8 February 2005

WATER SERVICE AIMS TO MAINTAIN NORMAL SERVICES DURING INDUSTRIAL ACTION

Water Service management is in continuing consultation with Trade Unions to ensure that the planned 24 hour strike on Wednesday 9 February, and any follow up industrial action, cause as little disruption as possible to essential water and sewerage services.

A spokesperson said: "Water Service is taking every reasonable precaution to provide normal water and sewerage services which are essential to the Northern Ireland community. However, this is an almost unprecedented situation, with the possibility of some disruption to water supplies and the risk of environmental pollution.

"Water Service is implementing established contingency plans to deal with major incidents and is liaising with the other emergency services (fire, police, Health Authorities and other utilities) to safeguard public health, protect the environment and maintain essential support to normal daily life in Northern Ireland.

"The cooperation of the community will be a vital assistance in ensuring that any service disruption is remedied as quickly as possible. Members of the public wishing to report problems with water and sewerage services can contact Waterline 08457 440088."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

For media enquiries contact Paddy Cullen at DRD Press Office on 028 9054 0817

---

Click here to print this press release.