Uisce Éireann’s transformative Greater Dublin Drainage (GDD)

Uisce Éireann’s transformative Greater Dublin Drainage (GDD) Project has received planning approval from An Coimisiún Pleanála, paving the way for construction to begin.

This critical infrastructure project will support the delivery of housing, protect public health, and safeguard the environment for generations to come. Designed to serve the wastewater treatment needs of over 500,000 people across North Dublin, Meath, Kildare, and parts of Wicklow, the GDD Project is central to Uisce Éireann’s long-term investment in Greater Dublin’s infrastructure.

The project includes:

• A state-of-the-art regional wastewater treatment facility and sludge hub in Clonshaugh.
• A new orbital sewer pipeline running underground from Blanchardstown to Clonshaugh.
• A marine outfall pipeline returning treated water 6km out to sea, northeast of Ireland’s Eye.
• Together with the upgraded Ringsend facility, the GDD Project will increase wastewater treatment capacity by over 50% by 2050, providing the resilience needed for ongoing population and economic growth.

Uisce Éireann is now progressing with the final pre-construction steps, including regulatory approvals and contractor procurement. Construction is expected to take approximately four years once all permissions are secured.

The GDD Project is a key priority under Project Ireland 2040 and is aligned with national and regional planning policies.