Plans are progressing on a sustainable wastewater treatment system in north Kerry with work expected to start on the new build this summer.

The €2 million Integrated Constructed Wetlands (ICW) will be built on 5.5 hectares of land in Lixnaw village, benefiting the area and its surrounding communities.

An ICW is designed to look and function as a natural wetland, in order to treat wastewater from rural communities in an environmentally friendly way before allowing it to return to the water system safely. Integrated constructed wetlands are carefully planned to integrate into the natural surrounding landscape, enhancing biodiversity and built using natural materials like native plants, trees, soil, sand and stones.

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The existing treatment plant which catered for a population equivalent (PE) of 300 will be replaced with the new ICW, which will serve 1,200.

The project is being delivered by Irish Water in partnership with Kerry County Council. A contractor is expected to be appointed in the coming weeks.

Work on the new facility is scheduled for completion in 2020.

Speaking about the proposed ICW, Paul Cremin Capital Programmes Regional Lead with Irish Water, said: "We are delighted to announce an investment of €2 million by Irish Water for a sustainable and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment system in Lixnaw, capable of meeting the current and future needs of the village. This Integrated Constructed Wetland will also feature a walking trail and has been carefully planned to integrate into the natural surrounding landscape. We wish to sincerely thank the local community, elected representatives and the Local Authority for their support of this project from the outset."

(CM/JG)