NI Water Presentation to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council
27 January 2025 16:44
NI Water met with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council representatives on Monday 27th January, to discuss economic / development constraints in the Council area.
NI Water presented on NI’s wastewater system and how underfunding is impacting the economy and environment, as well as discussing the importance of preventing the disposal of fats, oils and grease into the wastewater system. Local development plans and key capital investments in water and wastewater for the ACBC Council area were also discussed.
NI Water highlighted that it is working through the potential outcomes of the allocated budget from DfI to identify which asset investments may progress. The importance of pre-development applications and engaging with our Developer Services team was highlighted, as constraints in the system that may impact future development plans.
An overview was provided on actions taken in relation to Lough Neagh as well as some positive discussions on key PC21 investments such as the Portadown drainage network improvements at Meadow Lane and Bann Street (ca £9m), Seagahan Clear Water Tank (£8m), Seagahan treatability improvements (ca £4m), the Castor Bay wastewater treatment works (WTW) to Ballydougan Service Reservoir upgrade (ca £30m) and also phase one of the Fofanny alternative trunk main project (ca £5m).
At the meeting, Head of Investment Management, Dr Stephen Blockwell explained that NI Water is pleased to have an opportunity to collaborate with the Council and developers to align investment where possible with the Council’s ambitions for the people in their area.
Dr Blockwell said: “NI Water’s goal in the Borough Council area is working to ensure there is a modern, efficient service today and in the future.
“NI Water plays a vital role in the Council’s ambitions to protect the environment and grow the economy. For Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, this includes a number of wastewater asset upgrades throughout the area and base maintenance investments.
“It is recognised that a capital investment programme of well in excess of £0.5bn per annum will be needed for the next ten years to meet the current & rising environmental standards and facilitate economic development. This level of investment is reflected in the Utility Regulator’s Mid Term Review Assessment of PC21.”
Further information can be found on our website https://www.niwater.com/capacity-information/
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