01/11/2024
Alliance Calls For New NI Water Funding Model
Alliance has called for a new funding model for NI Water after progress halted on a £400m housing development, which would provide 2,500 new homes in L'Derry, due to water infrastructure constraints.
The party's Infrastructure Spokesperson, Andy McMurray MLA, believes a new model is "the only way" to begin raising the vital funds needed to boost capacity in the country's chronically neglected water and wastewater infrastructure.
"Today's news is just the latest evidence of the immense damage our overstretched water infrastructure is having on housing provision and communities across Northern Ireland," said Mr McMurray.
"There are tens of thousands of new homes that can’t be built across council areas because of water infrastructure constraints, coming at a time when close to 48,000 people are languishing on the social housing waiting list and around 80,0000 are experiencing some form of homelessness. "The impact on both the environment and the economy also cannot be overlooked, with our waterways and biodiversity harmed by pollution and development of the likes of factories and offices also grinding to a halt, with implications for local businesses.
"While the Minister talks about a three-pronged approach to this issue, there is a fourth prong which grasps the nettle and looks at how we restructure the model by which NI Water is funded," he continued.
"Alliance recently published In Deep Water, our plan to fix Northern Ireland's broken water and wastewater infrastructure.
"One of the key recommendations in that plan is for a new funding model for NI Water, and we favour mutualisation, which would allow NI Water to borrow against its asset base and create long-term investment plans to boost capacity in our water system.
"Guided with strategic advice from a new Infrastructure Commission, this model would deliver the water investment that our communities, economy and environment have been crying out for."
The party's Infrastructure Spokesperson, Andy McMurray MLA, believes a new model is "the only way" to begin raising the vital funds needed to boost capacity in the country's chronically neglected water and wastewater infrastructure.
"Today's news is just the latest evidence of the immense damage our overstretched water infrastructure is having on housing provision and communities across Northern Ireland," said Mr McMurray.
"There are tens of thousands of new homes that can’t be built across council areas because of water infrastructure constraints, coming at a time when close to 48,000 people are languishing on the social housing waiting list and around 80,0000 are experiencing some form of homelessness. "The impact on both the environment and the economy also cannot be overlooked, with our waterways and biodiversity harmed by pollution and development of the likes of factories and offices also grinding to a halt, with implications for local businesses.
"While the Minister talks about a three-pronged approach to this issue, there is a fourth prong which grasps the nettle and looks at how we restructure the model by which NI Water is funded," he continued.
"Alliance recently published In Deep Water, our plan to fix Northern Ireland's broken water and wastewater infrastructure.
"One of the key recommendations in that plan is for a new funding model for NI Water, and we favour mutualisation, which would allow NI Water to borrow against its asset base and create long-term investment plans to boost capacity in our water system.
"Guided with strategic advice from a new Infrastructure Commission, this model would deliver the water investment that our communities, economy and environment have been crying out for."
Latest Northern Ireland News
01 November 2024
Power NI Announces 4% Tariff Increase
Northern Ireland energy supplier, Power NI, has today announced a 4% tariff increase. This relates to its residential unit price, meaning customers will pay an additional 10p per day on average from December 1 onwards. The company has said the hike in price reflects increases in market operation and network related charges.
Power NI Announces 4% Tariff Increase
Northern Ireland energy supplier, Power NI, has today announced a 4% tariff increase. This relates to its residential unit price, meaning customers will pay an additional 10p per day on average from December 1 onwards. The company has said the hike in price reflects increases in market operation and network related charges.
01 November 2024
No Arrests Made In Significant Halloween Operation
No arrests were made by Police in Derry City and Strabane over what they've labelled as a 'significant operation' during the Halloween festivities. Substantial planning was required from the Derry City & Strabane District Council ahead of the area welcoming thousands of visitors over the course of four days for their Halloween festival.
No Arrests Made In Significant Halloween Operation
No arrests were made by Police in Derry City and Strabane over what they've labelled as a 'significant operation' during the Halloween festivities. Substantial planning was required from the Derry City & Strabane District Council ahead of the area welcoming thousands of visitors over the course of four days for their Halloween festival.
