Major NI Water investment

Major NI Water investment

23 April 2025

WORK starts next week on a major investment programme to improve the wastewater network in Annsborough and Castlewellan.

Northern Ireland Water contractors begin the year-long scheme next Monday in Annsborough to install a dedicated stormwater pipeline to remove rainwater from the combined system.

This is designed to reduce the pressure on the existing network and help reduce the risk of so-called out-of-sewer flooding. 

NI Water has confirmed that a series of localised sewer repairs are also planned as part of the scheme to address leaks and help protect against blockages. 

Sean Milligan, NI Water’s senior project manager, said the organisation 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,” he explained.

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

Mr Milligan said the work will focus on the Annsborough catchment initially, with the first section of work getting underway in Annsborough Park next week.

A letter has been carried out in the area and access will be maintained throughout the four-week phase of works.

Mr Milligan revealed that towards the end of May, work will move to the Ballylough Road where the installation of the new pipeline and any sewer repairs will be carried out.

The work will result in a lane closure with temporary traffic lights in operation.

NI Water said the project team will also carry out a letter drop in the area before work gets underway and large digital signage will be erected to notify motorists.

“The Castlewellan network improvements are then scheduled in the Clarmont Avenue area in July before moving to other areas of the town,” Mr Milligan outlined.

“A leaflet, outlining all areas where works are scheduled to take place, is being distributed widely and liaison will be undertaken with businesses and residents in each section before work commences.”

Mr Milligan said NI Water and its project team from BSG and McAdam, have thanked residents, businesses, schools, road users and other stakeholders for their patience and cooperation ahead of work on the scheme getting underway.

He added: “We are striving to improve the wastewater network serving Annsborough and Castlewellan. Every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum and complete each section of works in the shortest possible timeframe.

“Notification of subsequent sections of work and any associated traffic management will be communicated as the project progresses.” 

NI Water said that as far as possible, works adjacent to schools have been programmed to be completed during July and August, with access maintained to Castlewellan Forest Park at all times.

In addition, key events in the area have been considered in the programming of works.

NI Water said no pipe-laying will take place on Main Street between the Newcastle Road and Castle Avenue, but said some sewer repairs will be required in this area. In addition, it says these short-term trenchless (no dig) works will be undertaken from existing manholes within localised lane closures. 

Work that crosses Main Street at the Newcastle Road will be carried out at night to minimise traffic disruption, with the NI Water project team liaising with businesses and residents in advance of each section of work getting underway.

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.