Upgrading works on sewage treatment plants in County Sligo have to happen early next year, according to a local councillor.
Contracts for the upgrading works at Grange, Tubbercurry, Strandhill and Ballinafad are expected to be signed early next year.
Irish Water have confirmed The Design Build Operate Contract is still at tender stage with completed tenders due to be submitted by the middle of January.
The time allowed by Irish Water for contractors to price the contract has been extended a number of times to allow for more competitive tenders.
Irish Water expect a contract to be signed in the second quarter of 2017 following internal approval procedures.
Independent councillor Marie Casserly welcomed the news and said it needs to takes place as soon as possible.
