The new state-of-the-art North Coast Wastewater Treatment Works in Portrush was opened today.

Part of Northern Ireland Water's (NIW) £45 million North Coast Scheme, the new works is designed to comply with the strictest EU standards. This will ensure that even at peak holiday periods the North Coast beaches are free from any discharges of untreated wastewater.

Up 54 million litres of wastewater can be treated at the new facility every day, ensuring wastewater from Castlerock, Articlave,Coleraine, Portstewart and Portrush is treated to the highest standards possible.

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Opening the facility, Northern Ireland Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy said: "The North Coast boasts some of the finest beaches in the north and the need to safeguard and improve the quality of local bathing waters here is paramount.

"This £45 million investment is indicative of the efforts being made by NIW to raise the standards of wastewater treatment and ensure environmental improvements right across the north.

"Since April this year, NIW has officially opened 11 wastewater treatment works and by 2010 it will have invested a total of £492million in wastewater treatment and collection systems. This will help NIW to meet European standards, respond to increasing demand and ultimately provide the region with a world class modern service."

In addition to the modern new treatment works, the North Coast Scheme included the building or refurbishment of 16 pumping stations; the laying of 25km of new sewers and the construction of a 1200metre long sea outfall.

(JM)