Steve Blockwell, Head of Investment at NI Water has warned that the huge constraints on its capital budget has left wastewater issues largely unaddressed
He was speaking after a recent briefing meeting with Mid Ulster Council attended by NI Water to provide an update on strategic plans going forward and the funding needed for the Borough Council area.
By 2030, it is anticipated that Mid Ulster Council will need nearly 11,000 new homes, will want to attract over 8 thousand new jobs and have sustainable economic growth. The main towns of Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt have been identified as a focus for population and economic growth.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Blockwell welcomed the New Decade, New Approach Deal and the Northern Ireland Executive’s commitment to invest urgently in wastewater infrastructure which is at or nearing capacity in many places across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, commenting:
“While we have been able to maintain safe clean drinking water, the huge constraints on our capital budget has meant that Wastewater issues have largely been left unaddressed as highlighted in our PC15 Business Plan; our PC21 business planning process has identified ninety-nine areas where new housing and businesses may be unable to get connected to our sewerage system throughout the province.“
“The funding made available in PC15 (2015 to 2021) by NI Government to date for water and wastewater infrastructure is not keeping pace with what Northern Ireland needs.
“Significant investment is needed for wastewater and water infrastructure. NI Water knows Northern Ireland’s growth ambitions, we know what needs done and we have the plan and the skills to deliver it. However, if funding continues at current levels there will be significant constraints on economic growth, damage to the environment and risk to people’s health.”
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