A meeting to discuss economic and development constraints was held this week between representatives from NI Water and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

During discussions, NI Water highlighted it is working through the potential outcomes of the allocated budget from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to identify which asset investments may progress in the council's area.

An overview was provided on actions taken in relation to Lough Neagh as well as some positive discussions on key PC21 investments such as Grange Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) (£4.7m), Carrickfergus Storm Overflows in the Marine Highway area (£2.6m), the Greenisland sewer network (£1.6m) as well as planned base maintenance at Greenisland WwTW (£1.4m) and Larne WwTW (£5.3m).

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Also highlighted at the meeting was the importance of pre-development applications and engaging with NI Water's Developer Services team, as constraints in the system may impact future development plans.

NI Water Head of Investment Management, Dr Stephen Blockwell, explained that the company is pleased to have an opportunity to collaborate with the council and developers to align investment where possible with the council's ambitions for the people in their area.

Dr Blockwell said: "NI Water's goal in the Borough Council area is working to ensure there is a modern, efficient service today and in the future.

"NI Water plays a vital role in the council's ambitions to protect the environment and grow the economy. For Mid and East Antrim this includes a number of wastewater network upgrades throughout the district, and base maintenance investments at key Wastewater Treatment Works.

"It is recognised that a capital investment programme of well in excess of £0.5bn per annum will be needed for the next ten years to meet the current and rising environmental standards and facilitate economic development. This level of investment is reflected in the Utility Regulator’s Mid Term Review Assessment of PC21."

Further information can be found here.