Minister hears about development issues

Minister hears about development issues

6 March 2024

STORMONT Minister John O’Dowd has been told of the development problems facing Dundrum as a result of the delays in completing the NI Water project.

South Down Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard recently met with the Infrastructure Minister to make him aware of the problems facing Dundrum and other towns and villages across the constituency.

Mr Hazzard urged Mr O’Dowd to invest in wastewater infrastructure in South Down.

“This is not only having a huge knock-on effect on our ability to provide new homes for young families, but also adding to the increasing pollution of many of our local watercourses,” said Mr Hazzard.

“We need substantial long-term investment into our wastewater infrastructure to tackle these challenges and ensure developments can progress.

“This week, I met with Minister John O’Dowd to discuss priorities for South Down. This included the urgent need for investment into our local wastewater infrastructure.

“With a growing demand for new affordable homes, and the fact that Housing Executive are now able to build again for the first time in over two decades as part of Sinn Féin’s housing plan - investing in a modern, well-maintained and sufficiently funded sustainable water and wastewater network must be a priority,” added the Sinn Fein MP.

South Down SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said action needs to be taken to address the fact that Dundrum is the only area in the province with a complete moratorium on development imposed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

“There is a clear will from the community to see this moratorium ended, and allow development to proceed in the area,” said Mr McGrath.  “This needs to be addressed.

“It is regrettable that people in this area are being caught between the NIEA and NI Water and this is restricting opportunities for development. What is essential is that these discussions between NIEA and NI Water are concluded as quickly as possible to allow for the lifting of this moratorium.”

Mr McGrath confirmed he will be writing to NI Water’s chief executive to highlight the issues once more and to see when a resolution can be reached.