Northern Ireland Water denied connections to 960 residential and non-residential properties in Fermanagh and South Tyrone over three years because of insufficient wastewater capacity.

Figures released after an Assembly question show 929 residential units were refused between 2023 and 2025. Refusals rose from 180 in 2023 to 386 in 2024, with 363 more recorded in 2025.

Non-residential refusals also increased. None were recorded in 2023, 11 followed in 2024 and 20 in 2025.

Diana Armstrong, who tabled the question, stated the numbers reflect a failure to invest in infrastructure and warned of effects on housing supply and business growth.

She called on the Department for Infrastructure to address capacity shortfalls and said mutualisation should be advanced to allow NI Water to borrow against assets and release additional capacity.