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:
Gardaí Investigating Arson Attack on Westmeath Sports Centre
Public Meeting Set To Take Place On Proposed Westmeath Climate Centre
Offaly Teacher Who Faked Two Pregnancies Avoids Further Jail Time
HSE Seeks Retention Permission For Coffee Dock At Laois Hospital
Offaly Pupils Become Local Stars After Publishing Bestselling Book
Katie Taylor To Fight At Croke Park In September
Offaly Gardaí Renew Appeal For Witnesses To Firearm Incident
Cruinniú Na nÓg Returns With Workshops And Events Across Region
Ukrainian President Seeking Face-To-Face Talks With Vladimir Putin
Ireland’s Oldest Person Dies Aged 109
Midlands Hospice Long Overdue - Hospice Fundraising Committee
Westmeath Town Set For First Official Pride Parade This Weekend
Westmeath Business Wins €15k Award For Supporting Irish Business
€1bn Data Centre And Energy Campus Approved For Westmeath
Laois TD Criticises Lack Of EV Charging Infrastructure
JFK 50 Mile Challenge Returns To Midlands
Midlands Man To Stand Trial Over Alleged €200k Deception Case
EPA Seeks Tougher Action On Illegal Peat Cutting
Laois Shop Owner Hopeful Businesses Will Be Helped By Over The Shop Grant
Laois Councillor Backs Council Buying Derelict Town Centre Properties