Company 'fined for damaging water quality'

Water quality damage which occurred close to an identified bathing water area in Northern Ireland has resulted in a hefty fine for the offending water firm.

Northern Ireland Water has been forced to pay £2,000 for discharging untreated sewage near a County Down beach.

A spokesperson for Northern Ireland Water said that the company takes its responsibility to the environment seriously and is working to reduce such occurrences.

"Northern Ireland Water is investing £3.3 million in the sewer infrastructure in the Bangor/Ballyholme area which will improve the water quality in the rivers discharging to Ballyholme Bay," they said.

The firm added that its pumping station is over 70 years old, which was a contributing factor to the cause of the incident.

In related news, the Ballymoney Times reported late last year that Northern Ireland Water was planning to invest more than £22 million in the improvement of wastewater facilities in the region.

Written by Lauren Steadman