2 December 2004
WATER SERVICE INVESTS £13.5 MILLION IN LIMAVADY COUNCIL AREA
DRD Water Service today announced plans to start projects worth £11.7 million in the Limavady area, over the next two years. This is in addition to the £800,000 completed this year and the £1 million under construction.
Joe Millar, Water Service Networks Manager for the northwest area, presented the details of the capital works programme to Limavady Borough Council.
Joe said: "Investment of £3 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.
This investment programme is already underway and Government has allocated around £590 million to invest in water and sewerage services, up to 2006, throughout Northern Ireland.
Local projects on site include a service reservoir and improvements to the water distribution system at Loughermore. Watermain zonal studies will also lead to major watermain improvements, that will strengthen the network in the area.
"Feasibility studies are currently being undertaken on improvements to wastewater treatment at Dungiven, Limavady, Ballykelly, Benone and Feeny. In addition, Drainage Area Studies will lead to a planned programme of sewer network improvements throughout the Borough."
The Minister, John Spellar, MP, recently announced proposals for domestic charges for water and sewerage services, including protection for low income households and changes to the current non-domestic charging arrangements. These reforms, including the commencement of phasing in of the new charges, are to be implemented from 2006/7, or as soon as practicable thereafter.
An Integrated Impact Assessment of the Water Reform proposals, addressing matters such as equality and regulatory impacts, was published for consultation on 29 November. The consultation period closes on Friday
4 March 2005.NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. For media queries, contact DRD Press Office on 028 9054 0004.
2. Details of the proposals for domestic and non-domestic charges for water and sewerage services, can be found on: www.waterreformni.gov.uk.
Click here to print this press release.
