To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) her Department's new, permanent solution to the surface water flooding in the Marguerite area of Newcastle; and (ii) when it will be enacted.

The issue you have raised is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have sought the required information and have been advised as follows:

NI Water has undertaken additional targeted survey work and detailed analysis in the Marguerite Park area of the Newcastle catchment. This has included reviews of sewer network telemetry and rainfall data. These investigations, in tandem with NI Water’s supply chain consultants, have been important to ensure the hydraulic model accurately reflects current network performance such that a robust, long-term solution, which reduces the risk of out of sewer flooding, can be developed.

NI Water anticipates that it will be able to share the findings of this work, together with any proposed solution(s) in Spring 2026.

NI Water has implemented a temporary protocol in advance of the outcome of the modelling and the identification/delivery of any long-term solution. Any works identified as part of a solution will be subject to consideration in the next price control

In addition, the gullies in this area are cleaned once a year and are on a priority list to be checked when the Department is notified of a weather warning.