Dr Steve Blockwell, Head of Investment Management at Northern Ireland Water, is warning that the wastewater system across Northern Ireland is under severe pressure and that years of under investment mean many assets are now operating beyond their intended capacity.

Dr. Blockwell was commenting during a presentation to Ards and North Down Borough Council where the water company outlined the the scale of investment challenges and major infrastructure challenges facing water and wastewater infrastructure.

At the meeting, NI Water highlighted essential projects underway across the Council, alongside the significant funding challenges impacting delivery of upgrades needed to support housing, economic growth and environmental protection.

Despite the challenges, several key investment schemes are progressing across the Council area in 2025/26 and planned for 2026/27, including:

• Kinnegar Wastewater Treatment Works Essential Base Maintenance and Optimisation (£10.38 million)
• Killinchy Drainage Area: Inisharoan Pumping Station (£4.99 million)
• Drumaroad Strangford Water mains Work package (£4.27 million)
• Ballyreagh Road Sewer (Rivenwood) (£4.12 million)
• Ballyrickard DA Upper Crescent Wastewater Pumping Station (£0.52 million)

Dr Blockwell provided councillors with an overview of NI Water’s operational footprint in the Council, its ageing asset base, and the pressures on the wastewater network.

Dr Blockwell said:

“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.”

Speaking about the broader funding position, Dr Blockwell 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.”

He reinforced NI Water’s commitment to working collaboratively with councils, planners and developers, saying:

“We recognise the impact that these constraints are having on housing delivery and economic development. We are looking at innovative solutions to remove unwanted water and working with local traders to address network and treatment capacity issues in the Ards and North Down Borough Council areas. Furthermore, our teams continue to work closely with the Council and with developers to find interim solutions where possible. But the reality is that many locations will require major capital upgrades before growth can proceed.

“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.”