AQW 34354/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 24/10/2025
Answered On Date: 17/11/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any discussions his Department has had with (i) the Department for Infrastructure; and (ii) NI Water, on taking a coordinated approach to reducing agricultural and wastewater pollution, in the last two years.

Answer:

In June 2025, I discussed my department’s proposal to withdraw from the Statement of Regulatory Principles and Intent (SORPI) with the Minister for the Department for Infrastructure (DfI). My department had notified the DfI and Northern Ireland Water (NIW) in April 2025, inviting comments; both responded. I will continue discussions with the DfI Minister on this matter in the coming weeks.

I engaged with the DfI Minister during preparations for the Third Cycle River Basin Management Plan, published in June 2025. My officials are collaborating with DfI and NIW to address wastewater-related water quality impacts. This work will be strengthened by the outputs from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s wastewater regulatory reform programme. I have met with the DfI Minister on these matters and will continue discussions.