‘9,000 news jobs’ expected in next decade for Antrim and Newtownabbey

The local authority’s future growth plans were revealed at meeting of the council on Monday evening which was attended remotely by senior officials from NI Water to update councillors on infrastructure plans and the level of investment needed for the council area.

NI Water says the Antrim and Newtownabbey Council area requires £23m investment to upgrade “wastewater assets”.

NI Water has also stated: “Wastewater network capacity issues are continuing to emerge due to sewer network modelling activities being undertaken at Antrim, Ballyclare, Roughfort and Whitehouse.

“As a result, new planning applications are being declined in parts of the catchment.”

NI Water’s head of investment management, Stephen Blockwell, says: “NI Water’s goal is to ensure we have a modern, efficient service today and in the future.

“While investment is needed urgently, NI Water has a plan in place and we are ready and capable to deliver.

“The message is clear. NI Water is ready to provide engineering solutions to short term constraints where possible.

“However, the full funding identified by the Utility Regulator in its Draft Determination is required to fulfil the vision of economic expansion for the people in our towns and cities.

“This is not a wish list or a nice to have. This is the blueprint that will help us ensure NI Water can deliver in a strong, modern regional economy.

“Our infrastructure plans over the 2021-2027 period for the Antrim and Newtownabbey Council area requires £23m investment to upgrade wastewater assets.

“This investment will make significant in-roads into addressing the sewer and wastewater capacity issues and will help new housing and business development to go ahead.

“Significant and sustained investment is needed for wastewater and water infrastructure across Northern Ireland.

“NI Water knows all of the councils’ growth ambitions, we know what needs done in each council area and we have the plan and the skills to deliver it.”

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

Click here to read: ‘Significant jobs boost’ with proposed BLK BOX Fitness HQ in Newtownbbey

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