Advertisements are to be placed for tenders for sewerage works to serve a new fish processing plant in Killybegs.

The new sewers, pumping station and sea outfall are part of the Killybegs Sewerage Scheme which is being funded by the Government to the tune of €20 million.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mary Coughlan, has welcomed the news. She said: "During the construction phase, the new sewerage scheme will create much needed employment in the area while also protecting water quality in the harbour in Killybegs.

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"I am aware of how anxious those in the fishing industry, as well as other businesses and local residents are, to see this project completed."

Minister John Gormley has indicated that other elements of the Scheme are being advanced as quickly as possible with a new wastewater treatment plant to be provided for the town as part of a combined contract to include Bundoran and Glencolmcille.

The new plant is expected to be operational by 2010 with Donegal County Council presently preparing tender documents for the work. The Killybegs Sewerage Scheme is part of the Government's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 which commits to investment in wastewater schemes to ensure that discharge into lakes, rivers and coastal water meet the highest international standards.

(VB/JM)