Irish Water is seeking a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to acquire wayleaves and lands needed to develop a new wastewater treatment plant which will end the unacceptable practice of discharging untreated wastewater into Tawny Bay.

The water company has published details of the Compulsory Purchase Order for lands required for the Kilcar Sewerage Scheme following its failureto acquire all of the required wayleaves and lands on a voluntary basis, despite on-going consultations with the landowners identified on the proposed scheme.

Irish Water said the practice of discharging untreated wastewater into Tawny Bay is unsustainable and the new wastewater treatment plant would restore integrity of the environment

The new pipes, pumping station and wastewater treatment plant have all been sized to accommodate an increase in the local population and will facilitate future growth in the area. The project will also ensure that the water quality standards set down by regulatory bodies will be achieved.

Commenting on its decision to seek the CPO, Irish Water said:

Given the importance of the project to the waste water infrastructure, we will now endeavour to acquire the wayleaves and lands by way of Compulsory Purchase Order pursuant to the provisions of the Water Services Act, 2007 (as amended). We will now be submitting the Compulsory Purchase Order to An Bord Pleanála.

In addition to the land acquisition process the utility will also be seeking planning permission for the Kilcar Sewerage Scheme from Donegal County Council. The timeline for the commencement of works is subject to the Planning and CPO statutory approvals.