Sewer improvement works to get underway at Aughrim River, Kilkeel
Alliance Representatives Welcome Sewer Works in Kilkeel
South Down Alliance MLA Andrew McMurray and Mournes Councillor Jill Truesdale have welcomed news that NI Water is due to start work on the Kilkeel Aughrim River Ingress Sewer Remediation scheme on 4th August, with works expected to be completed within approximately 8 weeks.
Andrew McMurray said: “I am looking forward to seeing this much-awaited scheme take place. It will enable NMDDC to progress to a more comprehensive Environmental Improvement Scheme in Kilkeel Lower Square and along the River Walk.
“The works will also strengthen the wastewater network and protect the quality of water in the Aughrim River.
“Newry Mourne and Down District Council had long planned to enhance the area for the benefit of the village’s residents, but these improvements couldn’t go ahead until NI Water agreed to carry out sewer works in the area first.
“Hopefully the works should not be too disruptive, but I would encourage everyone to be patient and heed NI Water’s health and safety advice to stay away from machinery, which will be stationed within the grounds of The Forge and within the council car park at Lower Square.”
Councillor Jill Truesdale added: “The next design stages of the Environmental Improvement Scheme to come into the Lower Square will be major improvements to the Aughrim River.
“This is much welcomed as we have seen years of invasive species and vast quantities of rubbish collecting in the vegetation.
“The additional improvements to the Aughrim River walk will make it a much more pleasant experience for residents and visitors.
“I would like to thank the tireless campaigning from Kilkeel Development Association and Kilkeel Chamber of Commerce in keeping this scheme front and centre.
“Both organisations have worked closely with council officers and received cross-party support in this long overdue scheme of works. We look forward to seeing improvements continuing to progress in the area.”
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NI Water to commence works at Aughrim River on sewer scheme
NI Water is planning to start a programme of work next week (Monday 4th August) to upgrade a section of sewer that runs under the Aughrim River in Kilkeel.
The work, which will involve relining sections of the sewer from existing manholes on both sides of Bridge Street, is being undertaken by NI Water in advance of any environmental improvement works being completed by the council.
Speaking about the NI Water upgrade, John Griffin, NI Water’s Head of Wastewater Infrastructure, said: “The section of sewer running under the Aughrim River is in need of repair and will be re-lined using special trenchless (no-dig) techniques from existing manholes, which will help reduce disruption.
“Our contractor, Dawson WAM will work from each side of the bridge to complete the improvements.
“A section of the council-owned Lower Square car park will be used to locate tankers and other machinery required to facilitate the work.
“In addition to the sewer repairs, remedial works will be undertaken on the existing concrete manholes, with new sealed lids installed to further help prevent pollution/ ingress.
“The programme of work is weather dependent and can only be carried out in dry conditions. If weather conditions are favourable, work should get underway in early August and be completed within 8 weeks.
“NI Water and our project team from Dawson WAM and McAdam take this opportunity to thank local landowners, residents, businesses and Newry Mourne and Down District Council for their support as we undertake this important work to strengthen this part of the wastewater network and help protect the quality of water in the Aughrim River.
“Dawson WAM will make every effort to complete the work in the shortest possible timeframe, and we will keep key stakeholders updated on progress in relation to these essential improvements.”
