The minister, Conor Murphy, today (December 13) officially opened the new wastewater treatment works in Antrim.

The works replace the outdated ones on the same site at Milltown Road, on the outskirts of the town.

The contractor for the development was BSG Civil Engineering in partnership with McAdam Design and Williams Industrial Services.

At Massereene, Antrim town centre, a new pumping station was constructed within the grounds of the Antrim Forum.

Built completely underground, this replaced the station in Antrim Castle and will provide protection to the sensitive Six Mile Water river and will aid the Council’s plans to carry out extensive restoration work within Antrim Castle Gardens.

The project will deal with wastewater 87,000, included the upgrading of the facility and improving the wastewater infrastructure in Antrim and the surrounding area including parts of Crumlin, Randalstown and Templepatrick.

The minister said: “This project represents a major investment for Antrim and the surrounding area.

“It will bring significant benefits to the local economy and the environment, whilst meeting the needs of the growing population in the area.

“To deliver such a project on time and in budget was a significant undertaking by all the team involved and they should be proud of their achievement.”

Laurence MacKenzie, Chief Executive of NI Water said: “This project was a tremendous undertaking by NI Water and its success lies in the planning and strategic thinking of all involved, including Antrim Borough Council and other agencies.

“More than 115,000 man hours were required to complete the project, with impact on the environment and the public at the forefront of everything that was done.

“Night working was undertaken to ensure busy roads were reopened for morning commuters, while an archaeologist was present during excavation near Antrim Castle Gardens to ensure any significant finds were recorded and preserved if necessary.”

Upsizing of the sewerage network was carried out to stop the area’s historical flooding problem.

Luke Walsh

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