Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a voluntary contributions scheme for developers to fund wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Northern Ireland.

The scheme targets areas where capacity shortages block new residential and commercial connections. Developers can choose to cover costs for upgrading or replacing NI Water facilities.

Kimmins stated that reliable wastewater systems support public health, environmental protection, and economic growth. She noted years of underinvestment have strained the network and hindered housing and business expansion.

Her approach includes seeking more Executive investment, advancing the Water, Flooding and Sustainable Drainage Bill, and implementing these voluntary contributions with NI Water.

The minister described the initiative as enabling developers to advance projects like new homes while increasing housing supply in constrained areas.

The Department for Infrastructure plans to assess outcomes of the voluntary scheme before considering a compulsory levy.

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan welcomed the announcement. He serves on the Assembly’s Infrastructure Committee and said the contributions will upgrade systems to allow new properties where capacity limits progress.