An innovative project to deliver sustainable, low energy wastewater treatment to the village of Lixnaw in Co Kerry has been recognised with a major accolade.

Irish Water and its partners VESI Environmental and Kerry County Council received a prestigious Green Award for their work on the project, which saw an Integrated Constructed Wetland developed for the North Kerry village.

The project came out on top in the Green Technology category of the awards which celebrate green business and sustainability.

An Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW) is a sustainable, natural wastewater treatment system that is designed to look and function in a similar way to a natural wetland. It is an environmentally friendly way to treat wastewater with reduced operational and maintenance costs, as well as biodiversity creation, while also reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. As well as ensuring that wastewater from the village is treated in full compliance with wastewater discharge regulations, the project also adds biodiversity value to the area by providing a habitat for local wildlife while remaining sensitive to the surrounding landscape.

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Accepting the award on behalf of Irish Water and its partners Kerry County Council and Waterford-based VESI Environmental, Irish Water's head of Asset Management Sean Laffey, said: "We are delighted to receive this recognition for what is a landmark project for Irish Water. We are putting sustainability at the heart of everything we do and a project like this one in Lixnaw demonstrates how we can work together with local communities to deliver innovate solutions to support sustainable growth and development which also enhancing the local environment. We would like to thank the people of Lixnaw, and our partners Kerry County Council and VESI Environmental, for their support in the delivery of this important project."

Aila Carty from VESI Environmental added: "VESI is delighted that Lixnaw village ICW has won the Green Technology award, as it comprehensively demonstrates how the delivery of sustainable technology and associated innovations can bring real benefits to the environment and to communities around the country. It addresses local social and economic needs, while also supporting biodiversity and enhancing our precious environment, all delivered as a cost effective and low maintenance solution. This project at Lixnaw has inspired community-led initiatives around the country. It is with thanks to all involved during the project that has given its success."

The project was delivered by Irish Water in partnership with Kerry County Council and through close collaboration with VESI Environmental Ltd, IE Consulting Ltd., and Healy Rae Plant Hire Ltd. who have constructed the ICW on behalf of Irish Water. Irish Water invested €2 million in this project.