NHBC working to boost NI building 

NHBC working to boost NI building 

NHBC's NI team is continuing its efforts to support the home-building industry in Northern Ireland as we launch a dedicated quarterly newsletter. 

Regional Director Padraig Venney and colleagues recently met with key figures from the Northern Ireland Executive to discuss the challenges faced by builders in the country.  

NHBC has also partnered with PropertyPal, Northern Ireland’s largest property listing website, to co-create content that shares practical advice and expert guidance with prospective purchasers of new-build homes. 

Padraig spoke with Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins about the lack of sewage and drainage capacity that is currently holding back the construction of thousands of homes.  

Last year, the Northern Ireland Assembly passed the Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill to improve resource management and free up wastewater capacity. 

In a separate meeting, he also discussed topics such as social housing with Gordon Lyons, the Communities Minister and author of The Housing Supply Strategy 2024-39, as we seek to use our unique position to shape the conversation around new home building. 

Padraig said: “The residential construction industry in Northern Ireland faces the same challenges as in the rest of the UK, but there are additional regional factors at play too. 

“It’s no secret that we need a significant increase in our water infrastructure to be able to build the homes people need and deserve, so we will continue to champion this cause and work closely with partners in Government and industry to find solutions. 

“I am always grateful to hear what leaders are doing and happy to offer our help as a bridge between the public, private and third sectors.” 

Meanwhile, Padraig and his colleagues are finalising plans for BEYOND ’27 LIVE Northern Ireland, the country’s must-attend conference for all in the house-building industry, which returns in Spring 2027. 

He said: “We are incredibly excited to build on the success of our last event and deliver an even more enjoyable and beneficial day for everyone who attends or exhibits. 

“Water and infrastructure will be a major focus as we strive to overcome the barriers and support the building of quality new homes. 

“That’s why we’re also launching the newsletter – to keep everyone who works in our industry up to date and informed.”