Northern Ireland Water (NI Water) has completed a “major” sewerage improvement scheme within the grounds of Castle Park in Bangor.
The company has invested £3 million to upgrade the sewerage network in the area and provide a “new modern and efficient” underground pumping station to serve the people of Bangor for many years to come.
The investment is part of the overall £12 million ongoing investment by NI Water in Bangor, which the water company says will “greatly improve” the water quality in Ballyholme Strand and North Down coastal waters, while improving the sewerage infrastructure in the North Down area.
The work will also improve local bathing water quality and will comply with Northern Ireland Environment Agency and European standards. Further elements of the overall project are expected to commence during 2019.
Grahame Millar project sponsor said: “NI Water is very pleased to have delivered the latest phase of this major sewerage improvement project for the people of Bangor, which will enhance the local environment, reduce pollution and improve bathing water around the North Down Coast. We look forward to completing the remaining phases within this project.”
Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, councillor Richard Smart added: “The council are delighted that this new pumping station has been completed, which will improve the sewerage infrastructure in the area. This significant investment will also help boost tourism through improved bathing water quality, benefiting the local economy in this busy tourist town.”
NI Water said the construction of the new pumping station “regrettably necessitated” the removal of a small number of trees within Castle Park.
The task was undertaken in co-operation with Ards and North Down Borough Council and the water company said that most of the trees removed were already in poor condition.