Kennedy - £4.8million Capital Investment Programme to Enhance the River Lagan

23 June 2014 15:47

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that NI Water is currently engaged in a £4.8million programme of improvements to Lisburn’s sewerage system that will enhance and protect the River Lagan.

Phase One of the programme is currently underway and involves replacing a pumping station at Drumbeg Drive, Old Warren. It is expected that this work will be completed by September 2014.

Phase Two will involve construction work and sewer laying at various isolated locations throughout the city, including Antrim Road, Antrim Street and Linenhall Street, and the wider area. It is anticipated that this work will get underway in October 2014 and finish in spring 2016.

Danny Kennedy said: “This very significant investment will not only deliver improvements and benefits for the residents in and around the Lisburn area, it is very welcome news for the wider environment in Northern Ireland and once again is a clear demonstration of our commitment to improve the sewerage infrastructure across Northern Ireland.”

As with all work of this nature, there will be some disruption once it gets underway. Where required, temporary traffic management arrangements will be in place and any diversions will be clearly signposted. NI Water will work closely with the Department for Regional Development and other stakeholders to minimise any disruption.

The work will take account of school traffic, as well as the annual ‘Christmas embargo’ on city centre road-works. NI Water will also do everything possible to ensure that work on Antrim Road and Antrim Street takes place during school holidays to reduce disruption.

Mark Sefton, NI Water Senior Project Manager, said: “The entire programme of work is good news for Lisburn and the local area, as the upgrades to the sewerage system will improve and safeguard the water quality of the River Lagan, one of the city’s greatest natural assets, for the benefit of citizens and visitors alike.

NI Water will, in consultation with the Department for Regional Development, the PSNI, residents and local traders, make every effort to keep disruption and inconvenience to a minimum. It will also work in close cooperation with Translink to ensure that public transport services operate with minimal disruption.”

NI Water and its contractor will carry out letter drops in the coming months in affected areas to advise those impacted by this work. The NI Water customer relations team can also be contacted via Waterline on 08457 440088. Customers with any questions on the scheme should quote ‘Lisburn Drainage Area Plan’.