Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has welcomed the introduction of a unique planting programme to 'green' up the roof on NI Water's new £8 million extension to the wastewater treatment works at Newcastle harbour.

Using a special process known as hydroseeding, the top of the new 50m-long concrete structure has been sown out with a special mix of indigenous coastal seeds to provide a soft green area which not only offers a more attractive view for the overlooking properties, but which also provides a natural habitat for local birds and insects.

Congratulating everyone involved in the project, Minister Kennedy said: "The Mournes area is one of the most spectacular landscapes in Northern Ireland and all efforts to maintain its beauty and eco-friendliness are to be commended. It is important to protect our valuable scenic coastline and Newcastle Wastewater Treatment Works now blends in more with the natural surroundings."

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Acknowledging the input from local landscape and ecology experts, the Minister said: "In developing this green roof NI Water has been very fortunate to have been able to glean knowledge from a number of local experts with experience of coastal areas, not least members of the Mourne Heritage Trust and I would like to thank them for the time that they have dedicated to this project so far. I know that they, along with NI Water, look forward to seeing how the ecological value of the area increases as the green roof matures."

Kieran Grant, NI Water project manager for the scheme explained: "From the outset of this project our aim was to take all practical steps to minimise the visual impact of a large concrete structure on the shoreline within the Mournes Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and in doing so, enhance the ecological value of the area by providing a herb-rich coastal grassland habitat for plants, insects and birds."

Working with local landscape experts from the County Down area and members of the Mourne Heritage Trust, NI Water devised a low-maintenance landscape plan that would be rich in biodiversity.

(CD)