Planning permission for new north Dublin Wastewater Treatment Facility
13 November 2019
An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for Uisce Éireann’s Greater Dublin Drainage (GDD) Project in north Dublin.
Projected growth in population and increased commercial activity means the volume of wastewater generated in the greater Dublin area will increase by more than 50% during the next 30 years. Having adequate wastewater treatment capacity is vital to protect public health, safeguard the environment and facilitate social and economic growth.
“Today’s announcement is a landmark planning decision for the sustainable growth of the Dublin area. The GDD project is vital for residential and commercial development across north Dublin and south Fingal. New homes and businesses can only be built with the necessary wastewater infrastructure in place. “
Sean Laffey, Uisce Éireann’s Head of Asset Management
“GDD will also alleviate pressure within the wider wastewater network. It will help to ensure that the wastewater generated every day in our homes, schools and workplaces is treated safely, in compliance with the EU and national wastewater treatment regulations.“
Sean Laffey, Uisce Éireann’s Head of Asset Management
New North Dublin Region Wastewater Treatment Plant Indicative Layout
GDD Overview
An underground pipeline beginning at Blanchardstown will collect and transfer wastewater, via a new pumping station at Abbotstown, north of the M50 to an advanced wastewater treatment facility to be located in the townland of Clonshaugh. The treated water will be safely returned to the Irish Sea via a 6km marine outfall pipeline from Baldoyle to a point 1km north east of Ireland’s Eye.
The project also includes development of necessary facilities that will ensure the effective running of the new wastewater treatment plant. These will include a regional sludge treatment centre at the GDD site and an associated biosolids storage facility at Newtown near Kilshane Cross. The delivery of the GDD project is a key investment priority under Project Ireland 2040 and is a key objective of the regional planning guidelines and Fingal and Dublin development plans.
“Progressing this major infrastructure has been a priority for Uisce Éireann since it took responsibility for water and wastewater services in 2014. Achieving planning consent is an important milestone in the delivery of this essential project. I wish to acknowledge the work of Fingal County Council in bringing the GDD project through the earlier stages and to thank all of the individuals and organisations who took part in the extensive consultations on this project to date.“
Sean Laffey, Uisce Éireann’s Head of Asset Management
Next Steps
Uisce Éireann will now progress with a detailed design, foreshore and discharge licensing processes, and a contractor procurement process. When these are complete, the construction stage is expected to take three years.
The GDD project is the most environmentally, technically and economically beneficial solution to meeting north Dublin’s long-term wastewater treatment needs.
Dublin’s new regional wastewater treatment facility and associated drainage infrastructure will become operational from 2026 – serving the equivalent of half a million people living and working in this area into the future.