Environment

Investment in water and wastewater infrastructure is urgently needed. We will support the NI executive’s aim to half leakages by 2010 and replace or upgrade over 900kms of water mains.

Each year we throw away around 1m tonnes of waste. SIB is supporting departments invest in more sustainable ways of dealing with waste with a view of reducing landfilled municipal waste to 75% of 1995 levels by 2010, 50% by 2013 and 35% by 2020.

Investment Strategy Milestones

  • completing the Belfast Sewers Project by 2010 in order to significantly reduce the risks of flooding in parts of the city;
  • upgrading water treatment and distribution infrastructure in a phased manner, to comply with existing water quality regulations across the region by 2014. This will include service commencement of Project Alpha (to upgrade water treatment facilities) by 2009;
  • upgrading waste water treatment infrastructure in a phased manner to bring the region into compliance with current EU standards by 2014. This will include service commencement of Project Omega (to upgrade waste water treatment and sludge disposal facilities) by 2010;
  • supporting local authorities to deliver the waste management infrastructure by 2011 (with up to £200m or 50% of the capital cost, whichever is less).

Case study: Alpha Clean Water Project