Work along the Belfast Road in Holywood was completed on December 15, with a combined sewer overflow diverted away from Kinnegar Lagoons and the new waste water pumping station becoming fully operational.
Councillor Muir, who is a long-term campaigner to resolve the on-going problem at the lagoon, said it was fantastic to see the work competed.
“I first started this campaign nearly seven years ago in response to the awful stench of sewage affecting nearby residents and passing road and rail traffic but I am now hopeful the completed work will mean the frequency and severity of odours coming from the lagoons will be reduced dramatically.
“It has been a long journey to reach this point involving lobbying NI Water, respective Government Ministers and getting the EU Environment Commissioner involved but through hard work and dogged determination I managed to secure £4.5 million funding and get the works undertaken”.
“I want to thank all the statutory agencies which have worked to secure this scheme and local people who endured the disruption whilst works occurred. As well as having a positive impact on the environment, local people will hope this move will bring them comfort.
“I expect this will provide the much-needed relief they deserve. Assurances have also been received that the Kinnegar Lagoons will be enabled to return to the original state following the disgraceful pollution which NI Water allowed to occur destroying the scenic habitat previously enjoyed by a wide range of wildlife”.