Planning permission has been approved to develop a new water pipeline and additional structures for the transfer of treated drinking water from Vartry to Callowhill in Co Wicklow.

The new pipeline will secure the long-term water supply to north Wicklow and south Dublin and ensure the Vartry Water Supply Scheme continues to meet all drinking water standards.

-- Advertisement --

The Vartry Water Supply Scheme was originally constructed in the 1860s and was a feat of engineering for its time involving the construction of a four-kilometre long tunnel under Callowhill to deliver water to the area.

The tunnel is in a poor state of repair and is being replaced by the new pipeline which will secure the water supply.

The proposed works will include:

• A new pumping station at the existing Vartry Water Treatment Plant

• Four kilometres of buried pipeline from Vartry to Callowhill

• A break pressure tank and a hydropower turbine at Callowhill to recover renewable energy from the pumped water.

(CD/JP)