It would see water pumped from the River Shannon to Dublin.
A controversial pipeline from the River Shannon to Dublin remains the only viable option to keep up with demand.
Irish Water has examined almost 600 potential sources but says the plan remains the best solution for the capital and parts of the east and midlands.
A public consultation on improving supply for the regions began today.
Lawyer Emma Kennedy of Kennedy Analysis says the €1.3 billion price tag would be better spent fixing leaks:
Angela Ryan from Irish Water says they looked at dozens of options including pumping 300 million litres of water a day from the Shannon.
She says the pipeline is part of their preferred approach:
The utility says the pipelone project, along with upgrades to treatment plants and the addition of new facilities, will help improve water supplies for the east and midlands.
There are also plans to reduce water loss through leaks by around half by 2033.
But Ms. Kennedy says the pipeline isn't needed:
Status Yellow Fog Warning Issued For Midlands Tomorrow
Offaly Author Releases Book On County's Place In Irish History
Offaly Branch Of Charity Double Donations In Christmas Campaign
Music Generation Offaly Release Christmas Single
Midlands Youth Clubs Open Doors For Oíche na hÓige
Laois TD Highlights Importance Of Housing Defence Forces Veterans
Laois People Crowned Most Hardworking In Ireland
Westmeath Steakhouse Closing Down Over Rising Costs
Minister For Children Launches Community Families In Offaly
Campaign To End Gender Based Violence Launching In Westmeath
Ryanair Slam World Cup Price Gouging Claims
Madness Leads First Line-Up Announcement For Award Winning Laois Festival
Midlands Weather Warning Lifted As Frosty Conditions Continue
Six People Held In Relation To Missing Garda Drug Seizure Released
Housing Commencements Continue To Fall In Midlands
Offaly Man To Launch Book On Slieve Bloom River
Midlands Couple Call For Political Intervention On Housing Development
Midlands Communities Gather To Object Wind Farm Plans
Five Couples Remain In Limbo Over Future Midlands Homes
Russian Spy Ship Near Irish Waters