East Galway businesses fear impact of Shannon water scheme

Portumna businesses that rely on Lough Derg have expressed serious concerns about the impact of a proposed water transfer scheme on their livelihoods, amid fears that East Galway is being drained of vital resources.

The scheme, officially known as the 'Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region' and often referred to as the 'Shannon to Dublin pipeline', would transfer water from the Shannon to support future demand in Dublin and surrounds.

At a public information clinic hosted by Uisce Éireann in Portumna Town Hall, local business owners raised fears about the potential impact the reduced water levels could have.

Portumna auctioneer Niamh Madden said those whose livelihoods depend on the lake must be included in the decision-making process.

And she said that, so far, local knowledge had not been considered in the project.

"The people who know the lake, they were never contacted,” said Ms Madden, who is also Vice-Chair of the Fine Gael Women's Network and Chairperson South East Galway Branch.

“Their opinions weren't sought and they are the people who understand it. We can write all the reports in the world, but that doesn't mean anything.

“Uisce Éireann need to take the opinions of the people who understand the weather on the lake into consideration along with the experts.”

Ms Madden said some of the strongest concerns raised at the meeting came from business owners whose income depends on the lake.

"One gentleman explained that a change in wind can alter the water depth by six inches,” she said.

“His concern was that a small additional drop in water level of just four inches could mean boats would no longer be able to access his harbour. Some very specific concerns were raised at that meeting and rightly so.”

Communities in East Galway deserve answers

Portumna auctioneer Niamh Madden

These concerns included water capacity, biodiversity, wildlife habitats and the project's long-term environmental impact. Ms Madden said questions remain about the scale of the project and its potential effects.

"They cannot say,” she said. “The capacity is 300 million litres of water, but that all depends on planning and further reports."

Wider concerns:

She also raised wider concerns about the future development of East Galway and said the water project must be considered alongside other major developments proposed for the region.

“Many in the area are now asking whether the people of East Galway are being expected to supply both electricity and water to support development on the east coast, while continuing to face infrastructure and capacity challenges at home,” she said.

“Before local resources are used to meet growing demand elsewhere, there must be confidence that our own infrastructural, economic and environmental needs are being properly addressed.”

She highlighted the continued delay on the Craughwell wastewater treatment plant which was launched to much fanfare in 2023. She also pointed to the lack of residential development in Portumna in recent years.

"If you take Craughwell into consideration, how long has Craughwell been promised a water treatment plant?” she asked.

"We haven't had a new residential development in Portumna since 2011. When you take this project along with the proposed Coolpowra power plant that will provide electricity to the east coast and data centres, we have to ask why our local resources are going to meet demand elsewhere. What about our infrastructure?”

The Project:

Uisce Éireann says the project is needed because the Greater Dublin Area currently relies heavily on the River Liffey for its water supply and demand is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades.

The proposed water supply project will abstract a maximum of 2% of the average flow of the River Shannon at Parteen Basin to Peamount in Dublin, with connections available along the route in Tipperary, Offaly and Westmeath.

Reflections:

Drawing on her own experience of growing up along the Shannon, Ms Madden said local people understand changes in water conditions that may not always be reflected in technical reports.

"You wouldn't take heed of these things unless you knew the area,” she said. “I grew up in Banagher and you knew where you could swim. My children know the swimming areas in Portumna."

She recalled how changing conditions on the river can alter familiar locations.

"After a dry winter, a young lad who had been swimming in the same place for years was badly cut on his face,” she continued. “Local people understand these changes because we live with them."

Ms Madden also highlighted the importance of protecting the recreational and tourism amenities that have developed around the lake.

"The Blueway has brought it all together, from the forest to the marina,” she said. “It has connected it all. It's a phenomenal amenity. We can't lose that."

In a statement, Uisce Éireann said the following:

“The Water Supply Project proposes an abstraction of 300ml/d, the equivalent to a maximum of 2% of the annual average flow of the River Shannon.

“The water levels of Lough Derg and the Parteen Basin will remain in the control of the ESB and the abstraction will not affect the normal operating water levels.

“Modelling shows that the abstraction is sustainable, will have a negligible effect on water quality, and there will be no visible day to day difference for any water users.

Consultation to Date

“Uisce Éireann has prioritised public and stakeholder engagement throughout the development of the proposed Water Supply Project.

“There have been five rounds of non-statutory public consultation on this project. During the latest non-statutory consultation, Uisce Éireann held 31 briefing with key stakeholders, including six in-person information events with over 700 people in attendance, and two online webinars.

“The public consultations were held in order to provide information on the proposed plans and invite feedback from landowners, key stakeholders and the wider public. Feedback from that consultation is published and publicly available.

“Separately, An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) have held a statutory public consultation in early 2026 as part of their independent assessment of the project. In May 2026, Uisce Éireann issued a detailed report to ACP responding to the consultation submissions they received.

Ongoing consultation

“We are committed to continuing engagement with all stakeholders, including communities around the Parteen Basin, and to this end, we have recently appointed a dedicated Community Liaison Officer (CLO).

“The CLO has held meetings with a number of interested stakeholders, including angling groups, GAA clubs, schools, group water schemes, youth groups and community development groups and we will continue to target and facilitate these meetings with key stakeholders along the route.

“We have held 20 community information clinics to date in 2026 with over 150 attendees, with further clinics planned over the Summer. Clinics have been held in local community centres in close proximity to the proposed pipeline route. We are currently focusing engagement on communities in the Mid-West – particularly around Lough Derg, including East Galway.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.