Belfast's sewers to get upgrade

AUS$183M scheme to upgrade the sewerage system in Belfast, Northern Ireland, that includes 10.5km of tunnels was announced in early February this year.

Katharine Bryan, chief executive of the Department for Regional Development of Northern Ireland, Water Service said: "The project will employ the best innovative, technological and environmental practices, including the construction of a new 10.5km tunnel up to 4m in diameter".

In July 2003, a consortium of Atkins Consultants and Amec Specialist Businesses was awarded the project management and engineering contract for the project. The project is expected to take seven years to complete, during which time Atkins will act as project manager and lead consultant.

The key objectives of the scheme are to improve the water quality of the Lagan and Blackstaff rivers, reduce the risk of flooding and refurbish the sewer network, which Bryan said dated largely from the Victorian era. She added there would be "significant logistical challenges for a project of this scale and Water Service and its contractors are committed to minimising disruption and engaging with the local community".