Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) any steps her Department is taking to reduce sewage overflows into rivers and lakes; and (ii) whether a timeline has been set for achieving reductions.
Minister for Infrastructure: The management of the public water and wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water. I have sought further information from NI Water to inform the response to your question.
NI Water has advised that investments to address sewage overflows focus on those overflows identified by the NIEA as Unsatisfactory Intermittent Discharges (UIDs), as well as upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities. This work has been enhanced by improvements in sewer network modelling, integrated environmental modelling, and event duration monitoring. More information on storm overflows can be found on the NI Water website: Storm Overflows.
Wastewater investments need to be balanced with investments by NI Water to base maintenance, the provision of clean and safe drinking water and the continuation of essential services. These priorities, coupled with budget constraints, have impacted on the pace of wastewater investment during PC21. Further improvements in the wastewater network for the next Price Control period, PC28, (2028/29 – 2032/33) will be based on the determination of the Utility Regulator and subject to budget availability. I am continuing to engage with Executive colleagues to secure more funding to invest in our wastewater infrastructure.
ENDS
Your MLA 