SDLP Opposition Infrastructure Spokesperson Justin McNulty MLA has warned that minor tweaks from the Infrastructure Minister will not resolve the wastewater crisis.

His comments come after the Minister outlined plans allowing developers to make voluntary payments linked to housing projects.

Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said: "The consideration of developer contributions was announced in late 2024 by the previous Infrastructure Minister to much fanfare. Following a consultation, we now hear from Minister Kimmins that she will proceed with the policy on a voluntary basis.

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"Voluntary developer contributions for wastewater infrastructure are like putting a tip jar at the till - developers are often already paying to overcome wastewater constraints. It also raises potential equality concerns, as developers may be inclined to focus on building in certain areas, leaving others behind.

"Mandatory developer contributions would not be a silver bullet, particularly when it comes to delivering increased social housing, but it remains one of the few proposals brought forward to address the wastewater crisis that is preventing thousands of much-needed homes from being built across the North. This latest move from the Minister is a piecemeal step dressed up as something significant.

"Sinn Féin Ministers cannot take their usual tack of blaming the DUP and the British Government for a lack of progress – this is not controversial, it is about managing our water infrastructure and building homes. It increasingly appears they are running out of ideas when it comes to dealing with the real challenges facing the North."