Infrastructure Minister 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 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:
- 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.
- 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.