NI Water will this month commence a significant £845,000 programme of work to upgrade Neillsbrook Wastewater Pumping Station (WwPS) and the associated sewerage network in Randalstown.

The upgrade – which will get underway mid March - will see a complete overhaul of the existing pumping station as well as some network improvements to avoid building a new WwPS on a different site.

The major investment will provide environmental protection; help maintain the water quality in the River Maine and reduce the current level of operational maintenance and callouts to the existing pumping station.

Explaining what will be involved in the work, NI Water project manager, Paul Hamilton, said:

“Most of the work will take place in the vicinity of the existing WwPS at Maine Fold, where the existing underground tank will be increased in size, new valve chamber constructed and new screen installed. New mechanical and electrical equipment will also be fitted. The existing building at the Maine Fold site will be partially demolished, reducing the footprint of the building, with the remainder of the building refurbished once the upgrade works have been completed.”

The work will involve the construction of two new manholes as part of the network improvements by NI’s contractor, GRAHAM. All of the upgrade works will be carried out whilst keeping the pumping station operational. Work is expected to be completed by October/ November 2023.