Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has opened a public consultation on the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in new housing developments.

The consultation aims to gather views on policies and regulatory arrangements to ensure that nature-based SuDS - such as grassed swales, raingardens, and detention ponds - are incorporated into future developments.

The adoption of these systems is intended to manage flood risk, reduce pressure on existing drainage networks, and support the resilience of housing infrastructure against climate change.

Minister Kimmins highlighted the importance of integrating nature-based solutions alongside improvements to traditional sewerage systems: "Sustainably managing our drainage and wastewater systems is integral to continuing the growth of our economy and allowing much needed new homes to be built. While improving our existing sewerage systems will be a huge exercise, costing billions of pounds and taking decades, it is also important that we integrate nature-based drainage solutions into future housing developments. By doing so, we will help to protect the water quality of our rivers and loughs; improve the future performance of our sewerage systems; and help reduce the risk of flooding."

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The Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill, introduced to the NI Assembly on June 23, 2025, provides powers to regulate the design, approval, and maintenance of SuDS. The current consultation will inform the development and implementation of these regulatory arrangements.

The consultation opened on September 22 and closes on December 19. It is available here.