The introduction of a voluntary contributions scheme for
wastewater infrastructure will help unlock more residential and
commercial development opportunities, Infrastructure
Minister has said.
Announcing her decision to opt for a voluntary developer
contributions scheme, Minister Kimmins said: “Access to
reliable and effective wastewater infrastructure is fundamental
to our public health, environmental protection and economic
prosperity. However, years of underinvestment have left our
system under considerable strain, creating a significant obstacle
to progressing ambitions for housing and business
growth.
“My three-pronged approach – securing more investment for
wastewater infrastructure from Executive colleagues, introducing
the Water, Flooding and Sustainable Drainage Bill, and on
progressing voluntary developer contributions – underlines
my commitment to delivering innovative solutions in partnership
with NI Water.
“This new voluntary pathway will give developers, who
wish to do so, the opportunity to directly contribute to the
costs of upgrading or replacing NI Water's wastewater
infrastructure in areas where existing capacity is preventing new
connections. No developer will be required to contribute if they
do not wish – the choice will be entirely theirs.”
Minister Kimmins described the initiative as a double
opportunity: “Not only will it offer a route for
developers to progress much-needed projects, especially new
homes, but it will also create potential for prospective
homeowners and tenants to access a greater supply of
housing in areas currently held back by wastewater
limitations.”
The Department will continue to explore the potential for a
compulsory levy, with any future decisions to be informed by the
outcomes and experiences of the voluntary scheme.
Notes to editors:
- The Minister's decision follows a 14-week public consultation
seeking views on whether and how developer contributions should
be introduced to help fund improvements to Northern Ireland's
ageing wastewater system.
- Almost 300 responses were received and have helped inform the
Department's approach; a summary consultation responses report
has been published today and is available here Consultation Reponses Report:
Developer Contributions for Wastewater Infrastructure
- Initially, the developer contributions scheme will be
voluntary, with the Department continuing to consider the
potential for a compulsory levy based on the experience and
outcomes of the voluntary arrangements.
- The extra £30 million in capital funding since autumn 2024
has already unlocked capacity for 5,300 additional properties,
outstripping initial projections.
- Upgrading the wastewater system is central to achieving the
Executive's Housing Supply Strategy and economic objectives.
