A major upgrade to Belleek’s wastewater infrastructure is due to begin this month, bringing a more sustainable treatment system and additional capacity for the local community.

Construction of a new Belleek Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) is scheduled to start in September 2026 as part of the WEST (Water Enhancements through Sustainable Treatment) project, a joint initiative between NI Water and Uisce Éireann designed to improve water quality in Lough Erne, Lough Melvin and Donegal Bay by upgrading key wastewater assets.

Supported by the PEACEPLUS programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), the WEST project also includes upgrades to the wastewater treatment works at Garrison, Ballybay and Blacklion, alongside extensive modelling across the wider Erne catchment.

The new Belleek facility will be built on a greenfield site, accessed via a private laneway past Wark Hall. The existing mechanical treatment works off Marina Road will continue to operate until the new plant is constructed and commissioned.

Maghera-based BSG Civil Engineering has been appointed to deliver the works in Belleek. Initial activity will focus on establishing a site compound before building the highly sustainable, nature-based solution. Completion is expected by spring 2028, when flows will be diverted to the new plant and the old facility demolished.

As part of the wider improvements, a larger-diameter pumping main will be installed to transfer wastewater from Carlton Wastewater Pumping Station, beside Carlton Cottages, to the new treatment works.

To finalise the pipeline design, confirm ground conditions and locate existing services, a small number of 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 to keep vehicles moving. 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 funded under the Water Quality Improvement Programme investment area of PEACEPLUS. It enables a collaborative cross-border approach by NI Water and Uisce Éireann to managing and improving water quality in line with the Water Framework Directive.

Through innovative methods and upgraded treatment, the WEST project will enhance water quality in Lough Erne, Lough Melvin and Donegal Bay, and provide improved wastewater treatment for at least 5,000 people, with capacity for an additional 1,000 across Belleek, Garrison, Ballybay and Blacklion.

SEUPB is a North South Body with responsibility for managing EU funding programmes in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The PEACEPLUS programme, valued at €1.14bn, 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.