Swann calls for NI Water to be Part of Government Review

Robin Swann MP has called on the Westminster government to expand the remit of the Independent Review into the Water Sector to include Northern Ireland Water.

During a Commons debate on the Water Bill, Mr Swann thanked the Government for commissioning this review but highlighted that the current review has its focus on the privately owned water companies of England and Wales. The South Antrim MP further outlined that public ownership of water companies does not equate to cleaner or better managed waterways:

“Northern Ireland Water is both a Government-owned company and a non-departmental public body and I assure the House that the water quality in Northern Ireland, especially in Lough Neagh, is nothing to be celebrated either.”

Following the debate, Mr Swann commented:

“In my constituency of South Antrim, with our many waterways and a significant proportion of Lough Neagh, we have seen time and time again the impact of water pollution and a poorly maintained water system. The shocking scenes of a bright green water which we are beginning to see far too often in the summer are a stark reminder of the work that needs to be done to restore our lakes and rivers.

"Constituents should be confident that they will have access to safe and clean water, and that public waterways will be maintained. Therefore, I’m calling on the Government’s review to look at how all bodies, across the UK, regulate their water systems to ensure they best serve the public."