Compulsory Purchase Order for lands required for the Burtonport Sewerage Scheme have been submitted

Working to end the unacceptable practice of discharging untreated wastewater into Rutland Sound

Irish Water is working to end the unacceptable practice of discharging untreated wastewater into Rutland Sound by developing a new wastewater treatment plant as part of the Burtonport Sewerage Scheme.

Project will ensure water quality standards are achieved

The practice of discharging the equivalent of 160 wheelie bins of untreated wastewater into Rutland Sound per day is unsustainable. The new wastewater treatment plant will bring benefits to Burtonport in terms of health, integrity of the environment and improved water quality for all. Cleaner water will enhance Burtonport’s amenity value and act as a platform for social and economic development. The new sewer pipes, pumping station and wastewater treatment plant have all been sized to accommodate an increase in the local population and will facilitate future growth in the area. The project will also ensure that the water quality standards set down by regulatory bodies will be achieved.

Consultations with landowners are on-going 

Consultations have been on-going with all landowners identified on the proposed scheme. We were unable to acquire all of the required wayleaves and lands on a voluntary basis. Given the importance of the project to the waste water infrastructure, we will now endeavour to acquire the wayleaves and lands by way of Compulsory Purchase Order pursuant to the provisions of the Water Services Act, 2007 (as amended). We have submitted the Compulsory Purchase Order to An Bord Pleanála. 

Seeking planning permission for Burtonport Sewerage Scheme

In addition to the land acquisition process we will be seeking planning permission for the Burtonport Sewerage Scheme from Donegal County Council. The timeline for the commencement of works is subject to the Planning and CPO statutory approvals.