**Ulster Unionist MLA Criticizes Infrastructure Capacity Following NI Water Audit Announcement**
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Infrastructure spokesperson John Stewart MLA has responded to Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins’ announcement of a forensic governance audit into Northern Ireland Water (NI Water).
While acknowledging the audit, Mr. Stewart argued that the primary issue facing the utility provider is not governance, but a lack of infrastructure capacity.
“The real crisis at NI Water is not governance, it’s capacity,” Mr. Stewart said. “Our wastewater network is at, or beyond, its limits in too many places, and that is what’s holding Northern Ireland back.”
Mr. Stewart stated that the current infrastructure limitations are directly impacting the housing sector. He noted that housing developments are being blocked due to a lack of connection capacity, which he claims is contributing to rising house prices and rents.
“This is not a technical problem sitting somewhere in the background. It is stopping homes being built right now,” he added.
Referencing an Institute of Directors NI Infrastructure report published in February 2026, Mr. Stewart urged the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to appoint an expert panel to determine funding solutions for NI Water. He argued that this process should occur concurrently with the governance audit rather than sequentially.
“The two are complementary, not competing, and delaying one to focus on the other only costs us more,” Mr. Stewart said. “I’ve said before that the cost of standing still on water infrastructure is far greater than the cost of investing in it now.”
Mr. Stewart called for increased political will to address the funding of NI Water, urging other political parties and government departments to support a comprehensive investment plan.
“I will engage constructively with the Minister on this audit, but it cannot become a reason to delay the capacity investment that’s needed now,” he concluded.
Article and image source: farminglife.com
