Northern Ireland Water will shortly begin work on a new pumping station to serve the Blackrock area in Ballymartin as part of a £1.5m investment to provide new wastewater infrastructure for the local community.
This latest work package will see the construction of a new pumping station adjacent to the Annalong Road/Valley Road junction and the laying of a deep section of pumping main and gravity sewer along Annalong Road. The new mains, which because of their depth will require a lane closure until May, will link into the pipeline that NI Water laid last year on Annalong Road to connect the new Blackrock Pumping Station with the recently constructed pumping station in Ballymartin village.
Speaking about the programme of work and the benefits the investment will bring, Dermott McCurdy, Head of Wastewater Capital Procurement said: “The new pipelines and the pumping station planned for Blackrock will build on the extensive work already carried out in Ballymartin to provide the area with a modern wastewater network.
“The overall scheme will collect wastewater from the Blackrock and Ballymartin areas and transfer it to Kilkeel for treatment. The new infrastructure will bring about environmental benefits in the area, including removing untreated sewage discharges from the existing sea outfalls, and will accommodate future development in the village for the next 20 years.
“NI Water appreciates that the implementation of this new infrastructure – particularly the deep dig pipelaying aspect of the improvements – may cause some inconvenience to the local community. We would assure road users and residents that the contractor will strive to complete work in the shortest possible timescale and will minimise traffic disruption through the use of automated traffic signals.
“NI Water and our contractor BSG Civil Engineering would kindly ask motorists to adhere to the traffic signals and pass the construction areas with the utmost care to ensure the safety of the workforce. We would take this opportunity to thank the public in advance for their patience and co-operation while we work to deliver these essential sewerage infrastructure improvements.
“We will also carry out letter drops and erect signage in advance of pipelaying works commencing and will continue to liaise with both Transport NI and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council during the construction period.
“As work gets underway on this important scheme, we would appeal to the community, particularly children and young people, to “stay safe” around any working areas. NI Water and our contractor, BSG Civil Engineering would ask for the support of everyone to ensure that young people do not play in or around the construction sites or machinery.”
Customers with any queries on the scheme can contact Waterline on: 03457 440088 quoting: ‘Blackrock Pumping Station – BSG Civil Engineering.’
