An NI Water spokesperson said: “NI Water looks forward to reviewing the findings of the ‘Independent Review of Environmental Governance in NI’ report.  We welcome any discussion on how we can collectively improve the condition of our waterways.                                                    

“For clarity, since Crown Immunity was removed in April 2007, NI Water has been subject to prosecution by NIEA for pollution incidents and has faced court on a number of occasions.   It should be noted; fining NI Water will simply reduce the funding available to deliver environmental improvements. 

“NI Water is set stringent targets to reduce pollution incidents.  We already fully co-operate with NIEA and are regulated through frequent site inspections, sampling regimes and analytical testing of discharges from our assets.

“As highlighted in the report, NI Water is in full agreement that SoRPI should be removed.  However, doing so without a credible, funded alternative would be a fundamental misstep.   It must be done in the right way, with a clear plan, a multi-year funding commitment, and a shared sense of responsibility across government, our regulator, and delivery partners.

“The removal of SoRPI should mark a more strategic approach to infrastructure delivery.  Done properly, this shift will help unlock opportunity, clearing the way for new development, strengthening environmental resilience, and enabling long-term planning.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

SoRPI is an interim arrangement set up in 2007 to enable the newly formed NI Water to begin to address years of underinvestment.