The works form part of Northern Ireland Water’s £2.9M Crosstown project, which is designed to improve water quality and supply across Belfast by replacing pipes under the city centre.

It is also anticipated that the project, which launched in February 2010 and is expected to be completed by November 2011, will also reduce leakage in the Belfast area.

A spokesperson from NIW said: “The scheme will benefit the local community and forms a critical element of strategic water supply between Castor Bay at Lough Neagh and Belfast.”

As part of the contract, Saint-Gobain will supply NIW with portable cast iron water pipes and fittings to help connect the extension between Barnett’s Park and the reservoir at Newtownbreda near Belfast.

Saint-Gobain’s business development director, David Smoker told edie that NIW had several piping options, but chose Saint-Gobain’s iron pipes because of ease of construction and durability.

Smoker said: “What really swung the contract in our favour was the fact that in one area the piping went across a road and back again and needed to be fitted at right angles.

“We were able to supply both the ductile iron pipes and fittings to do this, which was a big advantage to NIW as normally if you change direction you need to fit a rapid mechanical anchor.”

Carys Matthews

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