Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has published Living With Water in Derry/Londonderry: An Integrated Plan for Drainage and Wastewater Management in Derry, setting out a long-term approach to make the city's drainage and wastewater systems more resilient, sustainable and capable of supporting future development.

The publication follows a public consultation on the draft, with the Plan focused on flood protection, a cleaner, greener environment and enabling economic growth in Derry and its hinterland.

Minister Kimmins said: "We all 'live with water' so it is in our interests to identify and deliver the best solutions for our homes, businesses and communities. The Living With Water in Derry Plan provides a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy for managing drainage and wastewater across Derry City and its surrounding areas. It aims to ensure the city's drainage infrastructure is resilient, sustainable and able to support future growth through a coordinated approach that combines essential engineered upgrades with natural solutions, such as using green spaces to help slow and store surface water.

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"I want to thank our Living With Water partners and stakeholders who have been working with officials in my department to develop this plan and to everyone who took part in the consultation."

Delivery will be based on catchment-led opportunities, including investment in river flood alleviation schemes, upgrades to wastewater treatment works and improvements to the sewerage network, alongside natural drainage and flood management solutions.

Speaking about the launch of the Plan, Derry City and Strabane Mayor, Ruairí McHugh, said: "This is an important step forward in addressing the infrastructure challenges that are impacting on the Derry City and Strabane District Council area. I look forward to working collaboratively with DfI and other Living With Water partners, to deliver solutions that not only meet current needs but also support future growth and sustainability for our communities. These improvements will play a crucial role in supporting the ambitions of the Inclusive Strategic Growth Plan (2017–2032), ensuring a thriving, prosperous and sustainable City and District for all."

The Plan highlights priority opportunities and a collaborative delivery approach across the city. Once specific schemes are agreed, partner organisations will be responsible for securing funding and taking projects forward through their annual budgets to ensure efficient and effective delivery for residents and businesses.

The Plan is available to view online at: www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/living-water-derrylondonderry.