Sewer Improvement Work Continues – Downpatrick Area

29 November 2016 16:05

NI Water would like to update the public on progress on the NI Sewer Rehabilitation Project in the Downpatrick area. This is part of an overall programme by NI Water across the province over the next 5 years and represents an investment of approximately £18 million for the improvement of the existing sewerage network. The project will also help to reduce the risk of ‘out of sewer flooding’ and environmental pollution.

This project is being carried out in two stages. Stage one involved the investigative and design work, which included pipeline/manhole cleaning and CCTV surveys. Initial survey works were completed in Downpatrick during 2015/16 and identified a number of sections of the existing sewers which are in very poor condition nearing collapse at some locations.

Stage two of this project will involve the actual sewer improvement works which will include the installation of “liners” in existing pipelines, the “open-dig” repair of short sections of sewer at isolated locations, as well as the laying of some sections of new replacement pipelines and associated works.

Prior to the commencement of any Stage two works in Downpatrick, NI Water plan to undertake further CCTV surveys of all sewers on the main streets. This will enable all defects to be identified and completed within a limited timeframe, and will minimise the overall disruption to businesses, road users and the public. NI Water will commence the additional survey works in Downpatrick in early January and we anticipate this will take approximately 5 weeks to complete.

As far as possible the repairs will be carried out using “low-dig” techniques, as this will significantly reduce the amount of digging in the area and ensure that repair work is completed as quickly as possible. It will still be necessary to carry out “open-dig” at some locations due to the condition of the existing sewers, however we will endeavour to minimise this as far as possible.

These works will be carefully planned to ensure that disruption is minimised as far as possible for businesses, road users and the public. It may be necessary at some locations for work to be undertaken at night to reduce the impact to road users and businesses. However, consideration must also be given to the needs of residents and the general public in these areas. NI Water wishes to liaise closely with all key stakeholders throughout the planning of these works and the necessary traffic management arrangements.

When the overall rehabilitation plans are suitably progressed, NI Water will hold a public information event to provide further details and address any queries or concerns.

NI Water fully recognise that works of this nature can be disruptive, however the works are essential for the sewerage system to operate at optimum capacity, avoid collapses and the resultant emergency repairs and reduce the risk of out-of-sewer flooding.

NI Water would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation while we complete this essential improvement work. Customer queries should be directed to Waterline on 03457 440088.

Ends

Media queries to press.office@niwater.com or via telephone to 028 9035 4757.