Irish Water is progressing plans to develop a new €3 million sewerage scheme for the village of Kilcummin, Co Kerry which will have major benefits for the local environment whilst also facilitating future development in the area.
The scheme will involve the construction of a new pumping station and all the additional infrastructure needed to connect Kilcummin to the Killarney Wastewater network at Derreen.
NI Water said the project would ensure that the local environment is protected by improving the quality of groundwater and facilitating an improvement in the quality of water in the River Deenagh and Lough Leane. It will also allow for future residential and commercial development within the area.
A planning application for the project is being lodged with Kerry County Council to facilitate a range of work including the construction of a new pumping station, a below ground peak flow holding tank and an access road to the pumping station from the back of the Páirc Chuimín estate.
The application also relates to the construction of a gravity sewer crossing of the River Deenagh within Killarney National Park. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) to facilitate an assessment of potential impacts on the Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Caragh River Catchment Special Area of Conservation will be included in the planning submission.
Joe Kennedy, Irish Water’s Wastewater Lead for the Southern Region, said:
“This is a very significant project for Kilcummin, in providing a very critical wastewater infrastructure in this rural area close to the town of Killarney. This will help protect the environment and improve water quality in this very scenic area while also providing the scope and flexibility to facilitate future development within the catchment area.”
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