Muir says NI Water must halt sale of Reservoirs

North Down Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir has said NI Water must halt their plans to sell reservoirs across Northern Ireland, including six in Craigantlet Hills between Bangor and Belfast and one in Groomsport at Portavoe. He has said that in light of recent events which have left tens of thousands of homes and businesses without water, NI Water must scrap these sale plans.

Commenting on the issue, Cllr Muir stated: “With many homes across Northern Ireland without water due to a widespread shortage, NI Water should take immediate steps to ensure a sufficient supply of water and cancel their plans to sell many reservoirs across Northern Ireland. Residents and businesses in Holywood were in recent days denied water, yet disgraceful plans are still afoot to sell many of the local reservoirs which I understand were recently taken out of use.”

Continuing, Cllr Muir stated: “I recently learned that over £3m was invested during 2003/04 to bring the Ballysallagh Lower Reservoir to EU drinking water standards. To then potentially sell the reservoir a few years later when Northern Ireland desperately needs water to cook, wash and avail of sanitary facilities is plain stupid. NI Water should save our reservoirs rather than sell them and reduce potential water supplies even further.”

ENDS