Independent review urged of Shannon pipeline plan

Calls have been made for an independent review of Irish Water’s plans to spend €1.3bn building a system to pump drinking water from the Shannon to the greater Dublin area.

Irish Water rejected the review proposal, arguing that An Bord Pleanála would independently scrutinise the project when it went for planning permission. Objectors, however, said the board’s remit was too restricted.

Consultant Emma Kennedy, who has done research on behalf of opponents of the plans, told the Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning, and Local Government that their concerns were based on Irish Water’s rationale.