31/05/2013
Warning Over NI Water Vandalism
NI Water have issued a warning over vandalism at a wastewater treatment works in Co Londonderry.
The company added that the actions could lead to river pollution or to someone being seriously injured.
Over the past two weeks, there have been a number of break-ins at the works which treats wastewater flows from around 1,000 properties in the Moneymore area.
NI Water said fencing, control panels and other equipment had been targeted, with the most recent attack occurring on Wednesday.
Alec McQuillan, Head of Wastewater at NI Water, said: "We have had a number of incidents at this site in recent years which have caused considerable expense and disruption. The latest incidents have resulted in approximately £2,500 worth of damage while previous incidents have cost over £4,000.
"It is frustrating to be spending funding on replacing equipment and improving site security as a result of vandalism, rather than on investment and improvement programmes.
"However, what worries us more is the potential for a pollution incident to occur or for someone to get seriously injured while attempting to enter the Works or while tampering with the equipment.
"The deep sludge tanks are also a major hazard, as it would be very difficult for anyone falling into the tanks to get out. Unfortunately, it would be unlikely that the emergency services would be able to rescue anyone who has fallen into one of these tanks."
NI Water said it was working with police and had increased its own staffing levels on the site in a bid to catch those responsible for the attacks.
(JP/CD)
The company added that the actions could lead to river pollution or to someone being seriously injured.
Over the past two weeks, there have been a number of break-ins at the works which treats wastewater flows from around 1,000 properties in the Moneymore area.
NI Water said fencing, control panels and other equipment had been targeted, with the most recent attack occurring on Wednesday.
Alec McQuillan, Head of Wastewater at NI Water, said: "We have had a number of incidents at this site in recent years which have caused considerable expense and disruption. The latest incidents have resulted in approximately £2,500 worth of damage while previous incidents have cost over £4,000.
"It is frustrating to be spending funding on replacing equipment and improving site security as a result of vandalism, rather than on investment and improvement programmes.
"However, what worries us more is the potential for a pollution incident to occur or for someone to get seriously injured while attempting to enter the Works or while tampering with the equipment.
"The deep sludge tanks are also a major hazard, as it would be very difficult for anyone falling into the tanks to get out. Unfortunately, it would be unlikely that the emergency services would be able to rescue anyone who has fallen into one of these tanks."
NI Water said it was working with police and had increased its own staffing levels on the site in a bid to catch those responsible for the attacks.
(JP/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 February 2024
SDLP Meet With Castle Investments Over Tribeca Development
A delegation of SDLP representatives have met with Castlebrooke Investments, to discuss the Tribeca development in Belfast city centre. Attending were SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole, SDLP City Council Group Leader Séamas de Faoite, Councillor Gary McKeown and Councillor Carl Whyte.
SDLP Meet With Castle Investments Over Tribeca Development
A delegation of SDLP representatives have met with Castlebrooke Investments, to discuss the Tribeca development in Belfast city centre. Attending were SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole, SDLP City Council Group Leader Séamas de Faoite, Councillor Gary McKeown and Councillor Carl Whyte.
20 February 2024
Belfast YMCA Champions Affordable Housing
In a strategic move to address the pressing need for affordable housing in Belfast, local charity Belfast YMCA has released a prime piece of land to the market for sale in the Stranmillis Area. Working with commercial estate agents Frazer Kidd the land in the highly coveted BT9 area is on the market for 'offers in the region of £1m'.
Belfast YMCA Champions Affordable Housing
In a strategic move to address the pressing need for affordable housing in Belfast, local charity Belfast YMCA has released a prime piece of land to the market for sale in the Stranmillis Area. Working with commercial estate agents Frazer Kidd the land in the highly coveted BT9 area is on the market for 'offers in the region of £1m'.
23 January 2024
£115,000 Announced For Belfast 'Grey To Green' Initiative
Funding of almost £115,000 has been announced to progress new 'green projects' in Belfast, as part of the 'A Bolder Vision for Belfast' initiative.
£115,000 Announced For Belfast 'Grey To Green' Initiative
Funding of almost £115,000 has been announced to progress new 'green projects' in Belfast, as part of the 'A Bolder Vision for Belfast' initiative.
23 January 2024
Appeal Following Thefts From Drumahoe Construction Site
PSNI detectives investigation the theft of electrical cable in Drumahoe have appealed for witnesses and information. The theft from a construction site on the Glenshane Road was reported to police at 7.30am this morning, Tuesday 23 January.
Appeal Following Thefts From Drumahoe Construction Site
PSNI detectives investigation the theft of electrical cable in Drumahoe have appealed for witnesses and information. The theft from a construction site on the Glenshane Road was reported to police at 7.30am this morning, Tuesday 23 January.
09 February 2024
2nd Year Of Safety Equipment Initiative For Domestic Abuse Victims
An initiative providing security equipment to victims of domestic abuse who live in the Derry City & Strabane District has entered its second year. The aim of the initiative to help victims feel safer involves The Police Service of Northern Ireland and Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP).
2nd Year Of Safety Equipment Initiative For Domestic Abuse Victims
An initiative providing security equipment to victims of domestic abuse who live in the Derry City & Strabane District has entered its second year. The aim of the initiative to help victims feel safer involves The Police Service of Northern Ireland and Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.