Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins told industry leaders at a conference in Cookstown that public funding and planning changes are helping increase new homes in Northern Ireland.

NI Water received more than £500 million in public funding this year, covering 92% of its requested operational budget. Officials allocated £30 million specifically to expand wastewater capacity for 5,300 properties, exceeding the target of 4,500 set for the 2021-2028 period. The minister noted new house starts reached the highest level for the second quarter of 2025 since 2018. Construction output hit a 15-year high, exceeding levels elsewhere in the UK.

Kimmins stressed wastewater network issues require sustained investment and house-building sector input. Local councils handle over 99% of planning applications. Her department partners with councils and stakeholders to speed up decisions and improve development management and local plans.

In related developments, Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair welcomed Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir's Assembly update on wastewater pollution measures. These include higher fines for polluters, withdrawal of NI Water discharge consents, and tougher standards. Blair called the steps essential for public health, environment, and economy, especially at Lough Neagh.