In 1308, it was recorded that John Le Decer, mayor or provost of Dublin, installed two public pipes to supply the city with a freshwater source.

The source of the water was by way of a diversion of part of the Dodder at Balrothery weir near Firhouse in the southern hills of Dublin.

In 1660, the demand for water had exceeded the supply and alterations and improvements to the watercourse and a new basin were undertaken with a subterranean course under Thomas Street to a smaller underground cistern at New Row in the Liberties.

James Scanlan was employed as an engineer to carry out the works after an invitation which included submissions from Richard Castle and Gabriel Stokes.

The area around the basin was also lined with lime and elm trees and an ornamental gate around this time and became a fashionable park for citizens of the city over the following decades.

Later again in 1806, the corporation entered into 60-year agreements for a supply of water from both the Grand and Royal Canal on the opposite side of the city.