The long-awaited Kilcummin Sewerage Scheme is to begin next year.
Irish Water made the announcement today, which coincided with an online briefing with Killarney Municipal District councillors.
The proposed Kilcummin Sewerage Scheme, which was first proposed over 14 years ago, has been a persistent issue for residents and public representatives in the area.
Today, Irish Water announced that in partnership with Kerry County Council it will finally progress plans for a new sewer collection system for Kilcummin village to ensure wastewater from the area is treated appropriately.
It will include six kilometres of sewers and a pumping station.
The scheme will connect with the sewer network in Killarney and the sewage will be treated at Killarney wastewater treatment plant.
Irish Water says the project will improve water quality in the River Deenagh and Lough Leane.
Land acquisition and procurement will be progressed in the comin months and work is expected to begin late next year.
Wastewater Regional Delivery Lead with Irish Water, David Shalloo said the new infrastructure had been sized to accommodate future population growth.
Independent TD, Michael Healy-Rae says that while he welcomes the progression on the project, he is disappointed that some local homes are being left out.
A Kerry county councillor says today's announcement has left her dismayed and disappointed.
Labour councillor Marie Moloney says three important legs of the Kilcummin Sewerage Scheme have been withdrawn.
The local councillor says the Knockataggle, Rathanane roads and GAA clubhouse were included in the original proposal.
Cllr Moloney also said it is hard to accept the word of Irish Water that the scheme will proceed to construction at the end of next year as the utility has provided so many dates previously and nothing happened.
She said Irish Water is like the boy who cried wolf.
