£3.6m wastewater network upgrade underway in Bellaghy to reduce flooding risk

Aerial views from Bellaghy Wastewater Treatment Works toward the GAC pitch

A £3.6 million investment to upgrade the wastewater network in Bellaghy is now underway, with NI Water commencing a major programme of infrastructure works aimed at reducing flooding risk and strengthening environmental protection in the area.

The scheme will see the installation of larger diameter sewers to increase the capacity of the combined wastewater network, helping to reduce the likelihood of out-of-sewer flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

As part of the wider investment, improvements are also being made at Bellaghy Wastewater Treatment Works, including the provision of additional stormwater storage.

These enhancements are designed to protect the environmental integrity of local waterways while improving the long-term resilience of the wastewater system.

Work underway on private lands

Confirming progress on the project, NI Water Senior Project Manager Martin Armstrong said work has already begun in lands adjacent to the treatment works, off the Deerpark Road.

“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.”

Mr Armstrong noted that most of the pipelaying will take place on privately owned land, with the contractor working closely with those affected.

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

Archaeological oversight in place

Given the sensitivity of the area, archaeological monitoring is being carried out alongside the construction works.

“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 has also committed to keeping the local community informed should any disruption arise as the project advances.

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

Completion expected in early 2027

The full programme of works is expected to be completed in early 2027 and is intended to future-proof the local wastewater network against the impacts of climate change and increasingly intense rainfall.

“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.”

NI Water has also indicated that further upgrades may be needed in the future to support development in the area.

“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.”

Thanks to the local community

Mr Armstrong concluded by thanking those affected by the works for their cooperation.

“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 Iof work as quickly as possible.”