Flooding scheme is on target

Flooding scheme is on target

22 October 2025

WORK on a major investment programme to improve the wastewater network in Annsborough and Castlewellan is progressing well.

Northern Ireland Water contractors started work on the scheme in April in Annsborough to install a dedicated stormwater pipeline to remove rainwater from the combined system.

The scheme is designed to reduce the pressure on the existing network and help reduce the risk of so-called out-of-sewer flooding, with a series of localised sewer repairs also part of the scheme to address leaks and help protect against blockages. 

NI Water has revealed the scheme is progressing well, with work at the Newcastle Road in Castlewellan nearing the halfway stage. 

The organisation says it’s expected that contractor BSG will be working in the vicinity of the Burrenwood and Circular Road junction shortly, explaining that as the pipe-laying work gets closer to the town, additional traffic management will be required.

NI Water has also warned the pace of work is expected to slow as the extent of underground services increases.

Access to businesses and residential areas will be maintained as the work continues towards the Main Street/Newcastle Road roundabout and traffic lights will be manned at peak times.

Traffic management will be removed at weekends when possible.

In the meantime, resurfacing of Claremont Avenue – following pipe-laying in the summer – has been scheduled for the school Halloween break in a bid to minimise disruption. 

NI Water says there will be a road closure on Claremont Avenue between October 27 and 31 to carry out this work, with signage in place in advance of the closure, with BSG liaising with businesses in the area regarding access for deliveries etc.

The organisation says the major investment will reduce the pressure on the existing network and help reduce the risk of out-of-sewer flooding.

NI Water and its project team from BSG and McAdam have thanked the public for its patience and cooperation as they strive to improve the wastewater network serving Annsborough and Castlewellan, with every effort made to keep disruption to a minimum and complete each section of works in the shortest possible timeframe.

Last year, NI Water carried out extensive investigations on the wastewater network in Annsborough and Castlewellan catchments last year.

The findings from the surveys showed a number of misconnections to the combined wastewater network, resulting in a larger volume of rainwater entering the system than it is designed for. 

The CCTV investigations also highlighted several areas where sewers need to be repaired to support everyday living and protect the environment.

NI Water said the improvements to the wastewater network will deliver extensive environmental benefits and support the organisation’s investment already underway at Annsborough wastewater treatment works.