Project History

The GDD project has its origins in the findings of the Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study (GDSDS) published in 2005.

This study took a high level view of the wastewater drainage and treatment requirements of the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and its key findings were the subject of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (2008).

The GDSDS recognised the limited capacity of the Ringsend plant and of the major arterial sewers draining to it. The GDSDS concluded that, in addition to maximising the capacity of the existing wastewater treatment plants in the GDA, a new regional wastewater treatment facility, including a new orbital sewer to intercept flows from the Ringsend catchment, is required to be located in north Dublin, with an outfall to the Irish Sea.

The GDD project was initiated by Fingal County Council in 2011 on behalf of the four Dublin Local Authorities, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow. Fingal brought the GDD project through a rigorous alternative sites and routes assessment process and identified a preferred project solution.

The Project Team completed site selection in 2013 and identified that the best solution for the future development of wastewater treatment capacity in the wider Dublin region.

Uisce Éireann carried out the environmental studies required to prepare a planning application for the GDD project. The planning application was submitted in 2018 and an oral hearing was subsequently held. 

In November 2019, An Bord Pleanála (now called An Coimisiún Pleanála) granted planning permission and confirmed the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the GDD Project. The planning application for the GDD Project was remitted to the Board (now called the Commission) for reconsideration following an Order of the High Court on 16 July 2021 (the Remittal Application).

At An Bord Pleanála's direction, Uisce Éireann submitted further information to the Board in October 2023 in relation to the Remittal Application. The Further Information addresses changes that have occurred in the environmental, policy and legislative context since the original planning application for the GDD Project was made in 2018.

Uisce Éireann applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a Wastewater Discharge Licence (WWDL) in December 2024. This is an essential component of the GDD Project.

In July 2025, An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission for the GDD Project enabling Uisce Éireann to continue the delivery of safe wastewater treatment in the GDA. This is a once-in-a-generation project that will protect public health, safeguard our environment and facilitate growth to 2050 and beyond.