To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether NI Water intends to introduce continuous or real-time monitoring at sewage discharge points, as is now required of water companies in other parts of the UK.

The management of public wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:

The Environment Act 2021 imposes a duty on water companies in Great Britain to publish wastewater overflow data from storm overflows within an hour of the discharge beginning however, this legislative requirement does not apply here.

NI Water continues to work with the Utility Regulator and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency regarding reporting requirements for storm overflows.

For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com

Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.