NI Water: Water system shortfalls to cost economy almost £11bn

A new study suggests that failure to invest in Northern Ireland’s water system will cost the local economy almost £11bn in lost growth by 2040.

The work was commissioned by the bodies representing the construction industry, housing associations and the NI Chamber of Commerce.

Persistent underfunding of NI Water has led to a shortfall in wastewater infrastructure, which in turn is limiting house building and other development.

The report again floats the idea of a small household levy to give NI Water a consistent source of funding.

It suggests that an annual average payment of £65 would be enough to make a significant difference.

Stormont’s parties are opposed to any household charges for water.

The infrastructure minister has instead brought forward plans for voluntary payments by developers alongside some technical measures to increase capacity.

A spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure said minister Liz Kimmins will not impose water charging on “hard pressed families in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis”.