04/03/2025
Finance Minister John O’Dowd has announced £129 million for six “transformation projects” across various sectors, including £18 million for two initiatives led by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).
DfI Urban Drainage Proposal
£15 million is allocated to the Department’s Urban Drainage proposal, aimed at funding a pilot project to transform the way rainwater is managed in towns and cities.
This proposal is part of the DfI’s “Living With Water Programme”, which seeks to improve rainwater management by utilising open spaces and watercourses to enhance the environment, as well as through additional investment in more traditional infrastructure such as sewers and wastewater treatment works.
DfI Transforming Planning Proposal
£3 million is allocated for the Department’s Transforming Planning proposal, which aims to assist the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) in addressing its resource challenges by making improvements to the planning system.
In 2022, DfI reviewed the 2011 Planning Act (Northern Ireland) and identified the need to ensure adequate resourcing, training, and operational performance of the PAC as an independent body under the Department of Justice.
The overall funding for these proposals is part of the £235 million provided by the UK Government specifically for public sector transformation as part of the financial package aimed at restoring The Executive.
If you have any questions or require further information about these proposals, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk
