Traders back plans to start flooding work earlier in year

Traders back plans to start flooding work earlier in year

11 June 2014

NORTHERN Ireland Water’s decision to reschedule planned construction work in Downpatrick over the summer months has been welcomed by the head of the town’s Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Gary Flynn said NI Water’s agreement to take on board the concerns of the town’s business community is to be welcomed and “reflects the importance” of having a group to represent traders.

He said he’s pleased NI Water responded positively to concern voiced by traders that introducing a temporary one-way system in Market Street would impact on the traditionally busy back-to-school shopping period.

The Chamber of Commerce facilitated a recent meeting between a senior NI Water official and local traders to discuss the introduction of the one-way system which was original scheduled to be introduced in August.

However, as a result of the discussions between NI Water and the business community, the scheme has been brought forward and will get underway on Wednesday of next week, June 18.

The one-way system is required in Market Street to facilitate contractors relocating a current sewage pumping station to a car park close to the Grove shopping centre as part of a £3m investment.

Mr. Flynn said the dialogue between traders and NI Water about the proposed work resulted in agreement on the way forward.

“This was one of the first major issues the Chamber was asked to address and I am pleased there was an agreed outcome. There was a lot of concern among traders that the introduction of a one-way system would impact on business during what is normally a particularly busy time for them,” he said.

Mr. Flynn added: “NI Water listened to the concerns and responded, which shows how important an effective Chamber of Commerce is, working for and on behalf of everyone in business in Downpatrick.”

NI Water has confirmed that while work starts on June 18, it will cease between July 12 and 27 when two-way traffic will be restored in Market Street, before the one-way system resumes on July 28. The scheme is scheduled for completion on August 8.

The £3m investment involves the provision of a new pumping station with extra stormwater storage and increased pumping capacities, a new pumping mains and sewer upgrades in the Market Street area.

Contractors are installing a new pumping main from Market Street to a pumping station at Russell Park, alongside an additional section of pumping main required to facilitate the new Down Leisure Centre development.

The next section of the investment programme involves upgrading several sections of the existing gravity sewer in Market Street.

NI Water has confirmed it will work closely with the Roads Service during work in the Market Street area to agree any proposed changes which may be required as pipe laying progresses. It says further updates will be provided as required to keep the public informed as the essential scheme progresses.

South Down MLA Chris Hazzard has welcomed the £3m investment in Downpatrick and praised NI Water for approaching the concerns of the local business community about the planned work in Market Street in a flexible manner.

Councillor Naomi Bailie has welcomed NI Water’s decision to bring forward its work in Market Street to accommodate the needs of the town’s business community.

Welcoming the organisation’s “logical decision,” said agreement to bring forward the work was agreed following a meeting between traders and NI Water.