AQW 44972/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 28/04/2026
Answered On Date: 06/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any engagement her Department has had with other Executive Departments to develop a coordinated, long-term approach to addressing wastewater infrastructure constraints, impacting housing and economic development.

Answer:

I regularly engage with Executive colleagues to advocate for an increase in wastewater investment to modernise our ageing wastewater system to facilitate housing growth and economic development, and to address environmental issues.

This engagement has included a meeting with Minister Lyons on 30th June 2025 to discuss wastewater constraints and the housing supply strategy. Following that meeting my officials now participate in the Housing Supply Strategy Project Board. This engagement is in addition to my Department’s engagement with a cross-departmental working group alongside the Housing Executive, NI Water, NIEA and DAERA, to identify opportunities to unlock wastewater capacity for housing.

I also met Minister Archibald on 13th January 2026 to discuss innovative wastewater solutions for businesses, and have met regularly with Minister Muir, most recently on 9th March 2026, to discuss the regulatory reform programme he detailed in his statement to the Assembly on Tuesday 3rd March 2026.