NI Water is preparing to start the second stage of work on a rehabiltation project in Downpatrick, Co Down.

The work is part of an overall programme by the firm across the province over the next five years to improve the existing sewerage network.

Stage one involved the investigative and design work, which included pipeline/manhole cleaning and CCTV surveys. Initial survey works were completed in Downpatrick during 2015/16 and identified a number of sections of the existing sewers which are in very poor condition nearing collapse at some locations.

Stage two of the scheme will involve the actual sewer improvement works which will include the installation of 'liners' in existing pipelines, the 'open-dig' repair of short sections of sewer at isolated locations, as well as the laying of some sections of new replacement pipelines and associated works.

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Prior to the commencement of any Stage two works in Downpatrick, NI Water plans to undertake further CCTV surveys of all sewers on the main streets. This will enable all defects to be identified and completed within a limited timeframe, and will minimise the overall disruption to businesses, road users and the public. NI Water will commence the additional survey works in Downpatrick in early January and it is hoped to take approximately 5 weeks to complete.

As far as possible the repairs will be carried out using 'low-dig' techniques, as this will significantly reduce the amount of digging in the area and ensure that repair work is completed as quickly as possible.

However, it will still be necessary to carry out 'open-dig' at some locations due to the condition of the existing sewers, however we will endeavour to minimise this as far as possible.

NI Water will hold a public information event to provide further details and address any queries or concerns.

(CD/LM)