Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, has welcomed a settlement in the judicial review of the Greater Dublin Drainage project, describing it as a "hugely positive development in the delivery of the critical infrastructure required to support more homes for our people".

Irish Water announced the agreement today, which removes the need for a full court hearing and clears the way for the project to proceed.

Minister Chambers said: "I welcome this significant development which means the Greater Dublin Drainage scheme can now progress to the remaining stages. This is a critical project for the social and economic development of the greater Dublin area and our country as a whole."

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He added: "This project will support the delivery of thousands of new homes and the conclusion of this process is good news for families, young people and everyone seeking to secure a home as well as businesses and local communities."

Pointing to the Government's new Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce Action Plan, published earlier this week, the minister continued: "Earlier this week we published the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce Action Plan which detailed 30 comprehensive time bound and high impact action points to massively scale up and speed up critical infrastructure delivery, with a particular focus on water and wastewater treatment projects like this one."

On legal reforms, he said: "Reform of the judicial review system is a specific action point. While access to the courts is vital, it should not be used as a tool to indefinitely delay critical projects that are in the national interest. This Government will act in the public and national interest so we can build the infrastructure necessary to support our economy, our communities and our people."

Minister Chambers also acknowledged the utility's role: "I acknowledge the work of Irish Water in securing this important outcome and I look forward to the project progressing."