To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the options she is considering in relation to dealing with the NI Water loan note debt that matures in March 2027; and (ii) the engagement she has had with the Minister of Finance in this regard.

(i) NI Water is considering two options for the 2027 Loan Note in terms of refinancing the existing debt with new borrowing or a debt-for-equity swap in which the loan value is exchanged for share capital.

(ii) My department has been consulting with officials in the Department of Finance to assist with the analysis of the options in terms of assessing the impact of each option on public finances and NI Water customers, and I will engage with the Minister of Finance once this work has determined that the Minister’s approval is required.