NI Water Presentation to Ards and North Down Borough Council
11 February 2025 20:49
NI Water met with Ards and North Down Borough Council representatives on Tuesday 11th February, 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. Local development plans and key capital investments in water and wastewater for the Ards and North Down Borough 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 may impact future development plans.
An overview was provided of key PC21 investments being progressed such base maintenance work at Kinnegar Wastewater Treatment Works (ca £3.76m); the £5.8m capital upgrade of the Upper Crescent Wastewater Pumping Station in the Ballyrickard drainage area; the £470k investigations of the Killinchy Drainage Area and Inisharoan wastewater pumping station during 2024/25. Furthermore, the £5 million total Whitespots Greyabbey Trunk Main which provides resilience for the Greyabbey water distribution network was completed and £900,000 was invest ed in the Drumaroad Strangford water mains rehabilitation work package .
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 Ards and North Down 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 and 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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