The plant is the first to use ultra violet light technology - new eco-friendly technology which removes bacteria from the treatment process without the use of chemical disinfectants, leading to improvements in water quality in the area.

The new NI Water site caters for a population of 33,000, and will provide a state of the art facility ensuring the level of treatment meets European standards.

Mr Murphy said: "This investment will ensure that this facility supports the growth and ongoing development within the area, while protecting the local environment. Protection of the lough's eco-system is particularly important in this designated Area of Special Scientific Interest. The use of this technology will ensure that NI Water is doing all it can to safeguard the wetland environment, the shellfish and the bird wildlife.

"Investment of approximately £1million per day is taking place in upgrading the water and sewerage system infrastructure. This facility is just one example of the scale of investment required to provide cleaner beaches and rivers, meet European standards, respond to increasing demand and provide the region with a modern service."

Chris Mellor, Chairman and Chief Executive of NI Water added: "NI Water is committed to investing in projects that will deliver the best innovative solutions and benefit the local economy, community and environment. Extensive research was conducted into sourcing environmentally friendly technology with a proven track record that could meet the standards set by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency for this area.

"Using UV technology is better for the environment as there are less chemicals used in the treatment processes and it also allows an increase in the capacity of water which can be treated, reducing the likelihood of flooding in the area.

"I would like to pay tribute to the expertise of the team involved in this scheme and congratulate our project managers and contractors on achieving our compliance standard on schedule."