To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for an update on the implementation of a permanent solution to the pumping station in Marguerite Avenue, Newcastle; and (ii) to detail the anticipated timescale.

I have been advised by NI Water that there are no plans to upgrade the Burren River Tullymore Wastewater Pumping station located at Marguerite Park, Newcastle. However, to help reduce the risk of flooding during extreme weather events, NI Water has installed a level monitor and a protocol is now in place to ensure NI Water’s contractor will be dispatched with a pump to use until the levels in the river subside. Since this protocol was implemented, the pump has been deployed to site on a number of occasions and worked effectively.

NI Water is undertaking modelling work to establish if there are any changes that could be made to the layout of its infrastructure in the area to assist in further reducing the risk of out of sewer flooding during extreme weather events. The modelling is anticipated to complete within the next month, however the delivery of any associated capital works for any solution identified will be subject to budget availability.