Regional Development Minister opens £32million water works at Dunore Point

Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, today officially opened the new £32million water treatment works at Dunore Point, Antrim.

This plant is part of the wider Project Alpha, a £110million project which involves upgrading the existing water treatment facilities not only at Dunore Point, but also in Ballinrees,Coleraine; Castor Bay, Craigavon and Moyola, Magherafelt. It also delivered the construction of three new strategic link mains supplying Ballymoney, Limavady and Lisburn.

Project Alpha, carried out in partnership with Dalriada Water, has been one of the biggest projects undertaken by NI Water. It produces almost 50% of drinking water in the North, and covers three counties, Antrim, Armagh and Derry.

Speaking at the opening the Minister said: “This facility is just one example of the scale of investment required to improve drinking water quality, meet European standards, respond to increasing demand and provide customers across the North with a modern service.

“I welcome the completion of this major investment project which will deliver an efficient, cost effective and high quality treated water source, safeguarding the water supply infrastructure for the years ahead.”

Laurence MacKenzie, Chief Executive of NI Water added: “NI Water is committed to investing in projects that will deliver the most appropriate solutions for the benefit of the local economy, the community and the environment. The completion of this project on time and on budget is good news for customers. It safeguards water supplies, ensuring that new water quality benchmarks are met. It is a critical part of our overall investment programme.

"I would like to thank the entire team involved in this project and our partners Dalriada Water for their efforts in ensuring that this essential project was delivered on schedule and within budget."

Paul Wynn, Chairman of Dalriada Water Services said: "Dalriada Water is delighted to have worked in partnership with NI Water on Project Alpha. Now part of the Kelda Water Services group, Dalriada has benefited from industry best practice from working with Yorkshire Water, Farrans and AECOM. We believe this project is a model of excellence for other similar projects throughout the UK."

Notes to Editors:

1. Project Alpha involved upgrading existing Water Treatment facilities at Dunore Point,Antrim; Ballinrees, Coleraine; Castor Bay, Craigavon; Moyola, Magherafelt and also included the construction of three new strategic link mains supplying Ballymoney, Limavady and Lisburn.

2. Dalriada Water Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kelda Water Services, a key player in the UK water contracts arena. Dalriada has been operating five facilities on behalf of NI Water since September 2008. Farrans Construction and AECOM Design & Build were involved in the construction work.

3. Media queries to NI Water Press Office on 028 9035 4710, email press.office@niwater.com or DRD Press Office on 028 9054 0004. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.