Work Starts On Construction Of New Ł840K Beech Hill Wastewater Treatment Works

13 September 2004
WORK STARTS ON CONSTRUCTION OF NEW Ł840K BEECH HILL WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS
DRD Water Service today announced the start of construction work for a new Ł840,000 Wastewater Treatment Works to serve the hamlet of Beech Hill in Co. Down.
Trevor Haslett, Director of Development, said: "This scheme is being undertaken to enable the dualing of the main A1 Belfast to Newry Road since existing works lies along the route of the proposed dual carriageway. It also provides Water Service with an opportunity to upgrade the existing works and allow for future development.
"The scheme will involve the construction of a new wastewater treatment works on a new site. The work is scheduled to take six months to complete.
"This is one of a significant number of wastewater treatment facilities where work is due to commence over the next three years and demonstrates Government’s commitment to protecting the environment. The scheme will improve the quality of treated effluent discharge, ensuring compliance with EU standards.
"In total up to 2006, Water Service plans to spend Ł590 million to upgrade the water and sewerage infrastructure. This investment involving over 300 water and sewerage projects will bring benefits to customers and the environment right across Northern Ireland."
The design for the new works will also allow an increase in capacity of up to 50%, if this is necessary in the future.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Beech Hill is a small hamlet located approximately 6.5 km north of the town of Newry in Co. Down. The population of Beech Hill in 2003 was approximately 65 people.
This scheme will be carried out under a partnering contract between Water Service and the Main contractor S.Gillan of Maghera.
For further information contact Anne McGivern, DRD Press Office, 028 9054 0004.

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