Water works set to continue to summer

Already NI Water has laid 5,000 pipes which will improve the security of the water supply infrastructure for NI Water customers.

An NI Waters spokesperson said: “5,000 pipes is a major milestone for the project, with a total of 6,000 pipes involved in the scheme overall.

“The pipeline, which got underway in January 2014, is progressing well and is on schedule to deliver key improvements to the water supply infrastructure in the area,” said the spokesperson.

“Two new water pumping stations at Sprucefield and St Andrews (Temple) are also at an advanced stage of construction as part of the programme of works, as well as the upgrading of five local reservoirs,” he said.

“This major pipeline involves laying a new 29km water pipeline from Castor Bay Water Treatment Works in Craigavon to south Lisburn, where the pipeline will link into an existing trunk main to transport the water supply on to Belfast.

“This major scheme will also provide a vital source of water coming into Belfast, which will be especially important during future winters and in supplementing increased demand in the area,” said the spokesperson.

Sara Venning, NI Water Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted to be here on site with the project team to mark the 5000 pipes milestone on this essential pipeline.

“With a total of 6000 pipes on the overall pipeline, we are progressing well towards our Summer 2015 target.

“This investment is good news for customers, as it will improve the security of the water supply infrastructure, as well as improving drinking water quality, reducing leakage, whilst ensuring that NI Water complies with the relevant EU directives.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers and local representatives for their patience and cooperation to date.

“We will continue to work closely with the project team of Lagan Construction Group and Capita to complete work as quickly as possible, with minimum disruption,” she said.

Seamus Devlin, Ireland Regional Director at Lagan Construction Group, added: “We at Lagan Construction Group are pleased with the progress made to date on this vital pipeline.

“Pipelaying has been progressing well, and many major milestones and crossings have been successfully completed, such as the River Lagan, Lagan Canal and the railway crossing on the Moyrusk Road in Moira here today.

“A landmark of 189,000 working hours has also been reached on the project and we would like to thank the local community for their patience and cooperation throughout this programme of work,” said Mr Devlin.

“Further updates will be available and signage will be in place as the scheme progresses.”

NI Water’s customer relations team can be contacted via Waterline on 08457 440088.

Customers with any questions on the scheme should quote “Lagan Construction Water Mains Rehabilitation Programme”.