AN inadequate sewage treatment plant in Castlefin is holding up all new developments in the area according to a local councillor.

Councillor Alice Bonner claimed at Tuesday's Stranorlar Electoral Area (SEA) meeting that Castlefin was in a "serious position".

Cllr Bonner was referring to a recent An Bord Pleanála decision to refuse permission for a development in the town because the local treatment plant was working at full capacity.

Mr Michael Breslin, Area Manager for Water and Environment, said the plant was currently on Donegal County Council's reserve waiting list. He assured councillors he would do his best to organise a meeting next week with senior management to discuss the matter. However, Cllr Bonner claimed the council was not taking the issue seriously enough.

"Lifford just don't realise how serious this issue is," she said.

"Young people who want to build their own home are being stopped because of this and we need some kind of solution here".

Cllr JJ Reid said council officials should stop writing letters to each other and start talking.