Investment in the water sector has been promised to Northern Ireland Water as part of the deal to restore the devolved Stormont government, which collapsed three years ago.
The New Decade, New Approach draft deal includes the promise to transform public services and invest in the economy, a move welcomed by NI Water.
The company has previously pleaded for urgent investment, warning its assets were under severe pressure. The company’s chairman Dr Len O’Hagan described infrastructure as “bursting at the seams” in September.
O’Hagan said: “I welcome the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ draft deal and in particular the priority both governments have placed on transforming public services – specifically, that the restored executive will invest urgently in wastewater infrastructure which is at or nearing capacity, limiting growth in our economy.”
The company identified the need to spend £2.5 billion to address historic underinvestment, with £1 billion required in Belfast alone to tackle wastewater, flooding and drainage problems.
“Without investment in critical water infrastructure across Northern Ireland, it will not be possible to deliver other priorities in the draft deal in areas such as housing, city deals or developing our tourism sector,” O’Hagan said.
The deal also addresses health service, education and justice within the reforms as well as full restoration of the institutions of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement including the executive, the assembly and the North South Ministerial Council.