DCC to apply for storm water outfall from Grand Canal Dock to River Liffey

Dublin City Council will apply for planning permission to develop a storm water outfall extension at Grand Canal Dock which will discharge into the River Liffey, it has been revealed.

The project, called Grand Canal Storm Water Outfall, will see the installation of underwater pipes between the current outfall within the dock and the proposed outfall to the River Liffey on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay.

Dublin City Council, in conjunction with Irish Water, says the project is currently “at planning stage and a planning application is due to be submitted to An Bord Pleanala in late 2021.”

In an information pamphlet sent by the local authority to councillors, it says that “water quality in the Grand Canal Dock has been adversely affected by the existing stormwater outfall discharging foul sewerage into the basin during periods of high rainfall.

“The Grand Canal Basin is regularly impacted by microbiological pollution, after heavy rainfall events.”

Dublin City Council says the project and installation of the underwater pipes “will improve water quality in the Grand Canal Basin.

“The Grand Canal Dock is used for water sports such as kayaking and wind surfing,” it says.

The project originally began in 2002 when planning permission was granted to develop a similar outfall extension into the River Liffey.

At the time, a 170m long box culvert was constructed and installed underneath Asgard Road, between Hanover Quay and Sir Rogerson’s Quay.

In 2008, a procurement process began seeking developers to connect the Grand Canal Tunnel with the culvert and construct the outlet structure in the River Liffey.

Although a contract was awarded by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, the project was put on hold in 2012 primarily due to the economic downturn.

In 2015, the planning permission was withdrawn after the Dublin Docklands Development Authority was dissolved.

Donna Cooney, Green Party councillor for Clontarf is objecting to the proposal, saying the discharge of storm water into the River Liffey will further pollute Dublin bathing areas.

“My heart is sinking at the thought of the effects it could have on the bathing water quality and Dublin bay environs,” she says.

“They want to spend money on a white water rafting commercial white elephant, yet only have the funds to clean water in Grand Canal Docks by putting a big pipe into the Liffey destroying the natural environment and much used Dublin bay sea swimming and water sports free for citizens.

“It is truly maddening.”

In the information pamphlet, Dublin City Council says that it will assess any potential damage the scheme may cause to the River Liffey before planning permission is sought.

“A water quality model is currently being developed,” it says.

“This will asses the impact, if any, of various scenarios on the water quality of the River Liffey and Dublin Bay.

This model is due to be completed in 2021 prior to the submission of planning permission.

“The results of the study will be available to view once completed.”