To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline how improvements from wastewater infrastructure upgrades in East Londonderry are measured, in terms of reduced sewage discharges and improved bathing water quality.

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 Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s Summary Guidance Document in relation to intermittent discharges (storm overflows), identifies that assets within 2km of identified bathing waters have the potential to impact bathing water quality and sets standards for assets accordingly.

In the North, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is responsible for monitoring bathing water quality, to ensure that coastal waters meet safety standards for public bathing. DAERA’s efforts are in line with the Quality of Bathing Water Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008, which require regular testing and reporting of water quality results to the public. The NI Direct website lists the results for the 2024 bathing season (bathing water quality) and all bathing waters within East Derry are classified as having excellent status. The results for the 2025 bathing season are due to be published in the near future.

In addition, to date, NI Water has not upgraded any assets within 2km of a designated bathing water in East Derry in the current Price Control 21 period.

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.