Sewage saga nears end

Sewage saga nears end

26 March 2014

NORTHERN Ireland Water has confirmed that it is prepared to met half the costs of completing a new pumping station at the Inishmore housing development in Killyleagh.

The news was confirmed during a meeting last Friday between representatives from the organisation and local politicians, including Strangford MP Jim Shannon and councillor Billy Walker.

Mr. Shannon said there is an existing pumping station at the development but it is not capable of meeting future demand and requires to be expanded.

He said the pumping station has not been formally adopted by NI Water after the contractor building private homes at this part of Killyleagh went into receivership.

Mr. Shannon said the Inishmore development is one of many across Northern Ireland where construction sites are now in the hands of receivers.

He said at many developments, roads, footpaths and sewerage disposal facilities have been left unfinished as they are not of a high enough standard for the Roads Service and NI Water to assume responsibility for.

Mr. Shannon said while the sewage pumping station at Inishmore is working well and maintained by NI Water, the organisation is keen for a developer to take on the construction site and upgrade and complete the existing sewage facility.

He continued: “NI Water is happy to contribute 50 per cent of the cost of the pumping station work required at Inishmore and would expect any developer taking over the site to contribute the remainder.”

Mr. Shannon added: “For any new home owner, it’s essential they have this confirmation from their builder in place before any mortgage loan can be approved.”

Councillor Billy Walker said residents who live at this part of Killyleagh are keen to see the sewage pumping station upgraded and for other work at the development to be completed.