A BAN on new development in Dundrum could be lifted, it has emerged.
Two key regeneration projects are currently unable to proceed as a result of the ongoing moratorium which is to remain in place until the completion of a multi-million pound upgrade of the existing sewerage infrastructure.
NI Water is refusing to allow connections to the sewer network for the projects until two wastewater pumping stations are upgraded to prevent raw sewage from mixing with storm water and potential polluting Dundrum Inner Bay where there is a large shellfish farm.
The upgrade of the pumping stations is viewed as the final piece in the upgrade of the village’s sewer network with the current plans being reviewed to meet new Environment Agency requirements.
The Dundrum Development Association is planning to redevelop the site of the former Castle Vaults pub in Main Street which which was destroyed in an IRA bomb blast 50 years ago.
And the Church of Ireland plans to develop the Old School House at the junction of Main Street and School Hill to create two units which could be rented out to community organisations or as the base for commercial operations.
This building enjoys protected status, with the Church keen to develop the site to stop the deterioration in the structure and the provide an income for the parish.
But like the Development Association proposal, the plans by the Select Vestry of Kilmegan, Dundrum and Maghera have been blocked by NI Water which is refusing to allow any connections to the sewer network.
But that could be about to change.
NI Water has given those behind the regeneration projects a glimmer of hope which could potentially pave the way for work to start.
The utility company confirmed this week that there is potential for what is being described as “developer-led solutions” which would remove storm water from the combined sewer network.
NI Water said this will provide capacity for a new wastewater connection to be made to the existing sewerage system in the village.
The utility company said the mechanism for this is via submission of a wastewater impact assessment request to NI Water’s Developer Services Team.
A solution engineering report would then be prepared and, where feasible, opportunities for storm separation identified which will then need to be confirmed through investigations by the developer.
NI Water said that once this is agreed and the storm separation works are completed by the developer, a new connection to NI Water’s sewer network can be made as the pressure on the sewerage infrastructure would be eased.
The company said the Dundrum Development Association has been informed how it could investigate possible opportunities for storm water offsetting which, if proved feasible, could facilitate a connection for its development.
Local councillor Alan Lewis says it is time to let work start on the new community projects and believes all the key players can work together to “find a way out of this farcical situation”.
He said NI Water revealed in 2019 that its investment in Dundrum to upgrade the sewerage network would improve coastal water quality and increase capacity to meet future development needs.
Cllr Lewis said five years on, the utility company insists Dundrum’s sewerage system cannot presently serve development proposals “without significant risk of environmental harm”.
He declared: “This is deeply disappointing given that it follows on from a significant £4.2m spend and almost a year of disruption which impacted residents and the businesses community. Now we are being told that the system is still not able to adequately accommodate new connections.
“I have been urging NI Water to push ahead with improvements in Dundrum to ensure the sewerage infrastructure can cope with new development and population growth and had assumed that recent investment and works had somewhat improved, if not resolved, capacity issues.”
Cllr Lewis said NI Water is opposed to the regeneration proposals in Main Street and described the current situation as “farcical”.
He continued: “It’s time to get the diggers moving. Dundrum is being held back and I will be writing to the Minister for Infrastructure and Newry, Mourne and Down Council to request these respective planning applications can be pushed ahead, with the stipulation that new developments are not connected until the sewerage issues are resolved.”
Cllr Lewis added: “We are waisting time and these two projects have been delayed for too long. It’s being suggested it could be several years before the infrastructure issues are addressed. If that is the case, let the cement mixers start turning and get the diggers rolling now to get these planned investment projects moving ahead.
“Let’s permit new development to proceed with stipulations. Too much time has been wasted, investment could be lost and other projects could take priority and Dundrum could lose out. Enough is enough.”