Dundrum sewerage roadworks to begin

Dundrum sewerage roadworks to begin

16 January 2019

WORK on a major scheme to upgrade the sewerage system in the heart of Dundrum is due to start in a few weeks’ time.

A £2.5m upgrade of the village’s sewage treatment plant at the Newcastle Road has already been completed, with contractors due to start work on the £4.2m upgrade of the mains sewer along Main Street in mid-February.

The scheme will replace a combined sewer which runs through the centre of the village carrying storm and waste water.

However, residents, commuters and local businesses are bracing themselves for significant disruption when work gets underway.

It has been confirmed that the NI Water scheme will coincide with Phoenix Gas laying a new mains pipeline through the centre of the village as part of its multi-million pound investment plan across the district.

During a recent briefing with local politicians, NI Water confirmed it was working closely with Phoenix to “get the timing of its project right” and deliver a scheme that will secure the village’s future growth.

Ahead of work getting underway, NI Water is inviting residents to take part in a -in event next Wednesday, 

January 23, between 4pm and 7pm, at St Donard’s Parochial Hall.

Officials will be on hand to provide more detailed information on proposals and timings of the next phase of the overhaul of the dated sewerage system and joining them will be representatives from contractor, BSG Civil Engineering.

As part of the latest NI Water scheme, two existing wastewater pumping stations known locally as Kielty’s and Flynn’s are also being replaced as part of the investment programme which will be carried out in phases over the next two to three years.

The first phase of work will involve the installation of 2km of new sewers between the existing treatment plant and School Road, with NI Water confirming that in order to minimise disruption as far as possible to residents, businesses and commuters, the organisation will be working in partnership with Phoenix Gas.

NI Water has also warned that “some level of disruption should be expected”.

The organisation has confirmed temporary traffic management arrangements will be in operation in Main Street throughout the works and that it will endeavour to minimise disruption as far as possible.

Local politicians have welcomed the investment which they hope will pave the way for new development which has been held back over recent years because the treatment plant was operating at full capacity. 

They have also welcomed the improvement of the quality of water discharged into Dundrum Bay from the treatment plant.