To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether surface water outfalls in the Dunwellan area, Newcastle, will be included in any permanent solution to the surface water flooding in Newcastle.

I have liaised with NI Water and they have advised as follows:

(i) NI Water carried out investigations of the storm sewer network in the Dunwellan area of Newcastle following Storm Ciarán in 2023. At that time, all three surface water outlets were found to be functioning as designed.

(ii) given the time that has passed since those works, the network was re-examined in 2025. During this most recent assessment, it was determined that a significant build-up of silt has reoccurred, preventing full completion of the investigation and as a result, a 28-day desilting programme has been scheduled with NI Water’s contractor. Once complete, investigations will resume to ensure the network continues to operate effectively.

(iii) NI Water remains committed to maintaining and improving the resilience of storm water infrastructure in this area.