Portavoe Information Day

14 May 2014 11:36

NI Water hosted an information day for the public at Hamilton House in Bangor on Thursday 8th May to further outline its plans for undertaking the essential health and safety work at Portavoe Reservoir.
 
During the course of the day, officials from the company as well as its contractor engaged with members of the public, elected representatives and members of local groups including Friends of Portavoe.
 
During the course of constructive discussions, NI Water explained in detail the work being carried out. It reiterated the undertaking to provide information on an ongoing basis to interested parties regarding the work at the reservoir and to continue to take all possible steps to mitigate against the impact of the works on the local habitat.
 
Bill Gowdy, Director of Engineering Procurement at NI Water said:
 
“We in NI Water have learnt valuable lessons, not least the necessity and value of the widest possible consultation when undertaking schemes of this nature. However, I was encouraged by the positive approach taken by all concerned at today’s meeting.
 
“We listened carefully to the concerns expressed and indeed received some helpful input from those in attendance on how elements of the works might be progressed, and we will explore these in detail. I believe that we can find a satisfactory conclusion which at the end of the day will satisfy the common goals of ensuring the safety of the public, protecting local flora and fauna and, once this essential work is completed, returning Portavoe to the highly valued amenity it has always been.
 
“I would like to thank all those who took time to come along today including members of the public, local elected representatives and members of the Friends of Portavoe Group with whom we look forward to having further contacts with as we move forward.”