An application has been submitted for a licence for marine site investigation works to be carried out in Arklow, Co Wicklow.

The Minister for Environment, Simon Coveney, received the application from Irish Water.

The works, to be carried out in Arklow Bay and the estuary of the Avoca River, are to progress on the development of the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP).

The works will enable the team to go-ahead with the design and construction of the proposed outfall pipe in the bay and the intake pipe crossing the Avoca River. The works include archaeological surveys, ecological surveys and geotechnical survey. All surveys are programmed to take place between July and September and are expected take approximately eight to 12 weeks to complete.

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Irish Water is working in partnership with Wicklow County Council and Arup to deliver the project which will end the current practice of discharging untreated wastewater into the Avoca River.

Michael Tinsley, Asset Programmes Manager at Irish Water said: "It is a key priority for Irish Water to provide a new Wastewater Treatment Plant to the people of Arklow. These marine surveys will enable us to progress with the design elements of the outfall and intake pipes needed for the proposed project. Irish Water will continue to keep residents, businesses and the wider community informed as the project progresses."

(CD/MH)