Eight-year sewage delay response ‘unacceptable’

Eight-year sewage delay response ‘unacceptable’

7 May 2025

AN appeal has been issued to NI Water to improve its response times to sewage issues in the Downpatrick area. 

The appeal has been issued by local councillor Conor Galbraith in the wake of recent incidents in the Cathedral View, Flying Horse Road, Church View and Vianstown Park areas.

He revealed residents have recently experienced raw sewage backing up into homes through bathroom sinks and toilets.

“This is absolutely unacceptable and yet the response from NI Water fell far short of what any reasonable person would expect in an emergency,” the councillor suggested.

“An eight-hour response window is concerning, not just as a public body response, but because that is an unacceptably long-time for residents to potentially be exposed to hazardous fumes and contamination.”

Cllr Galbraith said one particularly distressing case involved an elderly resident who was forced to leave her home due to the fumes which were making her severely ill. 

“That situation is just heartbreaking and no one should have to abandon their home because of preventable infrastructure failures,” he contended.

“Emergency call-outs should be treated as genuine emergencies. The health and safety of residents must come first. 

“I have now made representations to NI Water, calling for an overhaul of current protocols and increased investment in infrastructure, specifically for Downpatrick.”

Cllr Galbraith said residents deserve better and work needs to be done to ensure there are no repeat incidents.