Disposal of Portavo Reservoir Delayed  

In conjunction with an on-line petition and the first of a series of public meetings, organised by Councillor Andrew Muir, to muster support in opposition to Northern Ireland Water's proposal to sell-off Portavo Reservoir, North Down's MP, Lady Hermon, has now received correspondence confirming that “…due to some minor outstanding legal issues which need to be resolved, NI Water has decided to defer placing Portavo Impounding Reservoir on the open market in 2011/12.” Reflecting upon her letter from Mr Bill Gowdy, the Acting Director of Engineering Procurement for NI Water, Lady Hermon said: “Whilst I obviously welcome the additional breathing space for Portavo in terms of its proposed sale, I'm intrigued and a bit mystified by Mr Gowdy's acknowledgement that this stay of execution …‘may provide an opportunity for interested parties to discuss...