NI Water is to invest £600,000 in a scheme that will provide Ballymartin with a modern new wastewater pumping station.

Due to get underway this week, the new station will be constructed underground on land adjacent to Main Road in the village. The only visible aspect of the new pumping station will be a kiosk which will house hi-tech controls and a telemetry pole which will allow the pumping station to be monitored remotely by NI Water.

As part of the investment, NI Water will also install a new pumping main to transfer wastewater from Ballymartin to Kilkeel Wastewater Treatment Works for appropriate treatment. This part of the scheme is programmed to get underway in May with the contract due for completion in September 2014.

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Speaking about the investment, Dermott McCurdy, head of wastewater capital procurement said: "This pumping station and associated pumping main is good news for Ballymartin. The scheme will deliver significant environmental benefits, including improved water quality at the existing sea outfall, and will accommodate future development in the village for the next 20 years."

Commenting on the construction work, Dermott added: "The works – particularly the pipelaying aspect - may cause some inconvenience to the local community, but we will aim to minimise vehicular and pedestrian traffic disruption as much as possible. NI Water and our contractor BSG Civil Engineering would like to thank the public in advance for their patience and co-operation while we work to deliver these essential sewerage infrastructure improvements in your area.

"NI Water will carry out letter drops in advance of pipelaying works commencing and will continue to liaise closely with both DRD Roads Service and Newry & Mourne District Council during the construction period."

(CD/MH)