Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced a £10.2m package of work across Belfast to upgrade the water supply infrastructure.

The schemes will involve the laying of 65km of new water mains across the city, and are part of NI Water's ongoing upgrading of the water supply infrastructure throughout Northern Ireland.

The ongoing improvement programme has seen £90m spent over the last three years laying 1000km of new water mains throughout Northern Ireland.

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This new programme of work will get underway in November 2013 and will continue for a period of approximately 13 months. The work will involve laying 65km of new water mains throughout the south, north and west Belfast areas. The majority of the work in the north Belfast area will get underway in January 2014.

Mr Kennedy said: "This major water mains investment for the Belfast area is great news.

"The upgraded water mains will improve the quality, reliability and security of the local water supply right across Northern Ireland.

"While reducing leakage and improving pressure in the area, it will also help protect many important jobs in the hard pressed construction sector."

(CD/JP)