Planning bid published for Shannon pipeline through Offaly to Dublin
Planning permission is being sought for one of the largest infrastructure projects in the history of the State - a proposed 133-kilometre pipeline to supply water from the River Shannon, through Tipperary, Offaly, and Kildare, to the wider Dublin area.
In this week's Offaly Independent, Uisce Éireann published a two-page planning notice outlining its intention to apply for permission to An Coimisiún Pleanála in relation to the proposed Strategic Infrastructure Development known as 'Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region'.
The proposed multi-billion euro project would consist of a 1600mm diameter underground steel pipeline which would extend in "a generally northeastern direction" from the Parteen Basin through counties Tipperary, Offaly, Kildare and Dublin.
Some of the infrastructure associated with the project would also be Offaly-based. There's a proposal to construct a 2,160 square metre booster pumping station on 2.6 ha site at Coagh Upper, Birr.
Four "potential future connection points" are included in the plans, two of which are in Offaly, at Killananny, and Ballyhugh or Springfield.
In addition, eight temporary construction compounds are being proposed along the route of the pipeline, including a 15.6 hectare compound at Killananny in Offaly.
The county would also have six temporary pipe storage depots associated with the project - in the townlands of Toora, Boveen, Fortel, Derrinboy, Derryweelan and Rathlumber.
A long list of Offaly townlands through which the pipeline would pass is included in the planning notice, and reproduced at the bottom of this article.
A decision to proceed with the water extraction project was approved by the government in June 2024. Minister Darragh O'Brien said at that stage it was hoped a planning application for the project would be submitted in 2025 - and the planning details have now been published.
The planning application, Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement for the project are to be made available for inspection at a number of locations, including the offices of Offaly County Council in Tullamore, from January 6 to February 25, 2026.
The application is also due to be made available on a dedicated project website at: www.watersupplyproject.ie.
Publis submissions on the plans can be made to An Coimisiún Pleanála up until a deadline of 5.30pm on February 25 next.
The Offaly townlands through which the water pipeline would pass are listed by Uisce Eireann as follows: Toora, Derrinclare, Cangort Park, Ballaghboy, Kilmurryely, Galbally, Tonagh, Curralanty, Tubbrid, Boveen, Clonoghil Upper, Rath More, Clonoghil Lower, Gorteenafoly or Newhall, Cree, Kilcolman, Ballyatty, Clonbeg, Clonbrone, Nadneagh, Killeenbreaghan, Fortel, Killaun, Castletown, Ballinree, Oakleypark, Kilmaine, Killyon, Rathgibbon South, Rathgibbon North, Killinure, Streamstown, Breaghmore, Coagh Lower, Cloghanmore, Coagh Upper, Ballyroe, Pass, Kiltubbrid Island, Money, Laughil, Derrinboy, Coolfin Glebe, Killeen and Lugnaboley, Knockhill and Drinagh, Ballindrinnan, Ballynacarrig, Derries, Gortacur, Clonshannagh, Rathrobin, Clondonnell Glebe, Killananny, Annaghmore, Gorteen, Killeigh, Ballinvally, Millbrook, Finter, Raheenduff, Cloncoher, Killellery, Curragh, Derryweelan, Lugmore, Alderborough, Ballyduff South, Dalgan, Clonad, Rathfeston, Island, Gorteenkeel, Clonarrow or Riverlyons, Killoneen, Esker Beg, Drumcaw or Mountlucas, Ballyhugh or Springfield, Ballycon, Newtown, Esker More, Rathlumber, Rathvilla or Rathclonbrackan Ballinrath, Ballykilleen, Ballynakill, Kilcumber, Shean, Cloncant, Cushaling and Codd, County Offaly.