NI Water has briefed Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council on the critical investment challenges facing the region's water and wastewater infrastructure.

During a recent presentation, officials detailed how significant funding constraints are directly impacting the delivery of upgrades essential for environmental protection and local development.

Dr Steve Blockwell, Head of Investment Management at NI Water, provided an overview of the borough's ageing asset base, noting that many facilities are operating beyond their intended capacity. "Across Northern Ireland, the wastewater system is under severe pressure. Years of underfunding mean many assets are now operating beyond their intended capacity, and this borough is no exception," Dr Blockwell stated.

The briefing highlighted several active and deferred projects within the borough:

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• Dromore Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW): Construction on Phase One began in 2026. This £5 million project is slated for completion in 2028, though a second phase will be necessary to meet long-term design capacity due to capital shortfalls.

• Robinsonstown (The Birches) WwTW: A £5.89 million upgrade is currently underway to provide a 25-year solution for a population of 880, which is expected to ease local development constraints.

• Markethill WwTW: Planned upgrades have been deferred due to a lack of funding, with a feasibility study currently the only step forward.

• Network Improvements: A £9 million drainage project was completed in autumn 2025 to address sewer discharges, while a £1.6 million upgrade at Derryhale Dobbins pumping station is expected to be operational by 2026/27.

Dr Blockwell warned that without a sustainable funding model, the utility can only maintain existing services, leading to continued restrictions on new housing and increased environmental risks. "The reality is that many locations will require major capital upgrades before growth can proceed," he added.

Despite wastewater challenges, progress was reported on water supply infrastructure, including the £30 million Castor Bay to Ballydougan service reservoir upgrade and various watermain rehabilitation programmes.

In closing, NI Water called for a permanent, long-term funding solution rather than "short-term injections of surplus funds," which officials argue are insufficient for maintaining essential public services.