Co Kildare farmers could be issued with compulsory purchase orders in new water pipeline plans

Farmers in Co Kildare whose lands are running through the proposed €900 million water pipeline are likely to be attending public consultations into the new year.

The 170km pipeline will bring water from the River Shannon to the eastern and midlands regions.

The Water Supply Project will run from Parteen Basin in Co Tipperary, with water treatment nearby at Birdhill, to a termination point reservoir at Peamount in south county Dublin.

Counties to be supplied include Clare, Tipperary, Offaly, Laois, Westmeath, Kildare, Meath and Dublin.

The scheme is expected to be completed by 2024 at a cost of up to €900 million.

Reassurances have been given by Sean Laffey, Irish Water, that there will be full co-operation with landowners, but that if necessary, compulsory purchase orders will be issued.

Mr Laffey said: "We are not looking at taking possession of lands, pipes will be put underground. We would like to come to an agreement with landowners on compensation. We will be seeking CPO if necessary, with compensation."

The closing date for consultation is February 14.