Sewerage scheme ­upgrade for Kilfenora

Kilfenora’s well-documented sewerage problems, created by the shortcomings in the county council’s wastewater treatment plant, may be coming to an end following the most recent intervention of Environment Minister Phil Hogan.

Minister Hogan included the scheme upgrade in the Government’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013, a move that will see the scheme progress from the design to tendering process.

The Kilfenora Sewerage Scheme involves the upgrading of the existing wastewater treatment plant together with addressing the current treatment and discharge difficulties highlighted on this scheme.

Deputy Joe Carey admitted the Kilfenora plant has proven problematic in recent times and news of the proposed scheme upgrade is good.

“I have made a case for the inclusion of the Kilfenora Sewerage Scheme in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013. I am pleased that the scheme has been approved by the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan.

“The Kilfenora Sewerage Scheme has proven problematic and is located in a very sensitive landscape so this is welcome news. It is important that the scheme is progressed through to design, preparation of contract documents and tendering as quickly as possible,” he said.

Minister Hogan emphasised the scheme is important to the North Clare area.

“This scheme is now included in my department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013.

“This approval reflects the commitments in the Programme for Government for continuing investment in our wastewater infrastructure to ensure that discharges into our rivers, lakes and coastal waters meet the highest international standards,” stated Minister Hogan.