To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to the failure of the initial proposal to alleviate flooding in the Sicily Park and Marguerite Park areas, what proposals she will bring forward to expedite the extension of the Belfast Stormwater Tunnel and any ancillary works.

I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that following severe flash floods on 27 June 2012, the Company carried out investigations and developed a series of projects to reduce the risk of flooding in the Sicily Park area. Whilst some work to upgrade the existing sewerage and drainage network has taken place to help to reduce the risk of flooding, a number of design proposals / commitments made since 2012, have not been progressed for various reasons. One such proposal was to utilise land within Balmoral Golf Club to attenuate storm water, however, following a series of meetings with representatives from the golf club this did not come to fruition. NI Water has now confirmed that the Sicily Park section of the project cannot be completed until significant sewerage network improvements are completed downstream of Musgrave Park including the extension of the ‘Belfast Storm water Tunnel. It is feasible to progress an interim solution to address flooding in the Marguerite Park and it is expected to commence in early 2021.

To expedite the extension of the Belfast Storm water Tunnel, NI Water intends to undertake preparatory works in 2020/21 including ground investigations, preparation of lands / wayleave notices, and development of a concept design, subject to funding being made available.