A £5.7 million water scheme in South Down is set to get underway next month.

NI Water officially announced the scheme, which will be split into sections and help ensure the future resilience of the water supply infrastructure for customers in the South Down area.

Beginning in May, the first phase of works will involve pipelaying on the Bryansford Road from the junction with Kilkeel Road, progressing along the Bryansford Road towards the Fofanny Road junction. This first section of work is due to last around eight months. Due to the working space available and the welfare of the public and staff, this will require a road closure and there will be no through traffic permitted during working hours. Works will be completed in sections to keep disruption to a minimum and there will be traffic management in place throughout the route, with local access maintained at all times.

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The diversion route will be signposted along the Bryansford Road, Kilkeel Road, Castlewellan Road, Hilltown Road, Dublin Road, Newcastle Road, and the Ballyhaffry Road.

Eimear McDaid, NI Water Project Manager said: "We are delighted to announce the start of this major Water Improvement Scheme, which will greatly improve the robustness and resilience of the water supply infrastructure in South Down.

"This key improvement scheme will protect and future-proof the local water infrastructure for customers in Castlewellan, Fofanny and beyond.

"Enhanced security of water supply will provide a more reliable service for people in the area and will be particularly important during extreme weather conditions and other unplanned events to ensure maximum security of supply for our customers.

"NI Water and our contractor GlanAgua Farrans would like to thank the public in advance for their patience and cooperation as we commence this essential water improvement scheme."

This key improvement scheme is expected to continue until early 2025.