, a Natura Impact Statement has also been prepared and submitted.  The maritime usage licence allows Uisce Éireann to carry out essential marine surveys needed to design and deliver the Greater Dublin Drainage project, while ensuring all work is carried out in full compliance with environmental legislation and assessment requirements.

MARA is now inviting public submissions on both the licence application and the Natura Impact Statement.

  • Reference number: MUL250013
  • Submission deadline: 5:30pm on 23 February 2026
  • How to make a submission:
    • Email: licence@mara.gov.ie (include reference MUL250013)
    • Post: Licence Unit,
      Maritime Area Regulatory Authority,
      2nd Floor, Menapia House,
      Drinagh Business Park, Drinagh,
      Wexford, Y35 RF29

The full licence application and Natura Impact Statement are available: