NI Water will start a significant programme early in the new year to modernise the wastewater network in Killinchy, County Down.

The investment includes substantial upgrades to the Whiterock and Inisharoan wastewater pumping stations, improvements to the connected sewer network, and additional stormwater storage to reduce flood risk and help protect the environmental quality of Strangford Lough.

Speaking about the project, Sean Milligan, NI Water Senior Project Manager, said: "The £5m programme of improvements will begin with the installation of a new pumping main between Inisharoan Wastewater Pumping Station and Killinchy Wastewater Treatment Works.

"Pipelaying is planned to start on Whiterock Road, south of Inisharoan, on Monday 5 January 2026, progressing as far as the entrance to Beechvale Nursing Home on Beechvale Road. To facilitate these works, a lane closure will be in place around each working area, with temporary traffic lights used to manage traffic flow. Access to properties along the pipeline route will be maintained at all times.

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"Pipelaying along Whiterock Road and Beechvale Road is expected to take approximately four months. Our contractor, Murphy Dawson WAM, will liaise directly with residents and businesses regarding access as the work progresses.

"The new pumping main will strengthen the wastewater network in the area and provide reliable infrastructure to support upgrades to the local pumping stations which are currently planned for spring/summer 2026.

"NI Water will provide updates and liaise with residents regarding additional traffic management measures required to complete the pumping station upgrades.

"When complete in winter 2026, the full programme of work will improve the long-term resilience of the local wastewater system and provide enhanced environmental protection – particularly for Strangford Lough – in the face of climate change and heavier rainfall. To accommodate future development in the area, further improvements will be required to modernise Killinchy Wastewater Treatment Works. This work is subject to funding and approvals.

"NI Water and our project partners, Murphy Dawson WAM and Tetra Tech RPS, would like to thank local landowners, residents, businesses and road users for their patience and cooperation as we deliver these important network upgrades. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption and complete each section of work as quickly as possible."