25 November 2025
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has said the Executive has no plan to fix wastewater infrastructure.
He was speaking after the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) said sewage spills into Belfast Lough are damaging the environment.
The OEP is investigating DAERA, the Department for Infrastructure and the Utility Regulator in relation to the discharges.
South Belfast MLA Matthew O’Toole said:
“The problems facing our wastewater infrastructure are mounting. The shocking situation at Lough Neagh has focused public attention, but that is only one of the many waterways that have been polluted. With the latest news about Belfast Lough it is increasingly clear that the Executive has absolutely no plan to fix this situation.
“The SDLP Opposition is ready to support proposals that would protect our environment and our waterways, but the Department for Infrastructure and successive Ministers have chosen to kick the can down the road, with no solutions emerging all while thousands of tonnes of sewage is pumped directly into our waterways.
“At the weekend we heard the Infrastructure Minister crowing on social media that she had no plans to introduce water charges – something that hasn’t even been proposed. Instead of expecting a pat on the back for doing nothing she should be outlining her plans to address this crisis.
“The entire Executive must face up to the pollution of our water and the destruction of our natural environment. Instead of leadership we see an abdication of responsibility and it is the public who lose out. The Infrastructure Minister, backed by the Executive must bring forward credible, funded proposals to support NI Water. Anything less and things will only get worse.”