A new wastewater treatment works is due to start construction this month in Belleek, County Fermanagh, as part of a cross-border project to improve water quality in the Erne catchment.

The facility will be built on a greenfield site accessed by a private laneway past Wark Hall. The existing treatment works off Marina Road will remain in operation until the new plant is ready and flows are diverted. Completion is expected by spring 2028, after which the old facility will be demolished.

The project is part of the WEST (Water Enhancements through Sustainable Treatment) initiative, a joint effort between NI Water and Uisce Éireann. It also includes upgrades at Garrison, Ballybay, and Blacklion, plus catchment modelling. The €32 million project is funded under the PEACEPLUS programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

Maghera-based BSG Civil Engineering has been appointed to deliver the works in Belleek. Initial activity will focus on setting up the site compound before building the nature-based treatment solution. A larger-diameter pumping main will be installed to transfer wastewater from Carlton Wastewater Pumping Station to the new works.

To finalise pipeline design, trial holes will be excavated on Main Street and Marina Road in mid-September. Each excavation is expected to take one day, with traffic management in place.

Mark Brownlee, WEST Programme Lead, said the upgrade is a major step forward for wastewater services in Belleek and will improve water quality in the River Erne and Donegal Bay. He said it will also provide additional capacity to support new homes and economic growth.

The WEST project aims to enhance water quality in Lough Erne, Lough Melvin, and Donegal Bay, and provide improved treatment for at least 5,000 people, with capacity for an additional 1,000 across the four locations.