Mullingar spur could come with new Shannon–Dublin pipeline

Westmeath could benefit sooner than expected from the planned new pipeline that is to bring water from the Shannon all the way to Dublin - despite a spur from the main pipe to Mullingar not being included in the planning documents submitted this week to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Westmeath County Council chief executive Barry Kehoe told councillors at their December monthly meeting, held on Monday last, that on foot of discussions with Uisce Éireann, he is optimistic that the connection could be planned and delivered in parallel with the main pipeline.

Under the proposed approach, planning for the Mullingar link could begin as early as 2026, and the shorter spur could potentially be completed in time to coincide with the opening of the main Shannon to Dublin water line.

“Like yourselves, we’d have preferred to see the spur to Mullingar included in the planning documents that are going to the board. But that just wasn’t feasible, [although] we did explore that with Uisce Éireann,” he stated.

However, he stressed, that did not mean Westmeath would be left behind.

“What we would hope is that both schemes can be provided together,” he said, adding that once the main line is complete, Westmeath would be ready to take water into the area.

The issue was raised by Cllr Tom Farrell, who expressed concern that Westmeath could lose out if the project proceeds as a “supply spine” with future off-takes only envisaged.

Cllr Denis Leonard seconded the concerns, saying there had been limited consultation with the council and no firm commitment on a Westmeath spur.

The cathaoirleach, Cllr Aoife Davitt, said it made sense to her that the Mullingar spur should have been included on the recently published map of the route, particularly after the prolonged hosepipe ban imposed in Westmeath last summer.

Mr Kehoe said Westmeath County Council would continue to press Uisce Éireann to ensure the Mullingar spur is delivered at the same time as the main scheme, noting the vulnerability of Lough Owel as a supply of domestic water and the importance of securing a resilient water supply for Mullingar and surrounding areas.