A significant environmental project aimed at improving the water quality of Lough Melvin is set to begin later this month in Garrison, County Fermanagh.

The initiative is part of the €32 million WEST project (Water Enhancements through Sustainable Treatment), a strategic cross-border partnership between NI Water and Uisce Éireann.

The WEST project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It focuses on upgrading wastewater assets to protect Lough Erne, Lough Melvin, and Donegal Bay. The Garrison scheme is the first of four major sustainable upgrades planned under the project, which also includes works at Belleek, Ballybay, and Blacklion.

The new facility will be constructed adjacent to the existing mechanical plant off the Dooard Road. It marks a shift towards sustainable infrastructure by using natural reed-bed technology for wastewater treatment. To further reduce its environmental footprint, the site will feature a solar power system to meet its operational energy needs.

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NI Water Senior Project Manager and WEST Programme Lead, Mark Brownlee, explained the scope of the work: "The new eco-friendly solution at Garrison is the first of the four sustainable wastewater projects to hit the ground under the WEST project and will be developed adjacent to NI Water's existing mechanical plant off the Dooard Road. The Garrison solution will use innovative reed-bed technology to treat wastewater, with a solar system incorporated to provide the low-level energy required to operate the facility."

The project also includes the installation of a new pipeline to connect the Ravensbrae development to the main wastewater network. This measure resolves a long-standing issue with unadopted infrastructure in the area, removing a potential pollution risk to the local environment.

BSG Civil Engineering, based in Maghera, has been appointed to carry out the works, which are expected to continue until autumn 2027.

• Phase One: Construction will begin at the end of February with access via the existing Dooard Road lane. The current plant will remain fully operational during this period.

• Phase Two: Once the new reed-bed system is commissioned, the old facility will be demolished.

• Phase Three: Permanent access to the new site will be established from Lattone Road.

• Ravensbrae Pipeline: This work will take place in the latter stages of the project, primarily crossing private lands.

Broad Regional Impact

The WEST project, launched in November 2025, is a key component of the PEACEPLUS Water Quality Improvement Programme. By the time the wider project is completed, it will provide enhanced treatment for at least 5,000 people across the border region, with additional capacity for a further 1,000.

Mr Brownlee added: "The WEST project team appreciates the support of local landowners in progressing key wastewater upgrades in Garrison. We are committed to minimising disruption and will keep the community updated as work moves forward."