VAST swathes of Fermanagh are currently either at capacity or approaching their capacity for wastewater treatment, which is having a significant impact on planning and development around the county.
A recent report by Fermanagh and Omagh Council’s director of regeneration and planning, Kim McLaughlin, provided an update on the current situation across the wider area, based on information from NI Water.
Ms McLaughlin began by outlining how some planned work by NI Water to increase capacity in the area had been halted due to funding cuts, but said this situation may be reviewed in the near future.
“The available budget is being prioritised to maintain service levels and new build assets,” she wrote. “NI Water has stated that a review will take place in April 2025, with further updates to follow.”
The report outlined how wastewater capacity impacted the local planning system, with areas determined as red, amber and green to indicated at capacity, limited capacity, and available capacity, respectively.
It stated areas NI Water had deemed to have no remaining capacity included Irvinestown, Belleek, Ederney, Garrison, Newtownbutler, Castle Archdale, Teemore, and Florencecourt.
This means these areas only have room for three percent growth.
Areas with only limited capacity remaining are Enniskillen, Lisnaskea, Bellanaleck, Lisbellaw, Arney, and Maguiresbridge.
The situation means these areas only have room for ten percent growth.
With regard increasing capacity, the report noted the wastewater treatment works in Monea was currently being upgraded, with plans to upgrade the Garrison and Belleek plants. However, it explained these upgrades were being completed under the Peace Plus funding programme, and were in the early stages.
“Delivery of these projects is dependent upon the successful acquisition of land, where appropriate, and statutory approvals,” the report added.
The report did explain, however, that the situation in the areas mentioned above would not necessarily prevent planning permission being granted for new developments.
“NI Water will consider positive planning responses if developers can demonstrate, with calculations, that their proposal is either a like-for-like development, aligns with previously approved projects, or reduces sewer load through measures such as storm separation or attenuation,” the report stated.
“In areas where the WwTw (wastewater treatment works) has capacity, but the network is constrained, tailored drainage solutions may still accommodate development. NI Water’s engineering team will work with developers through the Wastewater Impact Process, with any identified solutions being developer-led and funded.”
Related posts:
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere