Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has officially opened a new state-of-the-art upgraded Wastewater Treatment Works in Dundrum.

The new Northern Ireland (NIW) facility will serve a population of approximately 2,000 from the village.

Speaking at the event, Minister Murphy said: "The new facility is just one example of the investment required to improve the water and sewerage infrastructure throughout the north. By 2010 NIW will have invested £492 million in wastewater treatment and collection systems.

"This will help NIW meet European standards, respond to increasing demand and provide the region with a world class modern service. This is another major step in the plan to provide people with the quality of water and sewerage services they deserve."

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Katharine Bryan, Chief Executive of NIW said: "There is an urgent and well documented need to address the issues arising from a legacy of under-investment to enable us to match or exceed performance levels of similar UK water companies by 2015. For different reasons, money that should have been spent on water and sewerage down the years was not. NIW is now addressing this issue in a fundamental way that will produce real benefits for our customers."

Ms Bryan continued: "This new facility is a wonderful example of NIW working at its best to provide a quality service for the people of Dundrum. We are delighted the Minister has been able to attend so he can see first hand the commitment of the team and the impact such projects have on the local community."

The project is an example of NIW working in partnership with BSG Civil Engineering, McAdam Design, Williams Industrial Services and Project Managers, Doran Consulting to improve the infrastructure.

(JM)