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Mayor Muir at Portavo Reservoir before it was drained |
I am extremely concerned about the impact of the works currently
being undertaken at Portavo Reservoir and potential damage to the Environment
plus the wider Eco-System as a result of the drainage of this beautiful
Reservoir.
Immediately after I became aware that the Reservoir was being
drained I contacted NI Water with my concerns and have continued to request a
full explanation.
I welcome the recent decision by North Down Borough Council to
call for urgent action to be taken and have followed up matter by requesting a
prompt meeting with the Minister for Regional Development. No response has
unfortunately been received to this meeting request.
As someone who was closely involved in the Save Portavo campaign a
few years ago and successfully managed to get sales plans postponed I am acutely
aware of the concerns held and have regularly lobbied relevant government
bodies.
I previously arranged a joint meeting between Minister Kennedy and
North Down and Ards Mayors on Wednesday 4 September 2013 which helped clarify
the Reservoirs future.
I intend to seek further assurances when I again meet with the
Minister and will invite the Mayor of Ards to join me. Only by working together
we can help secure a better future for Portavo.
Decision by NI Water to attend a special meeting of the joint
North Down and Ards Portavo Working Group on Friday 25 April 2014 at 11am at
Bangor Castle Town Hall to address the many queries and concerns that exist
following decision to drain the Reservoir is to be welcomed but the decision to
exclude members of the public does not help to build trust and confidence. I am
therefore seeking clarification on what basis this decision has been made and
unless commercial, legal or other matters are due to be considered I am
inclined to propose that members of the public are allowed into the Public
Gallery to hear the discussion.
Establishment of a Friends of Portavo group is to be welcomed and
has my full support. An inclusive, community based support and lobbying group
is essential to help co-ordinate campaign to save Portavo from ongoing
environmental damage and potential sale.
Whilst the absence of any legislation regulating upkeep and
maintenance of Reservoirs may inhibit NI Water from selling Portavo in the
short term the Reservoirs Bill currently being debated at the NI Assembly has
the potential to give NI Water the necessary vehicle to sell Portavo in the
knowledge that the Act will place responsibility on upkeep and maintenance with
any new owner rather than leaving this in limbo following any Reservoir sale.
Imagine the outcry that would arise if NI Water sold a Reservoir without the
Reservoirs Act and a flooding incident occurred because the new owner failed to
properly maintain the facility! With the Reservoirs Bill proceeding apace it
this therefore crucial that active consideration is given to how we can ensure
Portavo is not simply sold the highest bidder.
NI Water have previously offered to transfer Portavo Reservoir to
relevant local Councils for a nominal fee. With Portavo covering both North
Down and Ards Council areas the forthcoming Councils merger provides us with an
opportunity to safeguard this environmental haven for future generations in
partnership perhaps with established countryside and wildlife groups. The terms
of the transfer plus the ongoing maintenance costs and any infrastructure
improvements must however be clarified before any decision is made. I intend to request this information and will not relent in my determination
to save Portavo Reservoir.