News Release Page Title

24 January 2005

WATER SERVICE INVESTS £14 MILLION IN LARNE COUNCIL AREA

DRD Water Service today announced plans to start projects worth £1.4 million in the Larne area, over the next three years, in addition to the £12.6 million currently on site.

John Spellar, MP, Minister with responsibility for the Department for Regional Development, 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 the Government has allocated, in the Budget announced in December 2004, around £735 million to invest in water and sewerage services up to 2008, throughout Northern Ireland. This is an increase from the £590 million previously allocated for the three-year period to 2006."

William Duddy, Director of Customer Services for Water Service, presented the details of the capital works programme to Larne Borough Council.

Mr Duddy said: "Local projects include the construction of the new wastewater treatment works in Larne which, in addition to treating sewage from Larne town, will treat flows from Ballygalley, Drain's Bay and Glynn. The Ballystrudder Sewerage Scheme will result in treatment of Ballystrudder sewage at Ballycarry and will provide first-time sewerage facilities for Millbay and the pumping of the sewage to Mulloughboy. These projects will all contribute to ensuring high quality water in Larne Lough.

"A watermain zonal study will also lead to major improvements that will strengthen the network in the area."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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


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