3 December 2001
DRD WATER SERVICE INVEST £12M IN WATER AND SEWERAGE PROJECTS IN ARMAGH
Details of a major investment in water and sewerage projects in the Armagh area were outlined by DRD Water Service today, at a meeting of Armagh City and District Council.
Presenting the Capital Works Programme, Robert Allen, Principal Engineer for Southern Division said Water Service planned to spend around £12 million over the next three years.
He said: "Design work on the replacement/upgrading of Waste Water Treatment Works at Richhill, Tandragee and Artasooley is ongoing, while the re-appraisal of the Armagh Works is now complete. The final appraisal report for Tullyroan Corner Works is expected shortly.
"The combined value of these proposals is in the region of £5.5m and is necessary to cater for an increasing population in the area and new discharge standards."
Mr Allen also informed Councillors that the Kilmore Sewerage Scheme is substantially complete with the Derrynoose and Tullygoonigan Schemes ready to start on site within the next few months.
A proposed £3.3 million project to upgrade Seagahan Water Treatment Works is currently at the feasibility stage with the £830,000 upgrade of the works at Clay Lake 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 could not meet all levels of capital investment needed.
He said: "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:
Mr Michael McKernan, Reclamation Manager for Southern Division, accompanied Mr Allen to the meeting.
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