NI Water acknowledges the Office for Environmental Protection’s (OEP) ongoing investigation into the regulation of sewage discharges into Belfast Lough. While NI Water is not the subject of this investigation, we remain committed to full cooperation with the OEP and all relevant authorities, and we will continue to provide any information required under our statutory duties. 

NI Water has consistently highlighted the urgent need for sustained investment in wastewater infrastructure to address long-standing challenges across Northern Ireland.

We also wish to clarify that the Living With Water Programme (LWWP), which aimed to address many of these issues, was paused due to funding constraints. NI Water will continue to engage constructively with the Department for Infrastructure, the Utility Regulator, the NI Environment Agency and other stakeholders to support improvements in environmental compliance and governance.

Ends

Notes to editors

• NI Water is committed to cooperating fully with all investigations and providing any information required under its duty to cooperate, as outlined in the Environment Act 2021. 
• Further information is available at: Story of Belfast Lough

Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com