Northern Ireland Water has announced a £3 million investment programme to upgrade the existing Wastewater Treatment Works in Draperstown.
It is expected to deliver reduced odour and noise levels, and improve the water quality of the river. Dermot McCurdy, Project Sponsor for the Draperstown scheme, commented, "For much of the 20th century there has been serious under-investment in wastewater services in Northern Ireland. Changing priorities about health and the environment have led to urgent demands for improvement. The £3 million investment for Draperstown is part of Northern Ireland Water's overall focus on leading an ambitious and essential infrastructural investment programme."
However, in other news Northern Ireland Water is under investigation by the Utility Regulator over how it handled information about proposed water charges. The investigation is focused on information about the amount of money the company raised from non-domestic customers. In February, Northern Ireland Water admitted it had made a miscalculation in its projected revenue, namely, a shortfall which is estimated to be £13 million this year and £20 million next year.
Northern Ireland Water states that it will co-operate fully with the regulator adding, "We have been carrying out our own review which is nearing completion and will be briefing the Minister, the regional development committee and the regulator in due course."
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