AQW 21164/22-27

Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down

Tabled Date: 22/01/2025
Answered On Date: 06/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any measures planned to address the high frequency and volume of spills recorded in 2023 at the Tullybrannigan Road Combined Sewer Monitored Overflow, Newcastle.

Answer:

The management of public wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:

NI Water has confirmed that the high number of spills at Tullybrannigan Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO), in 2023, were due to blockages within the downstream sewers and suspected infiltration. A full desilt of the downstream sewers was completed in October 2023 and an infiltration investigation has been initiated. Spills from the Tullybrannigan CSO have reduced as a result of the operational interventions and the 2024 data for this CSO is currently undergoing internal quality assurance checks by the company.

For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com

Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.