SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has voiced serious concerns that the lack of capacity in 
infrastructure will jeopardise economic growth and hamper environmental sustainability.
He has called for urgent action to ensure the long-term viability of the water network and has called for improved collaboration between government, water utilities and stakeholders.
A report from the NI Audit Office (NIAO) has highlighted the stark budget position facing NI Water which outlines a funding shortfall of approximately £93 million for 2023/24 with further shortfalls expected for 2024/25.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The budget outlook for NI Water and the lack of capacity in the current water system appears pretty bleak.
“The Price Control 21 (PC21) aimed to invest £2.1 billion in water infrastructure here between 2021-2027 but it’s become increasingly clear that securing the necessary finance is unachievable given the constraints of the current funding model.
“Ongoing budget pressures facing NI Water and the inadequate capacity of our current water infrastructure pose significant challenges for Northern Ireland.
“I’ve very real concerns that without sufficient investment and upgrades, we risk facing detrimental impacts on long term economic development and environmental sustainability.
“At committee, members have heard first hand of the consequences of these failures including the risk of overspill into the surrounding environment and the 19,000 proposed homes unlikely to be built due to insufficient capacity of wastewater services.
“The lack of capacity in the water infrastructure not only hinders economic development and the ability to attract investment opportunities but it’s threatening ecosystems and water quality.
“The Executive must give this matter the attention it deserves, investment in our sewage and wastewater infrastructure must be a priority.
“DAERA must also focus on greater monitoring of agricultural practices and wastewater treatment as well as enforcement where breaches are identified.
“Without a joint departmental and wider collaborative approach to address these issues, we risk falling behind in our efforts to create a sustainable future and safeguard our water supply for generations to come.”
