AQW 40920/22-27

Mr Justin McNulty
Social Democratic and Labour Party
Newry and Armagh

Tabled Date: 18/02/2026
Answered On Date: 11/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the impact that water and wastewater infrastructure is having on housing (i) waiting lists; (ii) construction; and (iii) prices.

Answer:

I am aware that when housing demand exceeds supply, it can have an adverse effect on waiting lists. I will continue to do all that I can to enable the release of wastewater capacity constraints, to help mitigate this problem.

I also fully appreciate the impact that wastewater capacity challenges are having on housing development and that is why I will continue to develop the three-pronged approach to help unlock wastewater connections. Firstly, I will continue to work with Executive colleagues to ensure appropriate investment for NI Water. Secondly, my Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill will make provision for future regulations on sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). This will help to store stormwater so that it releases slower into the wastewater network. Thirdly, my Department has consulted on options to introduce developer contributions to help fund wastewater infrastructure improvements. My officials are analysing the responses to that consultation to help inform next steps.

Since my predecessor John O’Dowd and I came into office, we have provided ringfenced allocations to NI Water to unlock wastewater capacity for over 5,000 properties across the North. This year, my Department has provided NI Water with over £500m of public money to enable it to deliver essential water and sewerage services.

In addition, my officials are also working collaboratively with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Department for Communities (DfC) to identify and enable the unlocking of wastewater capacity in areas of housing need, thereby contributing to the aims and objectives of the Executive’s Housing Supply Strategy.

(iii)As with the issue of housing waiting lists, I am aware that when housing demand exceeds supply, it can also affect house prices. As outlined above, I will continue to work with Executive colleagues, NI Water and other key stakeholders to do all that I can to enable the release of wastewater capacity constraints in order to avoid negative impacts on housing affordability.