STATEMENT: Concerns raised on NI Water contracts
Date published:
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has welcomed confirmation from NI Water that it will be in a position to advise of the publication date of independent reports into a number of allegations raised by an external contractor after its Board meeting on 18 December 2025.
The Department is committed to openness and transparency. This means providing reassurance to those raising concerns, that they will be listened to and treated with respect. It also means protecting public money.
With that in mind - and given that the original concern was raised over 18 months ago - DfI has been in regular contact with NI Water to encourage urgency in the completion of the final stages of the investigation, and subsequent publication of the finalised reports. These reports will include further findings sought from an independent technical expert, engaged by NI Water.
The initial Deloitte report has already made a number of proposed measures “to enhance oversight, improve contract management, and streamline processes, fostering a stronger and more reliable control environment across the organisation”.
Notes to editors:
- Concerns around contracted work in NI Water were raised by a whistleblower in April 2024.
- NI Water appointed Deloitte Ireland LLP to independently investigate the allegations made and a report was produced.
- The Department received a copy of the independent report on 10 February 2025.
- To date, the Department has not published an appropriately redacted version of the report as it does not wish to compromise the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
- The Department encourages anyone who has concerns to raise these in accordance with NI Water’s “Speak Up – Raising a Concern (Whistleblowing) Policy” or through the Department’s Raising a Concern policy.
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
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