Date: 24 April 2007
Glen Water, a joint venture between Thames Water and Laing O’Rourke, which is responsible for the new wastewater treatment facility currently under construction in Donaghadee, has joined with Water Service to officially launch a time capsule project with local schools in the area.
Part of the Water Service’s North Down/Ards wastewater treatment project, the new state of the art facility will stop the discharge of untreated wastewater directly into the sea, in line with European Directives.
Five local primary and secondary schools will be proposing five items that represent Donaghadee and its history, for inclusion in the time capsule.
The school pupils aged between 4 and 18 will have to explain the significance of each object they choose and will also be given the opportunity to place messages in the capsule for future generations to read.
Speaking at the launch, Katharine Bryan, Chief Executive of the Water Service said:
“By taking part in this project the students will be able to preserve parts of Donaghadee’s history that are of particular importance and relevance to them.
“It will also give the young people a detailed insight into why the project is needed and the key benefits that it will bring to the local community and subsequent generations,” Katharine Bryan continued.
Upon its completion the North Down/Ards Advance Works Project will have created one of the most modern and advanced wastewater treatment facilities in Europe.
It will also provide opportunities to strengthen the local economy and support the growth and development of local tourism.
Jim Conlon, General Manager at Glen Water Ltd, commented:
“Through this project we are working with Water Service to increase investment in wastewater treatment services for the North Down/Ards area.”
“By stopping the discharge of untreated water into the sea, we are also helping to protect the marine environment and create cleaner bathing waters along the North Down/Ards coastline,” continued Jim.
Glen Water will be in contact with the participating schools towards the end of April 2007 to inform them of the three key items that will be placed in the capsule.
The above activity will culminate in a ceremony, whereby three pupils and a staff representative from the school will be invited to the site on the High Bangor Road to place items and / or messages in the capsule.
Every school participating in the project will be awarded with a specially designed plaque to remind future generations of students that their school has contributed to the capsule.
Photo Caption: Pictured (l-r) launching the Time Capsule Project are Jim Conlon, General Manager, Glen Water, Lorna Myles from Donaghadee High School, Katharine Bryan, Chief Executive of NI Water, Aneesha Annpaul from St. Anne's Primary School and Peter Dew, Laing O'Rourke.