High Court settlement clears way for Greater Dublin Drainage project

High Court Reporter

The High Court has been informed of a settlement in a legal challenge brought against permission granted for the Greater Dublin Drainage project.

An Coimisiún Pleanála’s (ACP) grant of permission for the project – seen as a key piece of infrastructure enabling house building and growth in the capital – had been the subject of judicial review proceedings brought by environmental group Wild Ireland Defence.

The drainage project, which is to include a new treatment plant in Clonshaugh that will serve up to 500,000 people, was identified as necessary more than a decade ago. However, the planned development has been beset by planning issues.

Uisce Éireann was given the green light by ACP in July to commence the development. Wild Ireland Defence and Catherine McMahon, a sea swimmer, lodged their judicial review proceedings in September.

Last week, Uisce Éireann announced in a statement that the proceedings had been resolved.

The utility firm said: “The settlement was achieved following constructive engagement between all parties and avoids the need for a full court hearing.

“As part of the agreement Uisce Éireann committed to some additional measures, to further enhance public confidence in the environmental benefits of the project.”

On Monday, Oisin Collins SC, appearing for Wild Ireland Defence, told Mr Justice Richard Humphreys of the settlement. He said a declaration had been agreed on between the parties, included in an order proposed to the court.

The judge made the order, and congratulated the parties on reaching an agreement.