To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline her plans for investment in water and sewerage infrastructure to allow new connections and avoid an increase in pollution incidents.

I am aware of the increasing issues at wastewater treatment works and in the sewerage system. I am concerned that this is having an impact on the environment and on planning decisions in respect of housing and business developments seeking connection to the sewerage network.

Through the Price Control process, my Department, NI Water and other key water stakeholders will work together to prepare a priority list of schemes, for delivery in PC21(which runs from 2021 to 2027), and beyond, to help address potential development constraints and ensure that our environment is protected.

I welcome the commitments made in the New Decade, New Approach agreement to address years of underfunding in waste water, and I am working with the Finance Minister and my Executive colleagues to secure the level of budget required.

Although I am determined to prioritise investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, as Minister, I have inherited a range of capital pressures and, I am also conscious of the need to address regional imbalance, improve connectivity and address climate change within current budget restrictions.