Frustration grows over lack of information on North Leitrim water project

Frustrations were expressed over the lack of information and transparency surrounding the Peaceplus Flow project, a cross-border initiative that includes Lough Melvin.

Led by ICBAN (Irish Central Border Area Network), Peaceplus Flow focuses on addressing declining water quality, with the aim of delivering a community-engaged solution to improve conditions across four cross-border water catchments: Lough Melvin, Upper and Lower Lough MacNean, the Cladagh River and the Kilroosky Lake Cluster. 

The project also provides €1 million for a pilot wastewater treatment facility in Rossinver.

At a meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District, Cllr Justin Warnock requested an update on the project and asked that the Council’s lead person meet with the Kinlough Town Team, noting that local people were increasingly anxious to know what is happening.

Of the more than €5.1 million allocated to the overall project, Lough Melvin received €1 million. 

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Cllr Warnock noted that this funding “wouldn’t have happened” without the work of Kinlough Development, which spent €30,000 preparing a plan for Lough Melvin and collaborating with local anglers on issues affecting the lake.

Saying that people in Kinlough had been asking what progress had been made, he sought clarity on what will happen by the end of the project.

Director of Services Vincent Dwyer explained that ICBAN is the lead partner, and that all engagement and queries must go through them. 

The project includes several partners: Atlantic Technological University, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Ulster University, The Rivers Trust and Leitrim County Council.

Mr Dwyer emphasised that the Council holds the same status as all other partners and that the information rests with ICBAN.

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He also clarified that the Council’s role relates specifically to the proposed wastewater treatment plant.

It was agreed that queries and questions will be raised with ICBAN at an upcoming meeting.