Kimmins seeks public views on grant scheme to support reservoir managers in Northern Ireland

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins today launched a public consultation on a proposed Grant Scheme to support managers of controlled reservoirs.

This is to assist with the initial costs of the supervision and inspection requirements once the Reservoirs Act (NI) 2015 (the ‘Act') is further commenced and provide support for those who need it. 

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “This legislation is crucial to increasing the safety of our reservoir structures and mitigating against the potential harm that may arise in the event of an uncontrolled release of water or flooding as a result of reservoir failure. A significant public safety risk remains in the absence of this legislation being commenced and I look forward to being able to support reservoir managers to meet their obligations under the Act. This is why I am now proactively seeking views so that I can swiftly bring in the grant , should the Assembly approve this legislation in the future.

“I recognise these initial requirements will come at a cost which is why I am keen that my Department supports those reservoir managers who need it.

“I urge everyone to have their say so that we can provide the best way to support reservoir managers in carrying out this important work so that we can be better informed on the state of our reservoirs.”

The consultation opens today,23 June,  and will close on 16 September 2025. It can be accessed at via Citizen Space on the NI Direct website via the following link https://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/dfi-1/grant-scheme-to-support-reservoir-managers  or alternatively on the DFI website at https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/grant-support-initial-supervision-and-inspection-requirements-reservoirs-act .

Notes for editors:

1. The Infrastructure Committee is still considering the draft secondary legislation to allow the further commencement of the Reservoirs Act which will provide the Minister with the powers to bring in this grant.
2. The Reservoirs Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 received Royal Assent on 24 July 2015 with statutory responsibility for the legislative framework for reservoir safety provided by the Act transferring to DfI from DAERA with effect from 2 June 2021.The purpose of the Act is to mitigate the risk of flooding from an uncontrolled release of water due to reservoir failure. The Act confirms the responsibility for reservoir safety on reservoir managers that is currently established under common law.