Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins joined a discussion at the Beyond ’26 Live conference in Cookstown. Industry stakeholders in new home development attended to address housing supply issues.

Kimmins said infrastructure problems in Northern Ireland, notably wastewater capacity, require sustained work with house builders to pinpoint obstacles and advances.

NI Water obtained more than £500 million in public funds this year, equaling 92% of its operational request. Kimmins and her predecessor designated £30 million to release wastewater capacity for 5,300 properties. This surpasses the 4,500 properties set in Price Control 21 through 2028, reached by 2026.

New house starts in Northern Ireland marked the highest since 2018 in the second quarter of 2025. Construction output attained a 15-year peak in the region then.

Kimmins described a strategy with three elements: obtaining Executive funds for wastewater upgrades, assessing developer payments, and enacting rules for sustainable drainage systems. She indicated partnerships and new ideas must supplement funds.

Local government processes over 99% of planning applications. Kimmins's department partners with councils and others on planning improvements, covering local development plans and management, to aid house building.