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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Donal McMahon

Co Down wastewater works face upgrade call amid pollution concerns for shellfish

Plans for a Co Down wastewater treatment upgrade are to be outlined amid concerns shellfish beds are in danger from pollution.

NI Water was fined following an untreated sewage spillage in Dundrum Inner Bay, a Shellfish Water Protected Area in 2021.

An on-site meeting has now been secured by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council with the utility company following a special meeting this week.

Read more: Belfast and Co Down drinking water contamination 'concerns' raised at Council.

Slieve Croob Alliance councillor Andrew McMurray, speaking outside chambers, said: "In Dundrum there is not the capacity to handle the amount of waste water.
"What is needed is a second pumping station. There is a fear now that protected shellfish beds could face a future pollution incident if work is not carried out soon.
"Many community groups and fishermen in the area are concerned."
NI Water finance and regulation director, Ronan Larkin responded: "We will arrange to meet on site with councillors in Dundrum to discuss the plans.
"We can show more light as to where the problem is further on from Dundrum. For now we have to wait for the NI Environment Agency to catch up on reports. They need to be rubber stamped and approved by NIEA. We must continue to invest in our water system."

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