Alternatives to Shannon abstraction considered

Studies into water extraction from the River Shannon for Dublin are still considering alternative locations as well as other technologies such as desalination and groundwater extraction.


In a Dublin City Council statement issued to the Athlone Advertiser, the authority states that it will not make a final decision on abstraction of 300m litres of water a day from the river until the end of 2009.

According to the statement: “Ten water supply options are being studied which include Lough Ree, Lough Derg, and Parteen Basin on the Shannon River system.

“Options involving storage of excess winter water for subsequent use in drier periods are being investigated for Lough Ree and Lough Derg.

“In addition to the Shannon based options, the studies are also investigating desalination and groundwater options.”

Longford and Westmeath TD James Bannon, urged Dublin City Council to repair leaky pipes to make the most of the existing water supply, arguing that extracting water from the river is a short-term solution.

Meanwhile the Shannon Protection Alliance voiced its concern that if the plan were to go ahead it would threaten the future development of towns and villages on the riverside.

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