Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The delivery of the Shannon water supply project is a key strategic investment priority for Irish Water under the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The cost of the project will be identified and updated throughout the project development process in line with the procedures of the new public spending code, which seeks to address some of the cost estimation issues that arose in respect of the children's hospital.

This project is needed to address the capacity issues in the region, to support jobs in the economy, to address climate change and to ensure the supply is fit for purpose and can withstand extreme weather such as droughts and storms. It will enable the provision of treated water to communities in north Tipperary, Offaly, Laois, Westmeath, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow in addition to Dublin.

I take on board the point Deputy Mattie McGrath made so well with regard to going after water that is unaccounted for. It is vital that significant investment is made in going after unaccounted-for water in the greater Dublin area. The ambition in that regard needs to be really significant. Having had conversations and discussions with Irish Water, I know it is also important to look at groundwater abstraction and sources of water other than rivers. This is, however, a strategically important project.

There will be plenty of opportunity for all views on the project to be heard as it is developed and undergoes the various consent procedures. There will be a public element and a public consultation. That is the correct and proper forum to voice the public's concerns and any other general issues associated with this key strategic project.

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