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Date: 22 June 2026
The public is being asked to have their say on proposals to introduce a new Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) in Drumglass Park in south Belfast.
The project aims to help manage wastewater and reduce the risk of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall in the Lisburn Road area.
It will be delivered by NI Water in partnership with Belfast City Council and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), with funding from DfI as part of the NI Executive’s Public Sector Transformation Fund.
Proposals would see the creation of a new permanent SuDS pond, with a landscaped area around it, which will fill with rainwater occasionally for short periods of time during heavy rainfall. Water is then released slowly from the pond into the existing drainage system at a controlled rate, helping prevent local sewers becoming overwhelmed.
The scheme will bring other benefits including improving wildlife habitat and biodiversity, helping support economic growth by freeing up capacity in the sewerage system, and creating opportunities to educate people about sustainable nature-based solutions to flooding and drainage issues.
Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of the council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, encouraged residents to have their say on the proposals: “This pilot project is an exciting development that will see Belfast paving the way for future nature-based drainage solutions across the city and the wider region. It supports the council’s climate and environmental ambitions by helping to create greener, healthier and more resilient communities.
“The project will deliver important benefits for the local community by helping to reduce the risk of flooding and pollution, supporting sustainable growth and creating an attractive new feature for park visitors.
“We recognise the need to inform the community about the project and its benefits, while also providing other important information, such as the robust safety measures that are central to the pond’s design and details about construction. That’s why we want to hear directly from residents to ensure any decisions we make reflect their needs.”
Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins welcomed the consultation: “The aim of my Department’s Transforming Urban Drainage project, is to demonstrate the effectiveness of nature-based drainage sustainable drainage in helping to manage the flow of water in our towns and cities. Nature based solutions are cleaner, greener and can help reduce flood risk and pollution. The overall aim of the project is to provide approximately 10,000m3 of temporary stormwater storage. The Drumglass park project provides an opportunity to contribute to his overall target, as well as adding to the park’s existing character.”
NI Water Senior Project Manager, Mark Sefton said: “NI Water is delighted to be working in partnership with Belfast City Council and DfI on this pilot project, the object of which is to deliver and demonstrate the multifunctional benefits, such as promoting biodiversity, amenity and education, that nature based sustainable drainage systems can offer. We look forward to hearing the public’s views on the proposals through the online survey and planned drop-in event at the park itself.”
Residents can view the plans and share their views by completing an online survey. People are also encouraged to attend the scheduled drop-in event in the park to speak with council and NI Water representatives and provide their feedback in person. The drop-in event will be held at the Drumglass Park Bandstand on Wednesday 12 August 2026 from 3pm to 7pm.
For more information and to have your say, visit the Your Say Belfast website: yoursay.belfastcity.gov.uk/drumglass-park