Work has started to repair and upgrade the Kilkee Wastewater Pumping Station in Co Clare.

The work is expected to be completed within the next two months.

A 'Do Not Swim' notice issued by Clare County Council in December 2016 remains in place pending completion of the work at the pumping station. Irish Water has commissioned the manufacture and installation of a new surge protection system to replace the one which failed in December.

A specialist electrical contractor has been appointed to review all electrical issues at the pumping station and a number of other measures are also being put in place to allow for improved management at times where a large volume of storm water is entering the system.

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Work to install the new equipment at the pumping station will continue throughout March and April, with commissioning and optimisation due to be completed by mid-May.

Maurice Hourigan, Wastewater Lead with Irish Water, said: "Since this incident occurred at the end of December, resolving it has been a top priority project for Irish Water. We now hope to have completed this work by mid-May, ahead of the start of the 2017 bathing season.

"Irish Water apologises for any inconvenience that this incident may cause to the users of Kilkee beach and will continue to work as a matter of urgency to resolve the issue as quickly as possible."

(CD/JP)