26 February 2002
RATHLIN ISLAND WATER SUPPLY IMPROVEMENTS
Work on a scheme to improve the water supply system for Rathlin Island residents will begin later this year, Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson, MP, MLA, said today.
The existing public water supply system was installed in 1987, using water from the fresh water Loughs on the south of the island. Water is provided through a network of watermains in the Church Bay Area, around the harbour.
Mr Robinson said: "Demands on the existing water supply system have changed significantly over the last 14 years. Increased housing stock, the provision of tourist accommodation, together with the impact of a year round daily roll-on roll-off ferry service attracting day trippers have all led to a considerable increase in water demand.
"Water Service’s intention to provide a new distribution watermain for dwellings on the west of the island, which currently do not have a public water supply, will further add to that demand."
In recent years, the existing supply source has deteriorated in quality making treatment difficult. With the projected increase in demand, the existing system is inadequate to meet the future needs of the island with any degree of reliability.
The present situation prompted Water Service to investigate the best option which would ensure the security of supply in terms of quantity and quality. The study took into account the availability of a borewell that would provide the future demand with minimum treatment.
This was also considered in relation to the location of the declared Areas of Special Scientific Interest. Of the boreholes investigated, the one selected, near the district of Ballynagard, was identified as capable of providing the necessary water yield and is of a suitable quality.
Mr Robinson said: "Given the unsuitability of the present source and treatment works to sustain future water supplies in both quantity and quality terms, Water Service wish to develop the borehole near Ballynagard in order to secure an acceptable public water supply.
"The plan to carry out improvements to the Rathlin Island supply proposes the development of the borehole as the best option to provide an adequate wholesome public water supply on Rathlin Island. Consequentially, a Notice of Intention to abstract up to 120,000 litres per day from the borewell is being published this week."
For further information contact Clare Baxter, DRD Press Office on 028 9054 0068.
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