Mullagh wastewater plant set for upgrade

Mullagh Wastewater Treatment Plant is set for an upgrade, it has been announced.

Irish Water has confirmed that the upgrade will take place at the existing site to provide additional capacity for growth. Mullagh is one of 21 locations selected nationwide for improvements.

It follows a similar approval for Ballyconnell Wastewater Plant, however Virginia still awaits an urgently needed upgrade.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys welcomed the news for Mullagh saying suhc improvements are "essential to boosting the capacity of our water and wastewater infrastructure” and added: “By investing in our rural towns and, we are making them better places to live, work and raise a family. That’s what ‘Our Rural Future’ is all about. As Minister for Rural and Community Development, I am determined to continue investing in our rural towns and villages, particularly as we recover from the Pandemic.”

Deputy Brendan Smith of Fianna Fáil also welcomed the news.

“I welcome the decision of Irish Water to include Ballyconnell and Mullagh in Co. Cavan and Oram in Co. Monaghan for investment in wastewater treatment plants under their Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme.

"This investment in wastewater infrastructure with the upgrading of existing treatment plants will provide additional capacity and will enable the provision of new homes. It will also ensure that wastewater is treated to a proper standard.”

Virginia was not included in today's approvals despite persistent problems. In rejecting an application for planning permission for houses in 2020, An Bord Pleanala noted the plant is currently operating beyond its design capacity and discharges into Lough Ramor.