A major cross-border project is set to launch to improve water quality in Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle.

The Irish Water and NI Water collaboration will see the wastewater network in Omeath, Co Louth, upgraded under the Shared Waters Enhancement and Loughs Legacy (SWELL) project.

The SWELL project, which has been awarded €35m under the EU's INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), involves the construction of new wastewater treatment works as well as upgrades to sewerage networks on both sides of the border to address wastewater pollution and improve the quality of water in Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle. The project's legacy will be the development of a unique ecosystem model that will support further improvements in these shared waters. Match-funding for the project has been provided by the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in Ireland.

These works, which are the last in a programme of eight planned upgrade works under SWELL, will address infrastructural deficiencies in the sewer network in Omeath to ensure that all wastewater is transported to a new wastewater treatment plant being progressed separately by Irish Water. The SWELL network improvement works in Omeath, together with the construction of the new Omeath Wastewater Treatment Plant will provide increased treatment capacity to meet the needs of the village, allow for future growth, reduce the impact of storm water overflows and improve the water quality of Carlingford Lough by ensuring wastewater is treated in compliance with EU directives.

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Main construction works on the network upgrade will commence in early August 2021 and are expected to be completed in November. Works are being delivered by BSG Civil Engineering Ltd on behalf of Irish Water in adherence with HSE and government guidance on COVID-19.

Speaking about the works, Irish Water's Conor Gilleran said: "This is the first time that targeted wastewater improvements to address wastewater pollution are being delivered on both sides of the border through collaboration between both water utilities. Separate to the SWELL project, Irish Water is also currently progressing plans to construct a new wastewater treatment plant in Omeath in order to treat wastewater in compliance with EU directives. The SWELL network upgrades in Omeath, alongside the new Omeath Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Northern Ireland Water upgrades, will improve water quality in Carlingford Lough. The SWELL project will also help to improve and safeguard into the future, the environmental, social and economic value of this renowned waterbody."

Highlighting the importance of the project Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the SEUPB, added: "We all know that nature does not respect geographical borders between regions. Therefore, cross-border cooperation is vital if we are to help protect our shared local environment. This project represents a significant and long-term investment from the INTERREG VA Programme in the water quality in Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle. It is testament to what can be achieved when two jurisdictions work together to help address a common problem, such as wastewater pollution, and in doing so make significant long-lasting positive impacts on our local environment leading to a cleaner and safer future."