25 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2024
WELCOME
Minister seeking solutions to underfunding of NI Water
a comprehensive review of alternative arrangements for funding our water and wastewater infrastructure be led by suitably-qualified experts. Given the growing housing crisis, emerging evidence of economic frustration and mounting environmental challenges, Minister, we strongly believe that now is the moment to deliver upon that independent recommendation. “Some years ago, with industry’s full backing, the housing associations were enabled to utilise newly-granted borrowing powers which have since delivered nearly 60,000 social and affordable homes. “Today, again with our support, we await the imminent outcome of the culmination of years of work to deliver on the revitalisation of the Housing Executive. That revitalisation shows that, with the full support of the Northern Ireland Executive, solutions can be found that balance the requirement to protect the most vulnerable in our society, with the need to find a sustainable way to fund the maintenance of social homes, ensure they are climate-proofed for the future and bring the Housing Executive back itself to delivering new build homes. “…Given the clear budgetary context set out by the new UK government, we believe that it is now incumbent on all of us to work together to consider alternative achievable and sustainable long-term funding options. Such options may include mutual, co-operative or public corporation models that could be scrutinised and assessed by an independent review and subsequently selected, designed, legislated and delivered by the Executive to meet its promises to the electorate, as set out in the Programme for Government. He concluded, “Our ask is that this Executive matches our commitment and seizes this once-in-a-generation opportunity to enable the necessary changes to deliver the ambitious investment in infrastructure that the people of this place deserve and leave a legacy of which we can all be proud.”
Minister for Infrastructure John O’Dowd has called for construction industry stakeholders to have their say on the future development of infrastructure in Northern Ireland by contributing to the Programme for Government currently out for consultation. The Minister was delivering the keynote address at the CEF Construction Excellence Awards 2024. “Infrastructure is an enabler and an economic driver,” he said. “Infrastructure can create the foundations for a more productive and prosperous economy, for better rural and urban communities and for healthier and greener lives.” Only taking up his post in February,
improvements and proceeding with the A29 Cookstown Bypass, Newry Southern Relief Road and A1 improvements scheme. With approval recently granted for the A5 Western Transport Corridor, the first phase of the scheme will cover 34 miles between Strabane and Ballygawley. “Another major infrastructure milestone that will serve this and future generations came just a few weeks ago with the opening of Grand Central Station,” he said. “This £340m Executive flagship project is bigger than King’s Cross and is simply world class.” A lot remained to do however, said the Minister, such as addressing historic underinvestment in water and sewerage services. “I have asked NI Water to look for solutions, particularly around developer- led contributions such as storm water offsetting which would allow some new homes to be built. In addition, my Department is continuing to explore all available options that would enable developers to contribute to the cost of NI Water’s infrastructure.” The Minister is introducing new legislation in relation to sustainable drainage, storing stormwater for slower release to avoid overpowering sewage treatment works.
he said he was keen to invest in NI’s transport, water and planning
infrastructure and services as much as possible amid budgetary restraints. Successes highlighted by the Minister included the completed £17m York Street train station refurb, publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, agreed funding for the £16.2m Enniskillen bypass, and construction commencing on the Narrow Water bridge. In terms of road infrastructure, he referred to tackling regional imbalance by ringfencing funding of £4.7m for the Derry-Coleraine phase 3 rail
Minister for Infrastructure John O’Dowd.
www.nibuilder.co.uk
FOLLOW US ON:
NI BUILDER | 25
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online