Probe into need of upgrade on Downpatrick sewerage system

Probe into need of upgrade on Downpatrick sewerage system

11 January 2017

WORK is to start shortly on a major investigation of the sewer network in Downpatrick town centre which will pave the way for repairs to sections which are in danger of collapse.

The survey is expected to take around five weeks to complete and is part of Province-wide investment programme across major towns and villages by Northern Ireland Water.

The initiative is aimed at reducing the risk of storm and waste water mixing and environmental pollution. A number of manholes and sewer pipes in Downpatrick have already been cleaned, with the network also surveyed using CCTV cameras. 

The initial survey confirmed sections of the existing sewerage network are in a very poor condition, with 

some nearing collapse. But before repair work can start, new CCTV surveys are required.

As part of the upgrade scheme, a number of sewer pipes will be lined and while a number of roads will have to be dug up, NI Water said this work will be carried out in “isolated locations.” 

NI Water said the additional CCTV surveys will enable all defects to be identified and completed within a limited timeframe, minimising the overall disruption to businesses, road users and the public.

Officials say that as far as possible, the repairs will be carried out using so-called low-dig techniques as this will significantly reduce the amount of digging in the area and ensure repair work is completed as quickly as possible. 

NI Water says while it will be necessary to dig up sections of main roads in some areas due to the condition of the existing sewers, it will endeavour to minimise disruption as far as possible with the various repairs carefully planned to ensure this is the case.

It has also been confirmed that it may be necessary at some locations for work to be undertaken at night to reduce the impact to road users and businesses.

NI Water has confirmed it also plans to hold a public meeting to provide details of the work it plans to carry out and address any queries or concerns.

“NI Water fully recognises that works of this nature can be disruptive, however, they are essential for the sewerage system to operate at optimum capacity, to avoid collapses and the resultant emergency repairs and reduce the risk of out-of-sewer flooding,” said a spokeswoman.

Councillor Dermot Curran, who has welcomed the investment, has urged NI Water to do all it can to minimise disruption.

He is also pleased the organisation aims to host a public meeting to make people aware of the exact detail of the sewer upgrade and to address any queries or concerns.

“The needs of the town’s business community must be a key consideration for NI Water during this scheme,” he said.

“Every step must be taken to minimise disruption and I hope Downpatrick will have an ultra-modern sewerage system in place when the work is completed.”