NI Water has briefed Ards and North Down Borough Council on the significant investment challenges currently facing water and wastewater infrastructure. During a recent presentation, senior representatives detailed the essential projects currently active within the borough while highlighting the funding shortfall impacting necessary upgrades for environmental protection and economic expansion.

While financial pressures remain, NI Water confirmed that several investment schemes are moving forward across the Council area during the 2025/26 and 2026/27 periods. These include:

• Kinnegar Wastewater Treatment Works Essential Base Maintenance and Optimisation (£10.38m)

• Killinchy Drainage Area: Inisharoan Pumping Station (£4.99m)

• Drumaroad Strangford Water mains Work package (£4.27m)

• Ballyreagh Road Sewer (Rivenwood) (£4.12m)

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• Ballyrickard DA Upper Crescent Wastewater Pumping Station (£0.52m)

Dr Steve Blockwell, Head of Investment Management at NI Water, provided an overview of the organisation's local operational footprint, noting the pressures placed on an ageing asset base.

Dr Blockwell stated: "Across Northern Ireland, the wastewater system is under severe pressure. Years of under investment mean many assets are now operating beyond their intended capacity, and this Council is no exception."

Addressing the wider financial landscape, he added: "Without long‑term, sustainable capital investment, we can only maintain existing assets and keep essential services running. That leaves very limited scope for upgrades – and the consequences are restrictions on development, increased pollution risk and worsening pressure on the environment."

The presentation emphasised NI Water's commitment to collaborating with planners, developers, and the Council. Dr Blockwell noted that teams are exploring innovative ways to manage water volume and are working with local traders to address capacity issues. However, he maintained that major capital upgrades remain a prerequisite for growth in many locations.

Dr Blockwell concluded: "Northern Ireland needs a sustainable, long‑term approach to funding water and wastewater services. The Utility Regulator's final determination is clear about the level of investment required to meet statutory obligations. While short‑term funding can help progress individual projects, long‑term certainty is essential for delivering reliable public services."