A new co-operation deal has been signed between NI Water and the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.

The contract is to improve joint operational response in the event of an emergency incident at any NI Water site across Northern Ireland.

Alan Walmsley, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at the NIFRS, said the agreement formalises a framework for co-operation for dealing with an emergency incident on any of NI Water's sites.

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He said: "It clarifies roles and responsibilities, information exchange, emergency planning, and training as well as inter-agency working at the scene. This will undoubtedly enhance our operational response to incidents on any of their premises."

CEO of NI Water, Sarah Venning, said: "We have worked very closely with the NIFRS team on this agreement and are very thankful they have invested the time and resources necessary to set out the areas for co-operation. We are confident that if and when we need their assistance, they have all the necessary information they require to provide the best response possible. The fastest, most efficient response from our colleagues in NIFRS, assisted by NI Water staff, will ensure the safety of everyone impacted by the incident and enables us to get our sites back up and running as quickly as possible."

(CD/MH)