- BY Kevin Barry BSc(Hons) MRICS
- POSTED IN Latest News
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30-Year Infrastructure Plan for Northern Ireland (2025–2055).Above politics!
Objectives
- Community-Centric Development: Address local needs for reliable sewage, clean water, stable electricity, and accessible roads.
- Sub-Regional Connectivity: Enhance transport and utility links between urban and rural areas, with the Strangford Lough Crossing as a flagship project.
- Sustainability: Integrate renewable energy, modernize water and sewage systems, and future-proof infrastructure.
- Economic Growth: Support job creation, tourism, and regional equity through strategic investments.
Key Assumptions
- Costs are in 2025 GBP (£), with inflation at 2% annually for projections beyond 2025.
- Strangford Lough Crossing bridge costs £300 million (2025 prices), completed by 2032.
- Plan aligns with UK Government’s sub-regional connectivity policy and net-zero goals.
- Population growth and demand increases are based on current trends (approx. 0.2% annually).
1. Sewage Infrastructure
Community Need: Modernize aging sewage systems, reduce overflows, and meet environmental standards.
- Phase 1 (2025–2035): Upgrade urban treatment plants (e.g., Belfast, Derry/Londonderry) and expand rural networks.
- Cost: £1.5 billion
- Key Projects: Belfast Sewage Treatment Works (£500M), rural sewage extensions (£1B).
- Phase 2 (2036–2045): Replace outdated pipes and add capacity for population growth.
- Cost: £1.2 billion
- Phase 3 (2046–2055): Maintenance and climate resilience upgrades (e.g., flood-proofing).
- Cost: £800 million
- Total Cost: £3.5 billion (2025 prices)
2. Water Infrastructure
Community Need: Ensure clean, reliable water supply and reduce leakage rates (currently ~40% in NI).
- Phase 1 (2025–2035): Repair leaks, upgrade reservoirs (e.g., Silent Valley), and improve rural access.
- Cost: £1.8 billion
- Key Projects: Leak reduction program (£800M), reservoir upgrades (£1B).
- Phase 2 (2036–2045): Expand water treatment capacity and install smart metering.
- Cost: £1.3 billion
- Phase 3 (2046–2055): Renew aging infrastructure and adapt to climate change (e.g., drought resilience).
- Cost: £900 million
- Total Cost: £4 billion (2025 prices)
3. Electricity Infrastructure
Community Need: Transition to renewables, improve grid reliability, and support rural electrification.
- Phase 1 (2025–2035): Expand wind and solar capacity, upgrade grid for net-zero targets.
- Cost: £2.5 billion
- Key Projects: Offshore wind farms (£1.5B), grid modernization (£1B).
- Phase 2 (2036–2045): Integrate hydrogen storage and enhance cross-border interconnectors.
- Cost: £2 billion
- Phase 3 (2046–2055): Maintain and scale renewable infrastructure.
- Cost: £1.5 billion
- Total Cost: £6 billion (2025 prices)
4. Roads Infrastructure
Community Need: Improve connectivity, safety, and capacity for urban and rural areas.
- Phase 1 (2025–2035): Complete A6 and A5 upgrades, enhance rural road networks.
- Cost: £2 billion
- Key Projects: A6 Dungiven-Derry (£500M), A5 Aughnacloy-Derry (£1B), rural resurfacing (£500M).
- Phase 2 (2036–2045): Expand dual carriageways and improve sub-regional links (e.g., Belfast to Downpatrick).
- Cost: £1.8 billion
- Phase 3 (2046–2055): Maintenance and climate-adaptive upgrades (e.g., flood-resistant roads).
- Cost: £1.2 billion
- Total Cost: £5 billion (2025 prices)
5. Strangford Lough Crossing (Bridge)
Community Need: Enhance connectivity between Downpatrick and Portaferry, boost tourism, and reduce travel times.
- Details: A fixed bridge linking the Ards Peninsula across Strangford Lough, as outlined by www.strangfordloughcrossing.org.
- Timeline: Construction starts 2027, completed by 2032.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Design and planning (2025–2026): £50 million
- Construction (2027–2032): £250 million
- Total Cost: £300 million (2025 prices)
- Benefits: Cuts travel time from 45 minutes (ferry/via road) to 5–10 minutes, supports local economies, and aligns with sub-regional connectivity goals.
Funding Strategy
- UK Government Contribution: 50% (£9.4B of £18.8B total), reflecting national policy support.
- Northern Ireland Executive: 20% (£3.76B), via devolved budgets and borrowing.
- Private Sector: 25% (£4.7B), through public-private partnerships (e.g., electricity, bridge tolls).
- EU/Other Grants: 5% (£940M), leveraging post-Brexit funds or climate grants.
- Revenue Generation: Tolls on Strangford Lough Crossing and utility charges to offset maintenance costs.
Total Cost Summary (2025 Prices)
| Sector | Phase 1 (2025–2035) | Phase 2 (2036–2045) | Phase 3 (2046–2055) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sewage | £1.5B | £1.2B | £0.8B | £3.5B |
| Water | £1.8B | £1.3B | £0.9B | £4B |
| Electricity | £2.5B | £2B | £1.5B | £6B |
| Roads | £2B | £1.8B | £1.2B | £5B |
| Strangford Lough Bridge | £0.3B | – | – | £0.3B |
| Total | £8.1B | £6.3B | £4.4B | £18.8B |
Inflation-Adjusted Costs (Approximate)
Assuming 2% annual inflation:
- By 2035: £8.1B becomes ~£9.9B
- By 2045: £6.3B becomes ~£9.4B
- By 2055: £4.4B becomes ~£8B
- Total Adjusted Cost: ~£27.3B by 2055
Implementation Timeline
- 2025–2026: Planning and approvals for all sectors; Strangford Lough Crossing design finalized.
- 2027–2032: Strangford Lough Bridge construction; Phase 1 projects commence.
- 2033–2035: Phase 1 completion across sewage, water, electricity, and roads.
- 2036–2045: Phase 2 rollout, focusing on capacity and modernization.
- 2046–2055: Phase 3 maintenance and resilience upgrades.
Community Benefits
- Sewage/Water: Cleaner environment, reduced flooding, and reliable – Electricity: Reliable, green energy for all.
- Roads: Faster, safer travel across sub-regions.
- Strangford Lough Crossing: Economic boost for Ards Peninsula and beyond.
This plan balances immediate needs with long-term resilience, aligning with UK Government priorities for sub-regional connectivity and community-driven development in Northern Ireland. Adjustments can be made based on further stakeholder input or funding availability.
UK Government have requested the above costed infrastructure plan from th NI Executive parties as part of £3.3 Billion funding package, which also included a stipulation that £113 Million be raised locally. Have local politicians capable of such vision ? Unfortunately not !