A major investment in Belleek's wastewater infrastructure is planned to get underway this month, delivering a more sustainable treatment system and increased capacity for the local community.
Construction of the new Belleek Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) is planned to begin in September 2026 as part of the WEST (Water Enhancements through Sustainable Treatment) project, a cross-border initiative between NI Water and Uisce Éireann which aims to improve water quality in Lough Erne, Lough Melvin, and Donegal Bay through the upgrade of strategic wastewater assets.
Supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, the WEST project also involves upgrades to wastewater treatment works at Garrison, Ballybay and Blacklion as well as extensive modelling work in the wider Erne catchment.
The new Belleek facility will be built on a greenfield site, with access via a private laneway past Wark Hall. The existing mechanical treatment works off Marina Road will remain fully operational until the new plant has been constructed and commissioned.
Maghera-based BSG Civil Engineering has been appointed to carry out the Belleek works. Initial activity includes establishing a site compound, followed by construction of the highly sustainable, nature-based solution. Completion is expected by spring 2028, after which flows will be diverted to the new works and the old facility will be demolished.
As part of the wider Belleek improvements, a new larger-diameter pumping main will be required to transfer wastewater flows from Carlton Wastewater Pumping Station, beside Carlton Cottages, to the new treatment works.
To finalise the pipeline design, assess ground conditions and confirm the location of existing services, a small number of trial holes are planned to be excavated on Main Street and Marina Road in mid-September. Each excavation is likely to take one day and traffic management will be in place to maintain traffic flow.
Speaking about the start of the WEST project in Belleek, Mark Brownlee, WEST Programme Lead said: “With work in Garrison progressing well, the WEST project team is delighted to now start our second sustainable treatment upgrade in Belleek. This investment, made possible through PEACEPLUS funding, represents a major step forward for wastewater services in Belleek and will provide lasting environmental, social and economic benefits for the local community.
“The new eco-friendly treatment works and pumping main will help improve water quality in the River Erne and, downstream, Donegal Bay, while providing additional treatment capacity to support new homes and economic growth in the Belleek area.
“The WEST project team appreciates the support of local landowners, businesses and residents in progressing these key wastewater upgrades. We are committed to minimising disruption in Belleek and will keep the community updated as work moves forward.”
Launched in November 2025, the €32 million WEST project is being funded under the Water Quality Improvement Programme investment area of the PEACEPLUS programme. This enables a collaborative cross-border approach by NI Water and Uisce Éireann towards the management and improvement of water quality to address the requirements of the Water Framework Directive in selected water bodies.
Through innovative new approaches and upgrades to wastewater treatment, the WEST project will bring benefits to border communities by improving water quality in Lough Erne, Lough Melvin and Donegal Bay, as well as providing improved treatment for at least 5,000 people, with treatment capacity for an additional 1,000 in Belleek, Garrison, Ballybay and Blacklion.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is a North South Body with the statutory remit for managing EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
The PEACEPLUS Programme has been designed to promote peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and has a total value of €1.14bn.
PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
Further information on the WEST project can be found at www.west-project.com