Wastewater investment crucial in meeting South Down housing need - Hazzard

The South Down MP has said that due to historic underinvestment, many of our local towns and villages in South Down are suffering the consequences of wastewater capacity issues

Mr Hazzard said: “Due to wastewater capacity issues it is increasingly difficult to meet the growing demand for new houses in various areas in South Down.

“This is not only having a huge knock on effect on our ability to provide new homes for young families, but also adding to the increasing pollution of many of our local watercourses.

“We need substantial long-term investment into our wastewater infrastructure to tackle these challenges and ensure developments can progress.

“This week, I met with Minister John O’Dowd to discuss priorities for South Down. This included the urgent need for investment into our local wastewater infrastructure.

“With a growing demand for new affordable homes, and the fact that Housing Executive are now able to build again for the first time in over two decades as part of Sinn Féin’s housing plan - investing in a modern, well-maintained and sufficiently funded sustainable water and wastewater network must be a priority.

“I hope that officials within the Department for Infrastructure will work positively with Minister O’Dowd to deliver much needed investment for South Down.”