Dermot Nesbitt: ...to bring forward that additional capital programme and to discuss and agree its funding in the Executive. That will bring the certainty and the clarity that are required. We all agree that sewerage infrastructure is behind that of the rest of the United Kingdom, never mind the rest of Europe.
Dermot Nesbitt: ...that it was worth stepping back to identify the magnitude of the problem. Unless or until we quantify the problem, we will not be able to identify the proper solution. The Member said that the sewerage infrastructure is "well below standard" and that it was supposed to comply with the European standard in January 2001. She is correct. That was the date when the European Directive raised...
Dermot Nesbitt: ...progress regularly in striving to meet that timescale; and, having agreed the way forward, to inform the House and the public fully and promptly. Members are well aware that Northern Ireland’s sewerage infrastructure falls well below modern standards. As the environmental regulator, I have worked with Mr Peter Robinson, because the operation of the sewerage system is the responsibility...
Dermot Nesbitt: ...on planning permissions. As a precautionary measure, decisions on planning applications in several areas affected by concerns over the risks of water pollution from sewage treatment plants and sewerage networks have not been taken pending the outcome of discussions between my Department and the Department for Regional Development. Those discussions involve the consideration of complex...
Dermot Nesbitt: ...water quality. In recent months, the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) has highlighted concerns over the quality of discharges and risk of water pollution from sewage treatment plants and sewerage networks at several locations in Northern Ireland. This has raised complex legal, environmental and operational issues. While urgent discussions are held between my Department and the...
Dermot Nesbitt: ...answers read back to me, which is why it is useful for me to read them before they are issued. At last night’s council meeting, Mr Wells stated that there is no problem with the capacity of the sewerage system in Downpatrick. I told him that I agree. Mr McGrady seemed slightly annoyed that the Department for Regional Development advised that there is abundant space and capacity. The...
Dermot Nesbitt: .... The Planning Appeals Commission deals with appeals against decisions of the Department of the Environment’s Planning Service. Under the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 and the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1973, the Department of the Environment has responsibilities relating to, for example, the remuneration allowance of the commissioners of the Planning...
Dermot Nesbitt: ...per cent increase. That is about £83 million extra to be paid to be paid by ratepayers from a base level of £200 million. That is an astronomical increase for a particular phase of the water and sewerage system. However, I accept that the expenditure is necessary. Given that we are moving towards resource accounting — costs are allocated over the useful life of an asset — does the...