To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) what discussions she has had with Executive colleagues and Waterways Ireland relating to capital expenditure projects along the Lower Bann in the East Londonderry constituency; and (ii) the nature and cost of these projects.

Waterways Ireland receives a capital budget allocation each year from the Department for Infrastructure. The allocation is dependent on the amount of capital available to the Department and the priority of all of the bids to be considered. Capital allocated to Waterways Ireland is spent on projects in the North.

When Waterways Ireland identifies potential projects, a Business Case is prepared and submitted to the Department for clearance.

Waterways Ireland gives details of proposed Capital projects, which have approved Business Cases and which it can deliver in year, in the Annual Business Plan. Projects are prioritised and those involving a risk of infrastructure failure or Health and Safety issues are considered high priority when the Department is allocating its annual Capital Budget.

The annual Business Plan is circulated to Executive Colleagues before it is submitted for NSMC approval.

The table below shows Waterways Ireland’s planned capital projects on the Lower Bann for 2021, including the nature and cost of each.