Approval has been granted for the Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region to advance to the next phase under the Government's Infrastructure Guidelines. The scheme will develop a new source of potable water with the potential to supply up to 50% of Ireland's population across the Eastern and Midlands region, underpinning housing and economic growth, including in the Dublin area, for decades to come.

Following the submission of a planning application in December, the Uisce Éireann board has approved the project's Detailed Business Case, which has now been noted by Government. This clears the way for procurement and tendering to begin, with the aim of accelerating the delivery stage of the project.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said, "The Water Supply Project is a vital piece of infrastructure to unlock housing and facilitate growth in the Eastern and Midlands Region. Its delivery is critical to help us achieve the aims of Delivering Homes, Building Communities, our housing action plan. The project, along with Uisce Éireann's other major infrastructure project, the Greater Dublin Drainage project, reflects significant Government investment in water infrastructure to support housing and development.

"This parallel progression of planning and procurement reflects Government policy to reduce delays, shorten delivery timelines, and ensure that major infrastructure projects are ready to transition quickly from approval to construction."

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Maria O'Dwyer, Uisce Éireann's Infrastructure Delivery Director, added: "Uisce Éireann welcomes the approval to progress the Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region through the next stage of the Infrastructure Guidelines. This project is backed by the Government's continued funding commitment, and we are committed to playing our part in the delivery of vital strategic infrastructure to support housing delivery.

"This project is achieving milestones at pace and we are taking all possible measures to accelerate delivery as it navigates through the statutory planning process. We will be progressing with the procurement of contractors and other project delivery partners over the coming months, so that, subject to the planning approval, works can be mobilised as quickly and efficiently as possible."

The Eastern and Midlands region currently faces significant challenges, including an over‑reliance on a single source — the River Liffey — which supplies 1.7 million people. The once‑in‑a‑generation project aims to provide a sustainable, secure and resilient water supply to meet the needs of a growing population and economy, including rising housing demand.

Under the plans, Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow will receive a more resilient, safe and secure supply. A treated water 'spine' will also be created across the country, enabling future offtakes to serve communities along the route in Tipperary, Offaly and Westmeath. In addition, the project will allow supplies currently serving Dublin to be redirected back to Louth, Meath, Kildare, Carlow and Wicklow, supporting growth and promoting regional development.

Subject to planning approval, construction is proposed to start in 2028 and finish within five years. With an estimated cost of €4.58 billion to €5.96 billion, the project is expected to deliver in excess of €10 for every €1 of project costs, representing a positive investment for the State.

The Water Supply Project is forecast to bring socio‑economic and environmental benefits across the Eastern and Midlands region. During construction, it is expected to directly employ more than 1,000 people, alongside significant spending with local suppliers of goods and services.

As part of procurement, Pre‑Qualification Questionnaires will be used to secure the strongest possible market response, inviting contractors and consortia to demonstrate their capability and experience in delivering complex, large‑scale infrastructure. This approach builds on extensive early engagement with the construction and engineering sector, aligning market capacity, capability and innovation with Ireland's national infrastructure pipeline, and providing industry with the clarity and certainty needed to plan, mobilise resources and scale delivery.