Mid Ulster District Council held its monthly meeting on February 26, where NI Water outlined capacity shortages and funding gaps in its network.

Sinn Féin Councillor Deirdre Varsani, representing Dungannon, argued for shifting focus from UK military aid to Ukraine toward local wastewater upgrades. She noted NI Water requires £7 billion for infrastructure repairs, with roughly £1.3 billion secured. Varsani questioned the UK's commitment of £3 billion annually to Ukraine through 2030-31 and pressed for stronger advocacy to Westminster for Northern Ireland's water needs.

Democratic Unionist Party Councillor Eva Cahoon, from Cookstown, challenged Varsani's description of the Ukraine support. Cahoon stated the remark criticised UK assistance to Ukraine amid Russia's invasion. She highlighted Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald's recent tribute to former IRA member Brendan McFarlane on the first anniversary of his death.

Cahoon stressed Northern Ireland's expanding aerospace and defence industry, particularly in Mid Ulster, and the UK's contributions to its growth alongside broader economic development.