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FAQs

Frequently asked questions of the Greater Dublin Drainage Project

On 20 June 2018, Uisce Éireann submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála, 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 Develoments. A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was also submitted. An Bord Pleanála then held statutory public consultation including an oral hearing.

On 13 November 2019, An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission and 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 the High Court in 2021 for a fresh decision. An Bord Pleanála subsequently wrote to Uisce Éireann in August 2022 providing Uisce Éireann the opportunity to update, where appropriate, the EIAR and NIS and any other information submitted. Uisce Éireann is currently preparing a response to this request. An Bord Pleanála will provide a decision on the remitted planning application in due course.

Please click here to view the GDD planning decision and click here to view the Compulsory Purchase Order decision. Please click here to review the High Court decision.

The planning application and the associated environmental reports may be viewed or downloaded from www.gddapplication.ie.

An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is an analysis of the likely effects that a proposed development may have on the environment. This includes any likely effects on people, flora, fauna, soil, water, air, landscape and cultural heritage. The EIAR also includes a non-technical summary.

The EIAR is prepared by the project developer, Uisce Éireann in this case, to inform the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and is submitted to the planning authority for evaluation along with the planning application documents.

 

The Environmental Impact Assessment Report can be viewed at www.gddapplication.ie .The planning, statutory and environmental documents are available to view and download from this website.

Uisce Éireann has reviewed and considered more than 34,500 submissions which have been made to the GDD project team since 2011.

As part of the planning documentation, Uisce Éireann published the GDD Public and Stakeholder Participation Report which documents the previous consultations and engagement and how public feedback has informed the development of the GDD project.

Uisce Éireann wishes to thank the individuals and organisations that have engaged with the GDD project to date. The GDD Public and Stakeholder Participation Report is available to view with the planning documentation and online at www.gddapplication.ie

Legislation makes provision for public participation in relation to Strategic Infrastructure Development. As the GDD project is considered to be a strategic infrastructure development (SID), An Bord Pleanála held a period of statutory public consultation in 2018.

Uisce Éireann has responded to the submissions and observations received by An Bord Pleanála during this statutory consultation in a detailed report. The Response to Submissions Report is available to view and download at www.gddapplication.ie.

The period for making submissions in relation to the GDD planning application ended on 18th October 2018.

However, the GDD project team remain available by phone on 0818 44 55 67 and by email at info@greaterdublindrainage.ie for any questions in relation to the GDD project.

On 13 November 2019, An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission and 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 the High Court in 2021 for a fresh decision. An Bord Pleanála subsequently wrote to Uisce Éireann in August 2022 providing Uisce Éireann the opportunity to update, where appropriate, the EIAR and NIS and any other information submitted. Uisce Éireann is currently preparing a response to this request. An Bord Pleanála will provide a decision on the remitted planning application in due course.

On receipt of planning permission and subject to no further appeal, Uisce Éireann will progress with the contractor procurement process, followed by a detailed design, foreshore and discharge licensing processes. When these are complete, the construction stage is expected to take three years.

Dublin’s new regional wastewater treatment facility and associated drainage infrastructure will become operational once construction is complete and will serve the equivalent of half a million people living and working in this area into the future.

A CPO is a legal function that allows certain statutory bodies which need to take land or property to do so without the consent of the owner. The compulsory acquisition of land takes place in Ireland to allow a public infrastructure project to go ahead for the common good.

Uisce Éireann has made a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) in respect of the land, permanent wayleaves, temporary working areas and rights of way required to facilitate the Greater Dublin Drainage project.

On 13 November 2019, An Bord Pleanála granted the Compulsory Purchase Order for the GDD project. Please click here to view the Compulsory Purchase Order decision. Notices to Treat were issued to all affected landowners in September 2021.

Construction of the GDD wastewater treatment plant and associated orbital sewer, marine outfall and pumping station is estimated to take three years.

 

Uisce Éireann is working to upgrade the Ringsend wastewater treatment plant. Together, these projects are needed to provide adequate wastewater treatment to serve the greater Dublin area to 2050. GDD will provide the additional treatment capacity required.

Uisce Éireann is working to ensure that the wastewater generated every day in our homes, schools and workplaces continues to receive the proper treatment – supporting the sustainable growth of our communities and protecting our environment.

Yes. A community benefit scheme for the Greater Dublin Drainage project is proposed in order to leverage and maximise benefits for local communities in proximity to the proposed infrastructure. The scheme will deliver benefits under three main themes: Employment, Education and Environment.

The GDD Community Benefits Scheme forms part of the planning documentation at www.gddapplication.ie