Seskinore waste water treatment plant ruled out

THERE are currently no plans to build a new waste water treatment works to cater for the extra demand generated by a large number of new homes which have been built in the Seskinore area.

Around 60 properties have been erected in the village during the past decade, prompting calls for the improved amenities to cater for the large number of new homes.

But the Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon, of the SDLP has told local councillors that there are no plans to upgrade the waste water treatment plant serving the village during the next financial year.

“The prioritising of investment by NI Water involves an evidence-based approach. NI Water and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, have an agreed scoring system to convert the evidence-based assessments into an overall prioritisation that encompasses sewer networks, wastewater pumping stations and wastewater treatment works,” she said.

“Unfortunately, due to sustained historical under-investment, it will take multiple Price Control periods for NI Water to fully address wastewater capacity issues and facilitate new developments, tackle out of control sewer flooding and improve environmental protection across the whole of Northern Ireland.”

The issue was among a series of matters which were raised by councillors during a meeting with the Minister in recent weeks. It was also due to be discussed at a meeting of the Council’s Environmental Services committee last night (Wednesday).

Local Sinn Fein councillor, Glenn Campbell, said he was disappointed to learn that the upgrade had been ruled out.

“The absence of waste water treatment plants in rural areas is preventing necessary development in places like Seskinore, Tattyreagh and other rural settlements locally.”