NI Water Announces Investment in Water Mains Improvement

09 July 2010 14:05

Northern Ireland Water (NI Water) is pleased to announce the second phase of the ongoing Water Mains Rehabilitation Project, with a planned investment of over £100million over the next five years.

The project would entail upgrading in excess of 1000 kilometres of water main infrastructure throughout Northern Ireland during this five year period, dramatically improving the quality, reliability and flexibility of water supply across Northern Ireland while also reducing leakage. NI Water’s existing infrastructure is aging and in certain areas, the system does not have the capacity to accommodate an increase in housing or tourism.

Trevor Haslett, Director of Engineering Procurement said:

“NI Water is delighted to announce our plans for this major investment across the province. However due to the scale of the water mains rehabilitation project, there may be some disruption on local roads. In recognition of the extensive work carried out to date, I’d like to thank all householders and road users affected by the works, in advance for their continued patience”.

“In an attempt to minimise disruption and reduce the amount of waste material generated, the project team will use underground low-dig technology where possible. Therefore, many of the mains will be laid without the need to open large trenches”.

“We are looking forward to working with our two teams of specialist local contractors: Farrans Construction and Lagan Construction, and welcome the opportunity to work with other local companies in the supply chain.”

The initial programme of work commencing in August 2010 will be around Downpatrick, Newcastle and Antrim, with further packages of work to follow for Omagh, Ballycastle, east Antrim and Belfast.

NI Water’s Water Mains Rehabilitation Project is one aspect of an extensive proposed £300 million investment that will take place over the next 15 years.