5 November 2001

MAJOR INVESTMENT IN WATER AND SEWERAGE PROJECTS IN LISBURN

Details of a major investment in water and sewerage projects in the Lisburn area were outlined by DRD Water Service today at a meeting of Lisburn Borough Council.

Presenting the Capital Works Programme for Southern Division, which serves a small section around Moira, Maghaberry and Ballinderry, Robert Allen, Principal Engineer said Water Service planned to spend around £2.5 million over the next three years.

He said: "Work has begun on a replacement Waste Water Treatment Works at Ballinderry, while the Works at Aghalee and Glenavy are currently being redesigned. The combined value of this work is in the region of £1.5m and is necessary to cater for an increasing population in the area and new discharge standards."

Mr Allen told Councillors that a proposed £14.3 million project to upgrade Castor Bay Water Treatment Works, which is located in the Craigavon Borough and serves part of the Lisburn area, is currently at the design stage.

He said: "Once completed the Works will ensure that EU Directives covering Water Quality are met, while helping to maintain the quality of water to the area."

Referring to a review of Water Service’s capital investment plan, which is currently underway, Mr Allen said that the funds available to Water Service could provide many improvements to water and sewerage facilities but cannot meet all levels of capital investment needed.

"Work which has presently been identified to upgrade water and waste water treatment works, pipelines and other equipment will cost more than the funding that is available over the next few years.

"A review of annual investment plans is being carried out but it will be necessary to set priorities in line with the expenditure available and, at the same time, support the effective development of Northern Ireland as a whole.

"Deferment of projects is possible and significant changes to the timing of individual projects will be conveyed through normal consultative channels between Water Service and District Councils."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Southern Division of the Water Service serves a small part of Lisburn Borough Council Area around Moira, Maghaberry and Ballinderry.
2. Mr Michael McKernan, Reclamation Manager for Southern Division, accompanied Mr Allen to the meeting.