Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced a voluntary scheme for housing developers to fund wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Northern Ireland. The plan addresses capacity limits in over 100 towns and villages that prevent new connections and stall house building.

Kimmins said the contributions allow developers to advance projects where existing capacity blocks progress. The wastewater system requires upgrades due to age and past underfunding. Executive parties oppose direct consumer water charges, leading to this developer proposal.

Officials plan to evaluate the voluntary system's outcomes before deciding on a compulsory levy. The scheme requires new legislation from the Stormont Assembly. It forms one part of a three-part strategy that includes Executive investment and a Water, Flooding and Sustainable Drainage Bill.

NI Water will partner on the initiative. Developers facing local capacity issues can choose to pay for upgrades or replacements. Kimmins stated the approach supports public health, environmental protection, and economic growth including housing supply.

Paul McErlean, director of Build Homes NI, said developer contributions do not resolve NI Water's £2 billion funding deficit.