Planning application lodged for significant Mayo/Sligo water upgrade
UISCE Éireann has applied for planning permission for the Ballina and Lough Talt water supply upgrade project.
The major investment is designed to secure a safe and dependable water supply for homes, businesses, farms and communities across north Mayo and south Sligo for generations to come.
The significant project will strengthen and connect the region's water network, increasing treatment and storage capacity, upgrading ageing infrastructure and improving how water is supplied across the area.
Proposed works include increasing treatment capacity and water storage at Lisglennon water treatment plant, upgrading parts of Ballina's ageing water network, laying a new trunk water main connecting Lisglennon, Ballina and on to Bonniconlon and Lough Talt, and providing additional storage at Bonniconlon and Lough Talt.
The project is about much more than water mains and treatment plants. It's about creating the capacity needed for communities to grow and prosper. It's about supporting new homes, helping local businesses expand, enabling investment and ensuring families can rely on a resilient water supply every day.
It is also about protecting the environment that makes this part of Ireland so special. By ending the abstraction of water from Lough Talt, the project will help restore natural lake levels, creating lasting benefits for local habitats, wildlife and future generations.
Speaking about the project, John McElwaine, programme manager with Uisce Éireann, said: "This project is about supporting communities and planning for the future. Water is something people rely on every day without thinking about it, but it plays a vital role in almost everything we do, from our homes and schools to our businesses, farms and sports clubs.
"Over the past number of years, we've worked closely with communities, stakeholders and public representatives across Mayo and Sligo to understand local needs and help shape these plans. Earlier this year, we welcomed people to a public consultation event in Ballina, and the feedback we received has been invaluable in developing this project.
"I'd like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to engage with us. This investment is about ensuring today's communities have the services they need while also preparing for tomorrow. It will help support growth, enhance reliability and deliver significant environmental benefits through the restoration of natural water levels in Lough Talt."