Concern over Downpatrick water scheme

Concern over Downpatrick water scheme

1 August 2012 - by David Telford

LOCAL politicians have expressed concern at the congestion a Northern Ireland Water scheme is having at Church Street in Downpatrick.

Contractors are laying a new sewer pipe to connect an underground tank at the Meadowlands estate to the Belfast Road sewage treatment plant.

Work started at the end of June, but South Down MP Margaret Ritchie and councillor Dermot Curran are concerned at the impact the work is having on town centre traffic flow.

Miss Ritchie hopes something can be done to expedite the work, suggesting the introduction of some limited night-time working and at weekends could help.

The MP added: “The congestion simply adds to the problem of getting into Downpatrick which has much to offer in terms of retail, heritage tourism and the built environment.”

Councillor Curran said he was concerned contractors took a two-week break last month and are not working at night and at weekends. He’s also concerned at the impact the congestion could have on the emergency services attempting to respond to 999 calls.

“While no one argues the work to upgrade the sewerage system at this part of Downpatrick is not required, it is having a major impact on congestion. Traffic can be backed up from Church Street as far as the War Memorial at New Bridge Street. There are also tailbacks at the Saul Way link road and the Belfast Road,” he said.

Councillor Curran said he cannot understand while at the height of the summer season, contractors were not asked to work nights and weekends to ensure the time they were working in Church Street would be kept to the absolute minimum.

“Traffic congestion in Downpatrick town centre is bad enough without being exacerbated by the work in Church Street. I have spoken to many people who are frustrated at the ongoing delay at this part of the town,” he continued.

A spokeswoman for NI Water said schemes similar to the one in Church Street “inevitably have some level of disruption,” but said every effort is being made to minimise this. She said the timing of the work during July and August was agreed with the Roads Service to coincide with the school holiday period to avoid added disruption.

The spokeswoman said the July holiday period is the norm for the majority of contractors, but revealed weekend working at Church Street started last Saturday.

She also confirmed the contractor will be seeking to extend the time staff spend in Downpatrick to complete the Church Street work in the minimum time, explaining any night time working would be subject to agreement with the Roads Service and other relevant parties.

The spokeswoman added: “During working hours, site staff will be present and will ensure swift passage of emergency vehicles. Outside working hours, emergency vehicles will need to use sirens/lights as there will always be a traffic lane past the working area.”