Work has started on a £6 million improvement scheme to the reservoir in Newry and motorists can expect delays in the days ahead.
NI Water is currently building a new tank at Crieve Service Reservoir that will quadruple the current storage capacity.
The work is part of a £6m investment by NI Water to improve and safeguard the supply of water across Newry city and surrounding areas.
The project will also involve the laying of two trunk mains the first of which got underway on the Tandragee Road today (Wednesday).
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: “This major investment is good news for customers in the area, as it will improve the security of the water supply infrastructure.
“It will also provide a welcome boost to the construction sector, with the contract for the work being undertaken by Maghera-based BSG Civil Engineering.”
Newry and Armagh Sinn Fein MLA Cathal Boylan, speaking after meeting with NI Water and the
project team behind the third phase of the Ballydougan to Newry Strategic Trunk Main Scheme, also welcomed the benefits it will bring to the people of Newry and its neighbouring area.
He said: “As part of a programme of improvements carried out by NI Water to address and advance the water quality and supply in Newry it is my understanding that this work is due to commence this week.
“These works are being undertaken to create a strategic link between Castor Bay Water Treatment Works in Craigavon and the Newry and Lough Ross Resource Zones.
“NI Water will be addressing the deficiencies in infrastructure in the resource zones, carrying out upgrades at Crieve Service Resevoir, extending Carnbane WPS and upgrading control equipment at a number of sites including Camlough Water Treatment Works.
“This third phase will increase storage capacity, improve the quality of drinking water for both east and west of Newry, safeguard the water infrastructure and improve interconnectivity.”
Mickey Brady, Sinn Féin MLA and Westminster candidate, also welcomed the investment this project will bring to the local economy.
He stated: “This extensive project will inject money into local businesses as the project team behind this vow to use local labour, local contractors and indeed local signage. This is an essential improvement scheme for the people of Newry and its surrounding areas.
“However, I would urge people to make themselves familiar with the roads that are due to be affected due to traffic restrictions that will be in place.
“NI Water, who are keen to keep disruption to a minimum, have requested for local residents associations and community groups to get in touch and indeed highlight any issues which they feel may arise due to these disruptions.”
Local Roads due to be affected include:
Camlough Newry West Trunk Main: Tandragee Road, Craigmore Way, Fifth Avenue, Camlough Road, Carnagat Road, Chancellors Road, Limekiln Road.
Crieve Trunk Main: Rathfrilan Road, Hiltown Road, Criev Road, Forthill Road.
If you require any further information contact waterline on 08457 440088, quoting Ballydougan to Newry Trunk Main Scheme-Phase 3″
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy is pictured with Bill Gowdy (left) and Paul Davison and Declan Mathers (right) of NI Water at Crieve Service Reservoir in Newry, where NI Water is currently building a new tank that will quadruple the current storage capacity
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