NORTHERN Ireland Water (NIW) has opened a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment works in Beragh. The £2.5-million facility will serve an estimated population of 1,400 from Beragh and the surrounding area and has been designed to fulfil the needs of the area well into the future.

Omagh District Council chairman Cllr Bert Wilsonofficially opened the new works.

"I am delighted Northern Ireland Water has made this investment in the treatment works for the Beragh area," he said. "Continued investment is necessary to meet the needs of future development in the area, benefiting the local community and economy well into the 21st century."

Across the north, £492 million is to be invested in wastewater treatment and collection systems by 2010. This investment is essential to protect public health and meet European standards. This will be combined with a Public Private Partnership investment of £122 million, all of which will result in 94% compliance with EU standards by 2009.

David Hilary, head of Wastewater Procurement for the south and west of Northern Ireland said, "There is an urgent need to address the issues arising from the legacy of under-investment to match or exceed performance levels of similar UK water companies by 2015. The new facility is just one example of the investment required to improve the water and sewerage infrastructure throughout Northern Ireland."

The Beragh project involved converting the wastewater treatment works at Sixemilecross into a pumping station with all flows now delivered to the new combined works. Northern Ireland Water was working in partnership with BSG Civil Engineering, Williams Industrial Services and Project managers, Doran Consulting.