NI Water Presentation to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council
01 April 2025 15:27
NI Water met with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council representatives on Monday 31st March 2025, to discuss investments and economic / development constraints in the Council area.
NI Water presented on Northern Ireland’s wastewater system and how underfunding is impacting the economy and environment. Local development plans and key capital investments in water and wastewater for the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area were also discussed.
NI Water highlighted that it is working through the potential outcomes of the allocated budget from DfI to identify which asset investments may progress. The importance of pre-development applications and engaging with our Developer Services team was highlighted, as constraints in the system may impact future development plans.
An overview was provided of key PC21 investments being progressed such as the £6.3m Knockbracken Storm Overflow project with £2m being invested in the 2024/25 financial year to complete the upgrade. In addition, the Mill Road West Storm Overflow upgrade is underway with the ca: £6m scheme due to complete in 2027. A £2.2m investment has just been completed with a new Warringfield Wastewater Pumping Station being built on the existing site. A further £0.7m base maintenance investment in Dromara WwTW has also been made.
At the meeting, Head of Investment Management, Dr Stephen Blockwell explained that NI Water is pleased to have an opportunity to collaborate with the Council and developers to align investment where possible with the Council’s ambitions for the people in their area.
Dr Blockwell said: “NI Water’s goal in the City Council area is working to ensure there is a modern, efficient service today and in the future.
“NI Water plays a vital role in the Council’s ambitions to protect the environment and grow the economy. For Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, this includes a number of water and wastewater asset upgrades throughout the area and base maintenance investments.
“It is recognised that a capital investment programme of well in excess of £0.5bn per annum will be needed for the next ten years to meet the current and rising environmental standards and facilitate economic development. This level of investment is reflected in the Utility Regulator’s Mid Term Review Assessment of PC21.”
Further information can be found on our website https://www.niwater.com/capacity-information/
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