Water Service Invests Ł23 Million In Banbridge Council Area

17 January 2005
WATER SERVICE INVESTS Ł23 MILLION IN BANBRIDGE COUNCIL AREA

DRD Water Service today announced plans to start projects worth Ł16.4 million in the Banbridge area, over the next three years, in addition to the Ł6.6million currently on site.

John Spellar, MP, Minister with responsibility for the Department for Regional Development, said: "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.

"This investment programme is already underway and the Government has allocated, in the Budget announced in December 2004, around Ł735 million to invest in water and sewerage services up to 2008, throughout Northern Ireland. This is an increase from the Ł590 million previously allocated for the three-year period to 2006."

Charles Hamilton, from Water Service Customer Services, presented the details of the capital works programme to Banbridge District Council.

Mr Hamilton said: "Local projects include improvements to wastewater treatment at Dromore, Gilford, Loughbrickland, Rathfriland, Blackskull, Kinallen and Ballyroney. Sewer network improvements will shortly commence in Banbridge and drainage area studies of Gilford, Dromore and Rathfriland will also lead to a planned programme of sewer network improvements there.

"Ballykeel Service Reservoir is currently under construction and watermain zonal studies will also lead to major improvements that will strengthen the network in the area."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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

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