AQW 44859/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 27/04/2026
Answered On Date: 06/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any consideration her Department has given to changes to the current funding model for wastewater infrastructure, to ensure it can meet long-term demand.

Answer:

My department has undertaken a number of historic reviews into NI Water’s funding and governance model. The most recent review, in June 25, concluded that all alternative models require water charging and I have been clear that I will not introduce additional costs to hard pressed families.

I am therefore continuing to work with Executive colleagues to secure adequate funding for water and wastewater services, progressing with developer contributions and bringing forward the Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Risk Management Bill to facilitate greater use of nature based solutions.

In addition, I continue to encourage NI Water to bring forward innovative thinking to help unlock wastewater capacity through quicker, lowercost solutions within current funding constraints.