Wastewater network improvements planned for Annsborough and Castlewellan
18 April 2025 10:28
NI Water is set to begin an extensive programme of work to improve the wastewater network in Annsborough and Castlewellan.
The multi-million-pound investment, due to start in Annsborough at the end of April, will see the installation of a new dedicated stormwater pipeline to remove rainwater from the combined system. This will reduce the pressure on the existing network and help reduce the risk of out-of-sewer flooding. A series of localised sewer repairs, also planned as part of the scheme, will address leakage and help protect against blockages.
Speaking about the planned work, which will take around 12 months to complete overall, Sean Milligan, NI Water Senior Project Manager said: “NI Water carried out extensive investigations on the wastewater network in Annsborough and Castlewellan catchments last year. The findings from the surveys showed a number of misconnections to the combined wastewater network, resulting in a larger volume of rainwater entering the system than it is designed for. Our CCTV investigations also highlighted several areas where sewers need to be repaired to support everyday living and protect the environment.
“The work will focus on the Annsborough catchment initially, with the first section of work due to get underway in Annsborough Park on Monday 28th April. A letter drop has been carried out in the area and access will be maintained throughout the 4-week phase of works.
“Towards the end of May, work will move to Ballylough Road. Installation of the new pipeline and any sewer repairs will be carried out under a lane closure with temporary traffic lights. The project team will carry out a letter drop in the area before work gets underway and large digital signage will be erected to notify motorists.
“The Castlewellan network improvements are then scheduled in the Clarmont Avenue area in July before moving to other areas of the town. A leaflet, outlining all areas where works are scheduled to take place, is being distributed widely and liaison will be undertaken with businesses and residents in each section before work commences.
“NI Water and our project team from BSG and McAdam take this opportunity to thank residents, businesses, schools, road users and other stakeholders for their patience and cooperation as we strive to improve the wastewater network serving Annsborough and Castlewellan. Every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum and complete each section of works in the shortest possible timeframe.
“Notification of subsequent sections of work and any associated traffic management will be communicated as the project progresses.”
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For further information, please email press.office@niwater.com
Notes to Editor:
- As far as possible, works adjacent to schools have been programmed to be completed during July and August.
- Access will be maintained to Castlewellan Forest Park at all times.
- Key events in the area have been considered in the programming of works.
- No pipelaying will take place on Main Street (between Newcastle Road and Castle Avenue) however some sewer repairs will be required in this area. These short-term trenchless (no dig) works will be undertaken from existing manholes within localised lane closures.
- The crossing of Main Street at Newcastle Road will be carried out at night to minimise traffic disruption.
- The NI Water project team will liaise with businesses and residents in advance of each section of work getting underway.
- These improvements to the wastewater network will deliver extensive environmental benefits and support the NI Water investment already underway at Annsborough Wastewater Treatment Works.