NI Water outlined the scale of investment challenges facing water and wastewater infrastructure during a presentation to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
At the meeting, a senior representative highlighted essential projects underway across the borough, alongside the significant funding constraints impacting delivery of upgrades needed to support housing, economic growth and environmental protection.
Dr Steve Blockwell, Head of Investment Management at NI Water, provided councillors with an overview of NI Water’s operational footprint in the borough, its ageing asset base, and the pressures on the wastewater network.
Dr Blockwell said: “Across Northern Ireland, the wastewater system is under severe pressure. Years of underfunding mean many assets are now operating beyond their intended capacity, and this borough is no exception.”
Several key schemes across the borough were highlighted, including Dromore Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW). Construction on Phase One began in 2026 and will complete in 2028 at a cost of £5 million. Due to reduced capital funding, a second phase will be required to deliver the full 25‑year design capacity.
Councillors were also updated on Robinsonstown (The Birches) WwTW with a £5.89 million upgrade underway, delivering a full 25‑year solution sized for a population equivalent of 880. The project is expected to help ease development constraints and improve environmental outcomes.
Planned upgrades were deferred however, due to funding constraints at Markethill WwTW. A feasibility study will determine the scale of works required when future funding becomes available.
Drainage area network improvements were completed in autumn 2025 at a cost of £9 million, addressing unsatisfactory intermittent discharges through sewer upsizing and enhanced storm storage. A £1.6 million upgrade addressing an unsatisfactory discharge at Derryhale Dobbins wastewater pumping station, is due to reach beneficial use in 2026/27.
Speaking about the broader funding position, Dr Blockwell added: “Without long‑term, sustainable capital investment, we can only maintain existing assets and keep essential services running. That leaves very limited scope for upgrades – and the consequences are restrictions on development, increased pollution risk and worsening pressure on the environment.”
He reinforced NI Water’s commitment to working collaboratively with councils, planners and developers and said: “We recognise the impact that these constraints are having on housing delivery and economic development. Our teams continue to work closely with the Council and with developers to find interim solutions where possible. But the reality is that many locations will require major capital upgrades before growth can proceed.”
NI Water also updated councillors on progress with water treatment and supply projects, including the £30 million Castor Bay to Ballydougan service reservoir upgrade and several major trunk main and watermains rehabilitation programmes.
NI Water thanked the Council for the opportunity to present and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering efficient, value‑for‑money services despite the financial constraints.
Dr Blockwell said: “Northern Ireland needs a permanent, sustainable funding solution for its water and wastewater infrastructure. Short‑term injections of surplus funds may help individual projects progress, but they are not a viable long‑term solution for essential public services.”
Ends
Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com
