Irish Water wants feedback on eastern and midlands plan

Irish Water is seeking public feedback on its draft Regional Water Resources Plan for the Eastern and Midlands Region.

The draft plan sets out the options for providing a more secure, reliable and sustainable water supply for 2.5 million customers in the region over the next 25 years.

There are 201 Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) in the Eastern and Midlands Region, which collectively serve 2.48 million people or 60pc of the population of Ireland, via approximately 19,000km of distribution network and 134 Water Resource Zones. These treatment plants also serve 76,000 businesses. The region covers approximately 20,900 square kilometres, from the Shannon Estuary in the south west, towards the large River Boyne catchment and Greater Dublin Area (GDA) in the north east.

The draft RWRP-EM describes the Eastern and Midland Region and the current challenges faced now and in the future in terms of delivering a safe, secure and resilient water supply. It identifies progress to date, such as leakage reductions, capital investment work, and work in progress.

Angela Ryan, water resource strategy specialist for Irish Water, said: “The development of the draft plan will allow Irish Water for the first time to review water supply needs collectively across the region covering a spectrum of risk including quality, quantity, reliability and sustainability.

“It will allow us to consider local options to resolve needs and larger regional options that can address multiple supplies.”

Irish Water are now seeking feedback on the public consultation for the draft, associated SEA Environmental Report and Natura Impact Statement. The documents are available to view online at water.ie/rwrp/easternmidlands.

The 13-week statutory public consultation runs until March 14. Submissions can be made by post or email to nwrp@water.ie.