As part of the works, set to start in January 2012, an 18 month contract has been awarded to civil engineering company Dawson-Wam and water treatment specialists Ovivo Ireland, with project management support being provided by McAdam Design in Belfast.

According to NIW, the upgrade will see the installation of new treatment processes, which will improve water quality and meet future EU directives by May 2013. It is also expected to support NIW’s infrastructure and network improvements.

NIW chief executive Trevor Haslett, said: “This £7m upgrade project represents a strong commitment by NIW to improve the standard of treated effluent at Newcastle.

“The extensive programme of work supports the £6m package of infrastructure and network improvements already undertaken in the town and will ensure that the sewerage infrastructure in Newcastle operates in accordance with EU directives and NI Environment Agency treatment standards.”

The plans include a new extension to house a host of new treatment processes and a stormwater storage facility, while the existing wastewater treatment works will be fully refurbished and new equipment will be installed at the nearby Blackrock and Harbour pumping stations.

Minister for regional development Ireland Danny Kennedy, added: “The award of this contract is good news for Northern Ireland on both an economic and environmental level.”

Carys Matthews

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