The East Belfast MLA said Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd faces a number of options in relation to the latest scandal enveloping NI Water, but doing nothing was not one of them. NI Water has said underfunding by the Department for Infrastructure is the root cause of releasing untreated sewage into the lough.

“The Audit Office has previously called for an expert-led review of how NI Water is both funded and governed, but the Infrastructure Minister has rejected that. This investigation is yet more proof the Minister is wrong and the review is exactly what is needed,” said Mr McReynolds.

“We are now at a tipping point with how we manage water in Northern Ireland. The Infrastructure Minister has three options – continue as we are, underfunding NI Water and having tonnes of raw sewage dumped into our waterways because treatment works haven’t been improved. Or, to start turning off wastewater treatment sites in order to manage this situation, which is unconscionable.

“Or, the final option is change how NI Water is funded, so it can borrow against its assets and think both long-term and strategically. Otherwise this struggling system will only get worse.

“The DAERA Minister has stepped up regulation and enforcement against NI Water polluting our waterways, with further steps to be taken in the new year. If the Infrastructure Minister similarly cares about protecting the environment, he needs to stop turning his back on the crisis that is unfolding under his watch. Tonnes of raw sewage is being dumped into our lough. New homes cannot be built. Our economy is stagnating as a result. To do nothing is a dereliction of duty.“