‘Developer-led solutions’ could open door to new development

‘Developer-led solutions’ could open door to new development

24 July 2024

NORTHERN Ireland Water said the capital works planned for the two wastewater pumping stations in Dundrum will address two storm overflow issues which are classified as “unsatisfactory intermittent discharges”.

Once work at the stations known locally as Flynn’s and Kielty’s is complete, the upgrades will reduce the likelihood of out of sewer flooding and spills to the environment,” said a spokesperson for the utility company.

NI Water engineers are reviewing the current designs for the upgraded pumping stations following the receipt of new requirements from the Environment Agency.

“These may require design changes if a derogation from these additional requirements cannot be obtained. NI Water is continuing to engage with NIEA on this issue,” the spokesperson confirmed.

“Commencement of these works is subject to all statutory approvals being in place. NI Water is working closely with the Department for Infrastructure on the funding required to facilitate the delivery of our capital investment programme for the remainder of the PC21 Price Control period (2024/25 to 2026/27).”

NI Water said there was the potential for developer-led solutions whereby storm water is removed from the combined sewer network in order to provide the capacity for a new wastewater connection. 

“The mechanism for this is via submission of a wastewater impact assessment request to NI Water’s Developer Services Team,” the spokesperson explained.

“A solution engineering report is then prepared and, where feasible, opportunities for storm separation are identified which will then need to be confirmed through investigations by the developer. 

“Once agreed with NI Water and the storm separation works are completed by the developer then a new connection to NI Water’s sewer network can be made.”

The spokesperson said following the submission of a wastewater impact assessment in relation to the Dundrum Development Association proposal, NI Water issued a response early last month outlining how the developer could investigate possible opportunities for storm water offsetting which, if proved feasible, could facilitate a connection for this particular development.

In response to concerns raised by Cllr Lewis, the spokesperson confirmed that in relation to reinstatement works in Dundrum Main Street following earlier repairs to the sewerage network, the utility company undertook repairs to manhole covers in September 2022.

“There have been no further reported issues since this works was completed and other manhole covers on both sides of Main Street which are still making noise are not NI Water assets and were reported to DfI Roads at the time,” the spokesperson added.