01 November 2024
Green Party Believes Budget Is Baby Step Forward
The UK Budget announcement was a 'baby step' in the right direction but there is still plenty of work to be done, according to Northern Ireland's Green Party. It was announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday that the NI Executive would receive £1.
Green Party Believes Budget Is Baby Step Forward
The UK Budget announcement was a 'baby step' in the right direction but there is still plenty of work to be done, according to Northern Ireland's Green Party. It was announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday that the NI Executive would receive £1.
01 November 2024
Tennyson Wants NI's Dual Market Access Protected
Alliance has stressed the importance of protecting Northern Ireland's dual market access ahead of the Windsor Framework vote. This follows the news of Secretary of State, Hilary Benn MP, triggering the process to enable MLAs to vote on post-Brexit trading arrangements.
Tennyson Wants NI's Dual Market Access Protected
Alliance has stressed the importance of protecting Northern Ireland's dual market access ahead of the Windsor Framework vote. This follows the news of Secretary of State, Hilary Benn MP, triggering the process to enable MLAs to vote on post-Brexit trading arrangements.
01 November 2024
Man In Newry Arrested For Hammer Attack And Burglary
A 40 year-old man has been arrested by Police in Newry on suspicion of aggravated burglary and assault. Police received reports that a male resident returned to his home in the Violet Hill Avenue area of the city around 8pm on Wednesday night to find a burglary in process.
Man In Newry Arrested For Hammer Attack And Burglary
A 40 year-old man has been arrested by Police in Newry on suspicion of aggravated burglary and assault. Police received reports that a male resident returned to his home in the Violet Hill Avenue area of the city around 8pm on Wednesday night to find a burglary in process.
01 November 2024
Shortage Of Radioisotopes Raises Concerns
Concerns have been raised in Northern Ireland over a significant UK shortage of radioisotopes which may disrupt patient care in the upcoming weeks. Radioisotopes are mainly used for diagnosing cancers, including prostate and breast cancer, as well as heart issues.
Shortage Of Radioisotopes Raises Concerns
Concerns have been raised in Northern Ireland over a significant UK shortage of radioisotopes which may disrupt patient care in the upcoming weeks. Radioisotopes are mainly used for diagnosing cancers, including prostate and breast cancer, as well as heart issues.
01 November 2024
Alliance Calls For New NI Water Funding Model
Alliance has called for a new funding model for NI Water after progress halted on a £400m housing development, which would provide 2,500 new homes in L'Derry, due to water infrastructure constraints.
Alliance Calls For New NI Water Funding Model
Alliance has called for a new funding model for NI Water after progress halted on a £400m housing development, which would provide 2,500 new homes in L'Derry, due to water infrastructure constraints.
01 November 2024
Antrim Fire Station Officially Re-Opens
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service's Antrim Fire Station has officially re-opened following a £2.2 million refurbishment. Work began in March of last year to update the Castle Street site, which was originally built in 1953, to transform the building into a modern day fire station enhancing firefighter and public safety.
Antrim Fire Station Officially Re-Opens
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service's Antrim Fire Station has officially re-opened following a £2.2 million refurbishment. Work began in March of last year to update the Castle Street site, which was originally built in 1953, to transform the building into a modern day fire station enhancing firefighter and public safety.
01 November 2024
Belfast Claims UK's Best Event Destination
Visit Belfast, the city region's destination marketing organisation, has scooped 'Best Event Destination UK' at this year's Conference & Incentive Travel (C&IT) awards in London.
Belfast Claims UK's Best Event Destination
Visit Belfast, the city region's destination marketing organisation, has scooped 'Best Event Destination UK' at this year's Conference & Incentive Travel (C&IT) awards in London.
01 November 2024
Other News In Brief
NIFRS Responds To Halloween Incidents Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) responded to 63 operational incidents across Halloween night. A statement issued by the NIFRS said a number of these were bonfire-related.
Other News In Brief
NIFRS Responds To Halloween Incidents Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) responded to 63 operational incidents across Halloween night. A statement issued by the NIFRS said a number of these were bonfire-related.