Irish Water and Kerry County Council continue to move forward with plans for Kilcummin Sewerage Scheme.

In recent weeks, the project has progressed to tender stage and the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the lands and wayleaves necessary to progress the works will be published early this month.

When complete, the scheme will provide a new sewer collection system for Kilcummin village, that will ensure wastewater from the village is treated appropriately.

Irish Water is working in partnership with Kerry County Council to develop this project. Once operational, the new sewerage scheme will connect into the sewer network in Killarney town, where it will be collected and transferred to Killarney wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for appropriate treatment.

The scheme will ensure compliance with wastewater discharge regulations. It will also improve water quality in the River Deenagh and Lough Leane and protect recreational waters for swimming, fishing, boating and sightseeing, as well as protecting the integrity of the local environment. The new wastewater infrastructure will enhance local amenities and provide a platform for social and economic development.

The new sewerage infrastructure to be constructed as part of this scheme will include a sewer network for Kilcummin village, a pumping station, and approximately 6kms of sewers. The scheme will reduce the reliance on on-site systems such as septic tanks and package treatment plants.

Works on the project are expected to commence late in 2022, but the timeline for the commencement of works is subject to statutory approvals.

“We are looking forward to delivering this important project on behalf of the local community in Kilcummin," David Shalloo, Wastewater Regional Delivery Lead with Irish Water, said.

"All new infrastructure has been sized to accommodate future population growth and the project will enhance the local environment and provide a platform for social and economic development well into the future. We have moved the project forward as planned to tender stage and will publish our CPO early this month. We look forward to working with the local community to deliver this project in conjunction with our partners Kerry County Council.”

Irish Water and Kerry County Council will continue to update the local community in Kilcummin as they progress our work on this project, he added.

For more information on this project please see www.water.ie/projects/local-projects/kilcummin-sewerage-scheme/.

Independent TD Michael Healy Rae welcomed the update on the project.