Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy and NI Water have announced the construction of a new Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW), this is a sustainable method of treating wastewater, to be used for the first time in Northern Ireland.

Work will begin on the ICW at the Stoneyford Road site on the 14 April 2014 and will continue until the end of the year.

Minister Kennedy said: "The current treatment works in the village is nearing the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced. The Stoneyford site will be a flagship project for Northern Ireland Water and aims to produce an industry-leading example of how wastewater treatment can be integrated into and complement the local ecosystem.

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"The Integrated Construction Wetland method NI Water plans to use in the construction of a new facility for wastewater treatment at Stoneyford village has been developed from natural concepts. While the concept has been used for many years in Europe, this will be the first time this innovative solution has been used for municipal purposes in Northern Ireland.

"The method has a proven track record and is a positive low cost, low energy and low maintenance alternative to wastewater treatment. This natural environmentally friendly solution is particularly suited to rural areas and aims to accommodate the future development needs of Stoneyford, while promoting flora and fauna in a natural ecosystem."

(CD/MH)