NI Water is progressing well with the latest programme of works under the £18 million Ards North Wastewater Improvement Project.

The multi-million pound scheme will rationalise and upgrade the wastewater collection, treatment and transfer systems serving the villages of Carrowdore, Ballywhiskin and Ballywalter.

The utility is now working on the construction of a new long sea outfall pipe at Ballyferris. At the centre of the project is the construction of a new wastewater treatment works off the Ganaway Road in Ballywalter.

Following council approval, contractors for the construction of the new 550m-long outfall pipe, Farrans/ABCO, will use part of Ballyhalbert car park from the beginning of September until mid October for storage, mixing and welding activities. Signage will be erected at the car park and personnel will be on site daily to advise of parking restrictions.

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Explaining more about the project, Damien McKeown, NI Water Project Manager said: "The car park at Ballyhalbert quay is suitably located to support the important construction activities associated with the installation of the new outfall at Ballyferris. Once the new pipeline has been assembled at Ballyhalbert, it will be towed out to Ballyferris where it will be sunk into position in a pre-dredged trench.

"For the most part, throughout September and October, half of the car park will remain open. During September it will close to the public for up to two hours per day while rock treatment solutions are mixed and transferred by boat to Ballyferris. Our contractor will be on site to communicate any parking restrictions and will update signage on a daily basis with times that the car park will be temporarily closed. NI Water appreciates this work is disruptive and would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation."

Farrans will also set up a work compound on private lands at Ballyferris as preparations to excavate the trench for the new 550m-long outfall get underway. A large jack-up barge is due to arrive to the area in early September to assist with the marine works.

Prior to commencing excavation, rock treatment activities will take place as part of the sea outfall installation. For safety reasons, exclusion zones – both on land and in the sea – will be formed by Farrans/ABCO during the different work activities. These will be clearly demarcated on the beach via signage and in the marine environment using marker buoys. While these exclusion zones are in place, public access along the beach will be maintained.

Work on the outfall is expected to be complete before the end of the year.