£3.6m Wastewater Network Upgrade underway in Bellaghy

NI Water has commenced a significant programme of work to upgrade the wastewater network in Bellaghy.

This major investment involves the installation of larger diameter sewers to increase the capacity of the combined wastewater network and reduce the risk of out-of-sewer flooding in the area.

Improvements at Bellaghy Wastewater Treatment Works – including the provision of additional stormwater storage at the site – are also included in the scheme to protect the environmental integrity of local waterways.

Speaking about the project, Martin Armstrong NI Water Senior Project Manager, said: “Our appointed contractor, Murphy Dawson WAM, has recently commenced pipelaying in private lands adjacent to Bellaghy Wastewater Treatment Works, located off the Deerpark Road. The new pipe will be able to transport more wastewater flow to the treatment works and will therefore help to reduce the risk of out-of-sewer flooding.

“The majority of the pipelaying is within private lands and Dawson WAM are liaising with landowners as the work progresses.

“An archaeologist is overseeing the stripping of all topsoil in relation to this work, to ensure any significant finds are recorded, preserved or removed and stored in line with the appropriate protocols.

“NI Water will provide updates and liaise with residents and businesses should any traffic management measures be required as part of this project.

“When complete in early 2027, the full programme of work will improve the long-term resilience of the local wastewater network and provide enhanced environmental protection in the face of climate change and heavier rainfall. To accommodate future development in the area, further improvements will be required to modernise Bellaghy 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 and residents for their patience and cooperation as we deliver these important network upgrades. Every effort will be made to complete each section of work as quickly as possible.”