Construction work has started on the development of a new water treatment plant in Owenteskna in Donegal.

Irish Water is working in partnership with Donegal County Council to carry out the scheme which will benefit almost 4,000 consumers in the South West Donegal area.

David McLoone, Irish Water's Infrastructure Programme Regional Lead, and the Minister of State for the Diaspora and Overseas Development Aid, Joe McHugh TD turned the sod at the site.

The contract was awarded to Coffey Water Limited on November 14 2016 who will carry out the works on the behalf of Irish Water.

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Mr McLoone said: "The scheme is supplied from Lough Nalughraman, an impounded upland source which provides a good quality raw water supply. The lake water receives minimal treatment consisting of screening and disinfection. As a result, the Owenteskna/Kilcar Water Supply scheme is on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Remedial Action List (RAL)."

The contract will see the construction of a state of the art water treatment plant on a new site at Owenteskiny Townland, Carrick, in the vicinity of the existing disinfection house.

Minister McHugh added: "This new treatment plant will greatly benefit the future economic and population development of the South West area of Donegal. The new plant will ensure compliant water which meets all EU and Irish standards for almost 4,000 consumers and we look forward to returning here for the official opening of this plant and the scheme's removal from the EPA's RAL."

(CD/LM)