Uisce Éireann has announced it has reached a legal agreement which means a major sewage treatment project, critical to the provision of housing in the capital in future, will proceed.
The €1.3 billion Greater Dublin Drainage Project was held up by a judicial review, but Uisce Éireann said construction contractor procurement will now commence in February 2026.
In July, the project was given the green light by the planning board An Coimisiún Pleanála.
In September, a legal challenge was lodged against the project by Wild Irish Defence, a company whose directors include Peter Sweetman, a serial litigant who has objected to multiple developments across Ireland.
Today Uisce Éireann announced: "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."
It means the project can go ahead.
Uisce Éireann began a pre-application process in 2012 and an application which was lodged in 2018.
It was subject to an initial judicial review in 2020.
Uisce Éireann's Infrastructure Delivery Director Maria O’Dwyer said: "Uisce Éireann is delighted to secure an agreement and move forward with this critical project.
"The delivery of the Greater Dublin Drainage project is an essential part of Uisce Éireann's investment in new wastewater infrastructure in Greater Dublin and will facilitate housing and growth while protecting public health and safeguarding our environment."
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne welcomed the agreement.
He said the outcome is "very good news for new homes given the urgent need to accelerate housing supply in North Dublin and its surrounds".
"It is a major step forward in addressing waste-water infrastructure in Dublin, unlocking greater development potential by providing essential increased wastewater treatment capacity.
"Infrastructure is central to meeting the objectives of our new housing action plan – to deliver at least 300,000 new homes - and Uisce Éireann will have our full support as it advances this project," Minister Browne added.
Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure Jack Chambers also welcomed the announcement of a settlement, saying the scheme is a "critical project for the social and economic development of the greater Dublin area and our country as a whole".
"This project will support the delivery of thousands of new homes and the conclusion of this process is good news for families, young people and everyone seeking to secure a home as well as businesses and local communities," Mr Chambers said.
The €1.3 billion scheme, which is due to service north Dublin and parts of Meath and Kildare, will provide wastewater treatment for half a million people.
The project is regarded as important as the water treatment plant in Ringsend is currently at full capacity.
