Duncan's Dam

Duncan's Dam is a dam situated in Lisburn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, near the Thiepval Army Barracks. It was used until 1941 as a water supply for Lisburn. The dam is now open to the public - there is a path around the water and a playground at the north end.

Environment

In 1993, the dam was heavily polluted by a spillage made by builders^{[citation needed]} developing a housing development nearby. This killed much of the fish species that had inhabited the dam's waters. Since 1993, the dam has gone downhill with graffiti, vandalism and litter damaging the ecology of the area. However, the Lisburn City Council has pledged^{[citation needed]} to clean up the dam. Already some graffiti has been removed.Also there is secret door.It is located on the south entrance as you walk in.

History

Duncan's Reservoir was in operation prior to 1876 as it appears on the 1876 map. In 1925 a pumping plant was installed at Duncan's Dam using a diesel engine pump. In 1930 an electrically-driven centrifugal pump was installed and in 1941 both pumps were inoperative and Duncan's Dam ceased to be used as a town water supply.^[1]

Flora and fauna

The dam is home to ducks and seagulls and occasionally swans, Eurasian Jay and squirrels.

References

1. ^ "A Look Into Lisburn’s Water Resources". Lisburn Miscellany (by Fred Kee, Lisburn Historical Society, 1976). http://www.lisburn.com/books/lisburn_miscellany/miscellany_3.html#Water. Retrieved 2008-07-12. 

Coordinates: 54°31′50″N 6°03′50″W / 54.53059°N 6.06394°W / 54.53059; -6.06394