NI Water Chairman Dr Len O’Hagan CBE has welcomed the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ deal agreed by the political parties in Northern Ireland to restore devolved government in Northern Ireland, exactly three years after the Assembly collapsed.
NI Water Chairman Dr Len O’Hagan CBE has welcomed the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ deal agreed by the political parties in Northern Ireland to restore devolved government in Northern Ireland, exactly three years after the Assembly collapsed.
The agreement will see the full restoration of the institutions of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement including the Executive, the Assembly and the North/South Ministerial Council .
The New Decade. New Approach document highlights the priority both governments have placed on transforming public services – including a commitment for the restored Executive to invest urgently in wastewater infrastructure which is at or nearing capacity in many places across Northern Ireland, including in Belfast, limiting growth.
The Executive intends to publish a new strategic level outcomes-based Programme for Government by April 2020 which is aligned to a multi-year budget with a sustained approach to public finances and prioritised investment in infrastructure and public services. The new Programme will be aimed at delivering lasting changes and improvements in key priority areas.
Commenting on the deal, Dr O’Hagan said:
“NI Water’s latest strategy has identified the need to invest £2.5bn to begin addressing historic underinvestment. In Belfast alone, £1bn is required to tackle wastewater, flooding and drainage problems within the ‘Living with Water Programme’. Without investment in critical water infrastructure across Northern Ireland, it will not be possible to deliver other priorities in the draft deal in areas such as housing, city deals or developing our tourism sector.
“I further welcome the commitment to “Leaner Government”. This has the potential to deliver greater efficiencies in our sector and create better value for the public purse. The pledge to multi-year funding and the news that there will be a review of Arm’s Length Bodies is also a positive step.
“NI Water stands ready to ensure that Northern Ireland can fulfil its potential to have a cleaner, greener and more prosperous future. Restoration of devolved government and political direction, if underpinned by the required levels of funding, will ensure this will happen.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has travelled to Belfast today to meet the restored Northern Ireland Executive.
During his visit, the Prime Minister is meeting with the Executive’s First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill. Discussions will focus on the Executive’s priorities set out in New Deal. New Approach to take forward critical reforms to public services.
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