NI Water recently presented to Council representatives with important updates on investment in the area and highlighted areas where wastewater capacity constraints are impacting new development and the economy within the District.
The presentation outlined an innovative approach to unlock capacity within the Newry catchment to facilitate development over the short to medium term. The Council heard that the success of the scheme is dependent on advanced monitoring technology to pinpoint where unwanted rain, river and seawater enter the combined sewer system and engagement with companies to reduce their high strength trade effluent discharges. It is an example of how NI Water is adapting to the significant capacity constraints by working to find possible solutions within its current reduced capital funding allocation. The team stressed, however, that this is only a temporary solution, and substantial funding is required to ensure that Newry catchment can remain open in the longer term.
Investment was the theme throughout the presentation. The current reductions in allocated budget during our current 6-year business planning period (Price Control) and for 2025/26 have had a significant impact in the Council area and NI Water warned this is set to continue.
At the presentation Dr Stephen Blockwell, Head of Investment Management with NI Water, emphasised that all eyes must be focussed on the forthcoming next Price Control period for NI Water (PC28). A fully funded NI Water over the next series of Price Controls is the only way for wastewater infrastructure to recover from decades of underinvestment and support economic development.
Dr Blockwell commented: “A fully funded NI Water is essential for it to provide critical infrastructure to underpin the Council’s goals for housing, economic growth and environmental protection. Without urgent change to the wastewater system Northern Ireland and this District faces persistent and worsening pollution and reduced attractiveness for investors and slower business development.”
An overview was provided of key PC21 investments being progressed such as the £8 million base maintenance investment in Annsborough WwTW, £9.5 million Newry WwTW base maintenance project,£4.5 million Aughnagun Water Pumping Station for drought mitigation and the £7.5 million Fofanny to Alt Water Trunk Main project which will address a critical water supply risk.
Further information can be found on our website https://www.niwater.com/capacity-information/
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Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com
