Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has launched a public consultation on Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in new housing developments.
The initial public consultation focuses on developing and implementing new policies and regulatory arrangements to ensure nature-based SuDS, such as grassed swales, raingardens and detention ponds are provided in new housing developments in the future. The widespread implementation of nature-based SuDS will be key to tackling the challenges of climate change, managing flood risk and limiting the impact of new developments on the existing drainage networks across the region.
Proposed powers provided in the new Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill, which is currently going through the Assembly, will allow the Department to make regulations in relation to the design, approval, operation and maintenance of nature-based SuDS.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said:
“Sustainably managing our drainage and wastewater systems is integral to continuing the growth of our economy and allowing much needed new homes to be built. While improving our existing sewerage systems will be a huge exercise, costing billions of pounds and taking decades, it is also important that we integrate nature-based drainage solutions into future housing developments. By doing so, we will help to protect the water quality of our rivers and loughs; improve the future performance of our sewerage systems; and help reduce the risk of flooding.
“My Department’s Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill was introduced to the NI Assembly on 23 June 2025. It is currently progressing through the Assembly and is an integral part of my three-pronged approach to deliver better water and wastewater infrastructure to support growth and adapt to changing weather patterns. This Bill will provide powers to make regulations in relation to the design, approval and maintenance of SuDS. This consultation seeks views on the development and implementation of new policies and regulatory arrangements to ensure that nature-based SuDS, such as grassed swales, raingardens and detention ponds are provided in new housing developments in the future.”
Deadline to submit responses to the consultation is 19 December 2025.
Click here to download the consultation paper
Click here to access the consultation online
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