9.5.1 Water Supply & Wastewater
From January 2014, Irish Water became responsible for all public water services, involving the supply of drinking water and the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater. The Water Services Strategic Plan (2015) sets out the strategic objectives for the delivery of water services over the next 25 years up to 2040. The supply of a safe and reliable water supply is essential to public health.
Irish Water recognises the need for a new water source for the Eastern and Midlands Region of the Country and the Project Need Report (2015) states that it is expected that the projected demand for water in Dublin alone will increase by over 50% by 2050. Water conservation (leakage and demand management) is a cost-effective and sustainable way to reduce demand for water.
Irish Water’s Water Services Strategic Plan aims to reduce current leakage rates nationally from 49% to less than 38% by the end of 2021 and to an economic level of leakage by 2040, whilst the Dublin City Development Plan will promote demand management measures.
Irish Water’s Capital Investment Plan (2014 – 2016) focuses on additional water resources, leakage reduction and improved resilience through investment in treatment capacity networks. Irish Water is preparing the next investment plan (2017 – 2021).
The expansion and upgrading of the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant is an urgent priority for Irish Water. It is intended to upgrade, expand the treatment works to a capacity of c. 2.1 million PE from 1.64 million PE.
The Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study has identified the need for the Greater Dublin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, Marine Outfall and orbital sewer in North County Dublin to protect the environment and secure the future economic, commercial, industrial and residential needs of the Greater Dublin Area after 2022.
Dublin City Council will work closely and support Irish Water to provide and maintain an adequate public water supply and wastewater infrastructure network throughout the city for the plan period.