The works will improve the water supply for around 76,000 customers in County Down across areas such as Kilkeel, Rathfriland, Castlewellan, Dromore, Newry and Warrenpoint.
After beginning in March 2022, the upgrade involved the construction of a new water storage tank which has a capacity of 10 million litres (10 megalitres). The new tank will provide additional water supply to customers, especially during high demand emergency situations and when NI Water needs to shut down the main plans (Fofanny Water Treatment Works) whilst maintenance work is carried out.
Tzvetelina Bogoina, NI Water’s Director of Infrastructure Delivery said: "We are delighted to announce the completion of this major investment at Fofanny, which will bring many improvements to our customers including improved security of the local water supply.
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"This £9 million investment will make a real difference to customers in parts of County Down. It is a good example of what can be done when the necessary funding is in place, highlighting the importance of this critical infrastructure and continued investment in our water and wastewater services.
"I would like to thank the NI Water project team including contractor GRAHAM and RPS who provided project management and technical support. The team successfully completed the new tank, while ensuring our customer’s water supply wasn’t interrupted during construction. This major project will provide improved local water supply for many years to come."
Ciaran Moohan, GRAHAM Contracts Manager added: "We are delighted to have delivered this project at Fofanny, with RPS Group and our supply chain for NI Water.
"This was a complex project in a scenic and rural setting which presented many challenges for our design team AECOM and TES, along with the construction crew on-site.
"A great achievement for the team – which will provide improved water supply in the local area."
Vice Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Gareth Sharvin said:
"The Council welcomes this major investment in the area, which will mean a more robust and resilient water supply for local people. The project also provided a boost to the local construction sector, with the appointment of locally based contractor GRAHAM and other local businesses throughout the supply chain."
