Date: 09 July 2007
Glen Water, recently celebrated the completion of its time capsule project at a special ceremony, held on-site.
Five local primary and secondary schools were invited to donate three items for the time capsule, each representing Donaghadee and its recent history, to be opened by future generations.
Part of Northern Ireland Water’s Omega wastewater and sludge solution project, the new facility will help create healthier, cleaner beaches along the North Down/Ards coastline by preventing untreated wastewater from being discharged directly into the sea.
At the invitation of Glen Water and Northern Ireland Water, Lady Sylvia Hermon MP presented the participating schools with a specially designed plaque to thank them for their contribution to the project.
Addressing the audience, Lady Hermon said: “This is a very significant project for the area of North Down/Ards. I personally have had the opportunity to be shown around the new treatment works site, and I have been most impressed by Glen Water’s work and the initiatives it has undertaken with the local community.
“I am delighted that the young people of the area have had the opportunity to take part in this time capsule project, and I welcome and look forward to the cleaner seas we will all be able to enjoy as a result of the new facilities,” she continued.
Speaking about the time capsule project Jim Conlon, Glen Water General Manager said:
“The purpose of the time capsule project was to help preserve parts of Donaghadee’s history that have a special significance to young people growing up in the area.
“It was also an opportunity to educate the students about Project Omega and its importance to both the local community and the marine life found along the North Down/Ards coastline,” continued Jim.
The children suggested a wide-range of highly imaginative items for inclusion in the capsule, including a model of Donaghadee lighthouse, a school uniform from St Anne’s Primary School, a bag of dulse and information on Coal Pit Bay, highlighting the origins of natural rock formation in the area.
All of the students were asked to explain the importance of each object they selected and were also given a brief overview of the aims and objectives of Project Omega at the event.
“By stopping the discharge of untreated water into the sea, we will be helping to create cleaner, healthier bathing waters and ensure that Northern Ireland is able to meet strict new EU regulations on water quality,” said Martin McIlwaine, Northern Ireland Water.
Upon its completion the new Wastewater Treatment Works will rival some of the most modern and advanced facilities in Europe. It will also provide opportunities to strengthen the local economy and support the growth and development of local tourism.
Photo Caption: Pictured (l-r) celebrating the completion of Glen Water’s Time Capsule project are Zara Nickell from St. Anne’s Primary School, Lady Sylvia Hermon MP and Luke Perry from Millisle Primary School.