Sewer row bubbles up

A COUNCILLOR says a number of people in the area near the Giant's Causeway feel a planned new sewage pumping station and sewer line is being put in close to their homes because Northern Ireland Water do not want to offend "certain landowners".

Independent councillor Price McConaghy was speaking at a meeting of Moyle Council where planners gave the go-ahead for a new sewage pumping station 24 metres south of 16 Runkerry Road.

There were three objections and Cllr McConaghy said residents are “very opposed” to the development as they believed water chiefs were “staying clear” of certain residents but yet they would have to put with the development close to their homes.

Cllr McConaghy wondered if there ever had been the possibility of a different route for the sewer line.

Planning officer Julie McMath said NI Water carried out a study and the conclusion was that the location chosen for the facility was the only one which worked for them.

Cllr McConaghy said he didn’t believe that argument satisfied the objecting residents.

The councillor said he did not wish the scheme held up but he wanted the concerns of the residents and his sympathy for them put on the record.

Council Vice-Chairperson, Cllr Robert McIlroy (DUP) - who is also a member of the Orange Order - quipped: “This is one occasion I would agree with re-routing in that area”.

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