Belfast Goes Green: Have Your Say on New Eco-Pond for Drumglass Park

An innovative environmental project is set to transform Drumglass Park in South Belfast, with proposals for a new Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) pond now open for public consultation. This exciting initiative aims to help manage wastewater, significantly reduce the risk of flooding in the Lisburn Road area during heavy downpours, and pave the way for greener solutions across our city.

Delivered through a partnership between NI Water, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), and , the project will create a permanent, landscaped pond. This pond is designed to temporarily fill with rainwater during intense rainfall, slowly releasing the water back into the existing drainage system at a controlled rate. This prevents local sewers from becoming overwhelmed, a common issue in urban areas.

Beyond its primary function of flood prevention, the SuDS pond offers a wealth of additional advantages. It will significantly improve local wildlife habitats and boost biodiversity within the park, creating a richer natural environment for everyone to enjoy. The scheme also supports economic growth by freeing up capacity in the sewerage system and provides fantastic opportunities to educate our community about nature-based solutions to drainage challenges.

Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of the council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, highlighted the project's significance, stating, "This pilot project is an exciting development that will see Belfast paving the way for future nature-based drainage solutions across the city. It supports the council’s climate and environmental ambitions by helping to create greener, healthier and more resilient communities." He also noted the project's ability to "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."

Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins, welcomed the consultation, explaining that the project demonstrates the effectiveness of nature-based drainage in managing water flow. Similarly, Mark Sefton, NI Water Senior Project Manager, expressed enthusiasm for the "multifunctional benefits, such as promoting biodiversity, amenity and education, that nature-based sustainable drainage systems can offer."

Your voice matters! Residents are strongly encouraged to view the detailed plans and share their feedback. You can participate by completing an online survey or by attending a scheduled drop-in event. This is a unique opportunity to speak directly with representatives from the council and NI Water, and provide your feedback in person.

The drop-in event will take place at the Drumglass Park Bandstand on Wednesday 12 August 2026, from 3pm to 7pm. To find out more and complete the online survey, please visit the Your Say Belfast website: yoursay./drumglass-park. Don't miss your chance to contribute to a greener future for Belfast.