Kimmins: Voluntary contribution scheme will help address capacity concerns
Date published:
The introduction of a voluntary contributions scheme for wastewater infrastructure will help unlock more residential and commercial development opportunities, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has said.
Announcing her decision to opt for a voluntary developer contributions scheme, Minister Kimmins said:
“Access to reliable and effective wastewater infrastructure is fundamental to our public health, environmental protection and economic prosperity. However, years of underinvestment have left our system under considerable strain, creating a significant obstacle to progressing ambitions for housing and business growth.
“My three-pronged approach – securing more investment for wastewater infrastructure from Executive colleagues, introducing the Water, Flooding and Sustainable Drainage Bill, and on progressing voluntary developer contributions – underlines my commitment to delivering innovative solutions in partnership with NI Water.
“This new voluntary pathway will give developers, who wish to do so, the opportunity to directly contribute to the costs of upgrading or replacing NI Water’s wastewater infrastructure in areas where existing capacity is preventing new connections. No developer will be required to contribute if they do not wish – the choice will be entirely theirs.”
Minister Kimmins described the initiative as a double opportunity:
“Not only will it offer a route for developers to progress much-needed projects, especially new homes, but it will also create potential for prospective homeowners and tenants to access a greater supply of housing in areas currently held back by wastewater limitations.”
The Department will continue to explore the potential for a compulsory levy, with any future decisions to be informed by the outcomes and experiences of the voluntary scheme.
Notes to editors:
- The Minister’s decision follows a 14-week public consultation seeking views on whether and how developer contributions should be introduced to help fund improvements to Northern Ireland’s ageing wastewater system.
- Almost 300 responses were received and have helped inform the Department’s approach; a summary consultation responses report has been published today and is available here: Consultation Reponses Report: Developer Contributions for Wastewater Infrastructure
- Initially, the developer contributions scheme will be voluntary, with the Department continuing to consider the potential for a compulsory levy based on the experience and outcomes of the voluntary arrangements.
- The extra £30 million in capital funding since autumn 2024 has already unlocked capacity for 5,300 additional properties, outstripping initial projections.
- Upgrading the wastewater system is central to achieving the Executive’s Housing Supply Strategy and economic objectives.
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