Sewage issues could halt new 
developments

NI Water’s Head of Investment Management, Stephen Blockwell, has set out the funding situation facing NI Water after consulting councils on their development plans.

He said: “Due to this historical under-investment, major parts of our cities and over 100 towns across Northern Ireland currently have little or no capacity left in their sewer and wastewater systems.

“Significant and sustained investment is needed for wastewater and water infrastructure across Northern Ireland. NI Water knows all of the council’s growth ambitions, we know what needs to be done in each council area and we have the plan and the skills to deliver it.

“However, the Executive needs to allocate adequate levels of capital investment to NI Water.

“If future levels of capital investment continue at historic or current levels there will be significant constraints on economic growth, damage to the environment and risk to people’s health.” Examples of those risks include dangers associated with overflows from manholes into public highways or gardens and driveways. Discharges from sewers reaching the sea have also been identified as a threat.

NI Water recently attended Armagh/Banbridge/Craigavon council, to update representatives on infrastructure plans going forward and investment needed.

In its future growth plans, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council has identified by 2030 it will need 19,800 new houses. Armagh City, Banbridge town and the Craigavon Urban Area, including Portadown and Lurgan, will be the main hubs for growth, with predictions that 12,200 new jobs will be needed.

Stephen Blockwell said: “New housing developments and employment opportunities have been identified. However, without adequate sewer networks and upgrades to wastewater treatment works, much of this development and economic growth may not be able to happen.

“For many years the Executive has not allocated what has been needed. 

“There is no additional capability for increased investment outside of this mechanism.”