Water Service To Invest Ł10M In Ballymoney Borough Council Area

5 January 2004
WATER SERVICE TO INVEST Ł10M IN BALLYMONEY BOROUGH COUNCIL AREA
DRD Water Service’s Ł1.75M Ballymoney Town Sewer Improvements Scheme, due to start later this year, will form part of a Ł10 million capital works programme for the next five years.

The programme was presented to Ballymoney Borough Council by DRD Water Service, Northern Division’s, Mr Frank Stewart. This scheme will significantly improve the sewer network and meet future housing demands in the Ballymoney town area.

Mr Stewart said: "Water Service is embarking on a major Ł505 million programme of water and sewerage infrastructure projects over the next three years throughout Northern Ireland. However, sustained investment of Ł3 billion over the next 20 years is required to protect public health, meet European standards on water quality, respond to increasing demand and upgrade infrastructure.

"The largest project in the Council area is the upgrade of the Ballybrakes and Glenstall Wastewater Treatment Works. The scheme is currently at the design stage and, when complete, will have the capacity to deal with wastewater from residential, commercial and industrial consumers in Ballymoney town and the surrounding villages of Balnamore, Bendooragh, Macfin and Seacon for at least the next 25 years.

"A number of other schemes are already under way, including a range of projects to enhance water supply, upgrade the water distribution network and improve wastewater treatment works at various locations across the Borough."

Referring specifically to the water distribution system, Mr Stewart reported that just over Ł730,000 has been allocated for the replacement of watermains. Some of the new mains are already in service at various locations within the district and others are progressing through the design and construction stages and when completed will enhance water quality in the area.

Also ongoing is an overall assessment of the complete water distribution network to bring forward a prioritised programme of further watermain upgrading schemes over the next few years.

Village Wastewater Treatment Works are also being appraised to ensure compliance with current and future regulatory standards and to meet the needs for future development in accordance with demands.
NOTE TO EDITORS:

For media queries contact Anne McGivern at the DRD Press Office on 028 9054 0004.

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