Can you provide details of the planning process?
On 20 June 2018, Irish Water submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála, complete with an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS). The application has been made under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006. A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was also submitted.
An Bord Pleanála then held statutory public consultation including an oral hearing earlier this year.
Where can I view the planning decision?
On 13 November 2019, An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission and CPO for the GDD project. Please click here to view the GDD planning decision and click here to view the Compulsory Purchase Order decision.
Where can I view the planning application?
The planning application and the associated environmental reports may be viewed or downloaded from: www.gddapplication.ie
A quick reference guide to the GDD planning application is available here GDD project update.
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR)?
An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is an analysis of the likely effects that a proposed development may have on the environment. This includes any likely effects on people, flora, fauna, soil, water, air, landscape and cultural heritage. The EIAR also includes a non-technical summary.
The EIAR is prepared by the project developer, Irish Water in this case, to inform the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and is submitted to the planning authority for evaluation along with the planning application documents.
Where can I view the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR)?
The Environmental Impact Assessment Report can be viewed at www.gddapplication.ie The planning, statutory and environmental documents are available to view and download from this website.
How has Irish Water considered the feedback provided in previous consultations?
Irish Water has reviewed and considered more than 34,500 submissions which have been made to the GDD project team since 2011.
As part of the planning documentation, Irish Water has published the GDD Public and Stakeholder Participation Report which documents the previous consultations and engagement and how public feedback has informed the development of the GDD project.
Irish Water wishes to thank the individuals and organisations that have engaged with the GDD project to date. The GDD Public and Stakeholder Participation Report is available to view with the planning documentation and online at www.gddapplication.ie
What is a statutory consultation?
The Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 makes provision for public participation in relation to strategic infrastructure development. As the GDD project is considered to be a strategic infrastructure development (SID), An Bord Pleanála held a period of statutory public consultation in 2018.
Irish Water has responded to the submissions and observations received by An Bord Pleanála during this statutory consultation in a detailed report. The Response to Submissions Report is available to view and download at www.gddapplication.ie.
Can I make a submission or observation on the project?
The period for making submissions in relation to the GDD planning application ended on 18th October 2018.
However, the GDD project team remain available by phone on 0818 44 55 67 and by email at info@greaterdublindrainage.ie for any questions in relation to the GDD project.
What is happening now and next?
Irish Water will now progress with a detailed design, foreshore and discharge licencing processes, and a contractor procurement process. When these are complete, the construction stage is expected to take three years.
Dublin’s new regional wastewater treatment facility and associated drainage infrastructure will become operational from 2026 – serving the equivalent of half a million people living and working in this area into the future.
What is a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)?
A CPO is a legal function that allows certain statutory bodies which need to take land or property to do so without the consent of the owner. The compulsory acquisition of land takes place in Ireland to allow a public infrastructure project to go ahead for the common good.
Irish Water has made a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) in respect of the land, permanent wayleaves, temporary working areas and rights of way required to facilitate the Greater Dublin Drainage project.
On 13 November 2019, An Bord Pleanála granted the Compulsory Purchase Order for the GDD project. Please click here to view the Compulsory Purchase Order decision.
If GDD is granted planning consent, what is the expected timeline for construction?
Construction of the GDD wastewater treatment plant and associated orbital sewer, marine outfall and pumping station is estimated to take three years and will begin, at the earliest, in 2022.
Following a period of testing, the new GDD facility is expected to be operational by 2026 when additional wastewater treatment in the greater Dublin area will be needed.
Is the GDD project linked to the upgrade works in Ringsend wastewater treatment plant?
Irish Water is working to upgrade the Ringsend wastewater treatment plant. Together, these projects are needed to provide adequate wastewater treatment to serve the greater Dublin area to 2050. GDD will provide the additional treatment capacity required from the mid-2020s.
Irish Water is working to ensure that the wastewater generated every day in our homes, schools and workplaces continues to receive the proper treatment – supporting the sustainable growth of our communities and protecting our environment.
Will community benefit form part of the GDD project?
Yes. A community benefits scheme for the Greater Dublin Drainage project is proposed in order to leverage and maximise benefits for local communities in proximity to the proposed infrastructure. The scheme will deliver benefits under three main themes: Employment, Education and Environment.
The GDD Community Benefits Scheme forms part of the planning documentation at www.gddapplication.ie
