A major upgrade of the Kenmare Water Treatment plant will ensure safer water for the south Kerry town — but it will not solve a long-term problem of a new water source.

It’s back to the drawing board with plans for a long-awaited water scheme for a popular tourist area after the Circuit Court turned down a local authority’s proposals.

A CONTROVERSIAL plan by Kerry County Council to abstract water from the River Sheen to supply the tourist town of Kenmare is the subject of a two-day planning hearing that starts today.

DRINKING water supply problems could further delay any planned new developments in Kenmare for a number of years.