Drainage for tarmac drives in County Antrim
We survey and price drainage jobs across County Antrim, from Belfast to Lisburn and Newtownabbey, with every layer written into the quote.

How much does tarmac driveway drainage cost in County Antrim?
Rates in County Antrim follow Northern Ireland, about 12% below our UK midpoint.
| Item | Guide price (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| Linear drainage channel | £53–£106 per metre |
| Soakaway or crate unit | £570–£1,750 each |
Towns we cover in County Antrim
Postcode areas: BT.
What is included?
Driveway drainage is the plan for where rainwater goes once it hits a sealed tarmac surface: the falls that move it, the channels or gullies that catch it, and the soakaway, border or approved drain that takes it away.
- Falls set across the drive, typically 1 in 60 to 1 in 80
- Linear channel at garages, doors or the bottom of a slope
- Soakaway or crate unit sized to the area and ground
- Runoff directed to borders or a permeable strip
- Connection to an existing surface-water drain where allowed
- No connection to the foul sewer
Rules in County Antrim
In Northern Ireland, more than 5 m² of hard surface in front of a house should be porous or drain to a porous area within the property; DfI Roads approves dropped kerbs. A vehicle crossing over the footway is a separate approval, from DfI Roads.
Drainage for tarmac drives in County Antrim: questions
How much does tarmac driveway drainage cost in County Antrim?
As a 2026 guide, about £53–£106 per metre inc VAT in County Antrim. The survey confirms a fixed price.
Which towns in County Antrim do you cover?
Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Ballymena, Antrim, Larne, Ballymoney and more.
How long does tarmac driveway drainage take?
Usually part of the main build; a soakaway adds about a day.
Can driveway water run onto the road?
Highway authorities generally do not want new drives discharging onto the road or footway, and in England it can mean the drive needs planning permission. Keep it on your own land where you can.
Other services in County Antrim
Get a written tarmac quote
Send a postcode and a rough size and we'll arrange a survey. Every quote lists the layers, edging, drainage and VAT.
- Surface courseDEPTH + MIX
- Binder courseDEPTH + MIX
- Sub-baseDEPTH + MATERIAL
- Edges, drainage, VATITEMISED