NI Water will commence work this week to restore parts of Lough Shannagh, a listed asset located in the Mournes. The project will involve stone pitching, repairs to the embankment, and the replacement of a valve.

To facilitate the repairs, the water level in Lough Shannagh will need to be temporarily lowered. The work is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete.

This initiative aligns with NI Water's ongoing commitment to preserving and protecting listed assets under its care.

Speaking about the restoration work, NI Water Senior Project Manager, Michael Donnelly said: "The work at Lough Shannagh is being planned as part of our Historic Estate Project – a rolling programme of work to survey, protect and care for listed assets within NI Water's ownership.

"During the work at Lough Shannagh, a helicopter will be operating in the area for a short period under strict guidance and management. Construction areas and storage compounds will be clearly marked. For health and safety reasons we would appeal to the public not to go near any of these areas and to stay well clear of the helicopter making deliveries of materials. Some sections of paths may also need to be temporarily diverted during the project and we would kindly ask the public to follow alternative paths as directed."

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Speaking about the wider Historic Estates Project, Mr Donnelly added: "As part of NI Water's commitment to the ‘Protocol for the Care of the Government Historic Estates', we survey and care for over 40 listed assets – most of which are in the Mournes area. These include: The Mourne Towers on Slieve Donard, Commedagh and Meelmore; Silent Valley Dam and Superintendent's House; Ben Crom Reservoir and the Binnian Tunnel.

"The most prominent of the assets within NI Water's Historic Estate is undoubtedly the 100-year-old Mourne Wall. Earlier this year NI Water completed phase two of the Mourne Wall Restoration Project which brought the total number of repairs carried out on the 22-mile-long structure to over 900 since work began in 2017.

"Other assets to benefit from restoration works as part of NI Water's current phase of funding are the Silent Valley red gates and the Dunnywater Aqueduct. Constructed in 1952, this 78m-long steel water pipe carries water across the Annalong River on five semi-circular reinforced concrete arches. Refurbishment of the pipeline – which includes the application of a special protective coating system to aid its longevity – got underway in August 2024 and is due to be completed before the end of the year.

"The jewel in the crown for our PC21 (2021-2026) funding will be the refurbishment of the Superintendent's House, located at the main gates to Silent Valley. Planning permission has recently been granted to restore the early 1900's building with work due to commence in early 2025.

"Over the last seven years, as part of the protocol, NI Water has been striving to restore and protect century-old heritage to ensure that the listed assets within its care can operate as required and be appreciated for many years to come.

"The refurbishment carried out requires a range of specialist skills and we are delighted to be able to employ contractors from the Mournes area to carry out work on both the Historic Estate and Mourne Wall Restoration Projects.

"NI Water and our project team from RPS and GEDA appreciate the support of local landowners and the public as we work to restore these important listed assets and take this opportunity to thank Mourne Heritage Trust, Dickson FitzGerald Architects, NIEA and DfC's Historic Environment Division for their guidance throughout both these projects to date."