Information evening on major water upgrade for Mayo

Communities in North Mayo are being invited to attend a public information evening on a major water infrastructure project aimed at improving supply and supporting future growth in the region.

Uisce Éireann will host the drop-in event on Wednesday, April 15, from 4pm to 8pm at Glasgow Kennedy House in Ballina, where residents, businesses and community groups can learn more about the proposed Ballina and Lough Talt Water Supply Upgrade.

The event forms part of a wider public consultation process, which opened last month and runs until April 20, giving people an opportunity to share their views and local knowledge before a planning application is submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Project representatives, including Programme Manager John McElwaine, will be on hand to discuss the plans and answer questions.

Mr McElwaine described the scheme as a “significant project” that will bring multiple benefits to communities in Mayo and neighbouring Sligo.

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Key elements of the proposed upgrade include increased treatment capacity and additional water storage at the Lisglennon Water Treatment Plant, as well as improvements to Ballina’s ageing water network.

Plans also include the installation of a new trunk water main connecting Lisglennon to Ballina, extending onwards to Bonniconlon and Lough Talt, along with additional storage capacity in these areas.

According to Uisce Éireann, the project will not only enhance supply reliability but also support population and economic growth across the region.

Environmental benefits are also expected, with proposals to end water abstraction from Lough Talt, allowing natural lake levels to recover and improving habitats for local wildlife.

“We’re looking forward to discussing the project further with the local communities in the coming days,” Mr McElwaine said.

Uisce Éireann has encouraged members of the public to attend the information evening or submit feedback as part of the consultation process, with all input set to inform the final design and planning application.

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