Upgrade for Ballybay wastewater plant

Uisce Éireann has confirmed to Monaghan County Council that the wastewater treatment plant servicing the town of Ballybay is to undergo a significant upgrade.

The water utility confirmed that the Ballybay plant would undergo an upgrade of its aeration facility as part of the WEST or Water Enhancements through Sustainable Treatment project, a cross-border initiative with input from NI Water.

The news was confirmed in correspondence that came before the January council meeting in the M-Tek building in Monaghan.

Uisce Éireann said the upgrade is needed to meet compliance standards and improve the quality of effluent to receiving waterways. The Ballybay plant, constructed in 1963, is currently not achieving its required discharge standard.

The letter also said that the works would provide sufficient capacity for projected growth in the Ballybay area. “The upgrade will enable further development in Ballybay, supporting population growth and facilitating economic development in the community,” its correspondence stated.

Other benefits from the work will include increased treatment capacity and a significant decrease in energy consumption as the plant becomes more efficient in its operation. Uisce Éireann also forecast that maintenance costs at the plant would drop.

Cllr Sinéad Flynn (SF), the current Cathaoirleach of the Ballybay-Clones Municipal District, said the upgrade would be a positive and much-needed investment for Ballybay.

“This project demonstrates how cross-border projects and co-operation can deliver real, practical benefits for local communities,” she told the meeting.

The councillor noted that Ballybay, Clones and Newbliss currently have an amber rating for wastewater treatment capacity, which is restricting development in these locations.

The new investment, she said, would "help to unlock capacity and support much-needed housing growth across the area".

Cllr Flynn asked that Monaghan Council be kept fully informed of the progress. She said that direct engagement between Uisce Éireann and the local authority, particularly at Municipal District level, would be essential to ensure the project delivered maximum benefit for local communities.