Residents are being invited to share their views on proposals for a new Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) at Drumglass Park in south Belfast.

The initiative is designed to help manage wastewater and reduce the likelihood of flooding during periods of heavy rain affecting the Lisburn Road area.

The project will be delivered by NI Water in partnership with Belfast City Council and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), with funding provided by DfI through the NI Executive's Public Sector Transformation Fund.

Plans include a permanent SuDS pond with landscaped surroundings that will temporarily fill with rainwater during downpours. The water will then be released gradually into the existing drainage network at a controlled rate, reducing pressure on local sewers.

According to the partners, the scheme is expected to deliver wider benefits, including enhanced wildlife habitat and biodiversity, supporting economic growth by freeing capacity in the sewerage system, and creating opportunities for public education about nature-based drainage solutions.

Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of the council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, encouraged residents to have their say on the proposals: "This pilot project is an exciting development that will see Belfast paving the way for future nature-based drainage solutions across the city and the wider region. It supports the council's climate and environmental ambitions by helping to create greener, healthier and more resilient communities.

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"The project will deliver important benefits for the local community by helping to reduce the risk of flooding and pollution, supporting sustainable growth and creating an attractive new feature for park visitors.

"We recognise the need to inform the community about the project and its benefits, while also providing other important information, such as the robust safety measures that are central to the pond's design and details about construction. That's why we want to hear directly from residents to ensure any decisions we make reflect their needs."

Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins welcomed the consultation: "The aim of my Department's Transforming Urban Drainage project, is to demonstrate the effectiveness of nature-based drainage sustainable drainage in helping to manage the flow of water in our towns and cities. Nature based solutions are cleaner, greener and can help reduce flood risk and pollution. The overall aim of the project is to provide approximately 10,000m3 of temporary stormwater storage. The Drumglass park project provides an opportunity to contribute to his overall target, as well as adding to the park's existing character."

NI Water Senior Project Manager, Mark Sefton said: "NI Water is delighted to be working in partnership with Belfast City Council and DfI on this pilot project, the object of which is to deliver and demonstrate the multifunctional benefits, such as promoting biodiversity, amenity and education, that nature based sustainable drainage systems can offer. We look forward to hearing the public's views on the proposals through the online survey and planned drop-in event at the park itself."

People can review the proposals and submit feedback via an online survey. A drop-in session will also take place at the Drumglass Park Bandstand on Wednesday 12 August 2026, from 3pm to 7pm, where council and NI Water representatives will be available to answer questions.

For full details and to have your say, visit: yoursay.belfastcity.gov.uk/drumglass-park