NI Water has outlined its significant investment programme across the Derry City and Strabane District Council area while highlighting the growing challenge posed by wastewater infrastructure constraints and the need for sustained long-term funding.

Addressing the Council's Governance and Strategic Planning Committee, Dr Stephen Blockwell, NI Water's Head of Investment Management, said that modern, resilient water and wastewater infrastructure is critical to supporting economic growth, protecting the environment and enabling new housing development across the region.  

NI Water currently provides approximately 605 million litres of drinking water every day to more than 920,000 homes and businesses across Northern Ireland and treats around 360 million litres of wastewater daily. However, much of the infrastructure network is ageing and operating at or beyond its intended capacity.  

Speaking at the meeting, Dr Blockwell said: "NI Water remains committed to delivering investment across the Derry City and Strabane area. However, wastewater capacity constraints have become one of the most significant barriers to economic growth, housing development and environmental improvement across Northern Ireland.

"Without sustained investment in wastewater infrastructure, the challenges facing communities, developers and the environment will continue to increase."

The presentation highlighted that the original PC21 investment programme envisaged over £2 billion of investment in water and wastewater services across Northern Ireland. However, funding pressures since 2024 have resulted in significantly lower annual capital allocations than originally planned, limiting NI Water's ability to deliver wastewater treatment upgrades and network improvements.  

Within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, NI Water is continuing to progress a number of major infrastructure projects, including:

• Completion of the £9.5 million Strathfoyle Sewerage Siphons Replacement Project, with over £6 million being invested this year.
• The £3.2 million Corrody to Creggan Transmission Main Replacement Project, safeguarding water supplies to around 35,000 properties.
• Nearly £20 million of planned investment in the Lenamore and Skeoge wastewater pumping station projects and associated sewer infrastructure, helping facilitate future housing and economic development.

The Council was also informed that wastewater constraints continue to impact development opportunities across Northern Ireland. NI Water explained that legacy underinvestment has resulted in capacity pressures across the sewerage network, contributing to restrictions on some new housing and business connections.

Looking ahead, NI Water is developing its PC28 Business Plan covering the period 2028 to 2033. The company expects to submit proposals totalling approximately £3 billion, focused on maintaining essential services, protecting public health, supporting economic growth and addressing wastewater infrastructure challenges.

Dr Blockwell added: "Resolving wastewater capacity constraints and improving environmental performance will require sustained investment over multiple years. This is not a challenge NI Water can address alone. It requires a shared response involving government, regulators, developers and wider stakeholders.

"Our PC28 plan sets out a practical and prioritised programme of investment that will help support homes, businesses, communities and the environment. The key challenge now is securing the funding necessary to deliver it.”

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