Shannon Pipeline Faces Opposition Amidst Water Supply Concerns

Plans by Uisce Éireann to extract over 300 million litres of water daily from the River Shannon are facing significant opposition from communities and local councils in the mid-west region of Ireland. The proposed project, estimated to cost between €4.6 billion and €10 billion, aims to construct a 170km steel pipeline to transport drinking water to the Midlands, Eastern, and Greater Dublin areas. A public consultation on the plan concluded on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with local authorities having until March 30th to submit their formal objections.

Project Details and Proposed Benefits

Uisce Éireann applied for planning permission in December for what it calls the largest water project in Irish history. The project involves abstracting raw water from the River Shannon at Parteen Basin and transferring it via a 172km steel pipeline to a modern reservoir in Peamount, County Dublin. Five infrastructure sites will be established along the pipeline, including flow control valves and other features for pipeline maintenance. Uisce Éireann states the project is designed to secure a new water source and provide capacity for future water needs across the Eastern and Midlands Region, serving 36 Water Resource Zones.

Concerns Raised by Opponents

The River Shannon Protection Alliance (RSPA) is leading the opposition, arguing the project is unnecessary and will cause significant ecological damage to Lough Derg and the River Shannon. They contend that addressing leaks in the Dublin water network would be a more effective solution. Concerns center around potential damage to water flows to Limerick and the impact on fish populations. Anglers, represented by the Lough Derg Anglers Association, are particularly worried about the effect on migratory fish like trout and salmon, noting a dramatic decline in salmon stocks over the past century.

Clare and Tipperary County Councils have formally lodged objections with An Coimisiún Pleanála, while Limerick City and County Council is scheduled to discuss the application next week. Councillor Tony O’Brien of Clare County Council believes the project will irrevocably damage the natural amenity of the Shannon River and Lough Derg, stating that alternative solutions haven’t been adequately explored.

Uisce Éireann’s Response

Uisce Éireann maintains that the pipeline is a “critical infrastructure project” essential for providing a resilient, safe, and secure water supply for up to 50% of the population. The utility asserts that water levels and quality will remain unchanged, with a neutral effect overall. They state that extensive hydrological modeling has been conducted, specifically addressing drought periods, and that the abstraction will represent a maximum of 2% of the average river flow. Uisce Éireann also emphasizes the need for a new sustainable water source alongside ongoing efforts to reduce leaks.

Potential Impact on Ardnacrusha Power Plant

The ESB currently closes turbines at the Ardnacrusha power plant during summer months to maintain a statutory compensation flow in the River Shannon. Opponents fear the pipeline abstraction could exacerbate these situations, potentially leading to reduced power generation during critical periods.

Timeline and Next Steps

If planning permission is granted, Uisce Éireann anticipates starting construction in 2028, with completion expected within five years. An Coimisiún Pleanála is expected to develop a decision within 48 weeks.