John O'Dowd
Upper Bann · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“As I set out in response to the previous question, we have in place the vacant property rate relief scheme and the small business rate relief scheme, which are very successful. I set aside £10 million in the draft Budget for small business rate relief to be invested.”
“I am particularly keen to hear from those impacted by vacant commercial units and especially about how any phased increase can be implemented in a sustainable way that is fair, proportionate and sustainable within the tax system.”
“I outlined my intent to take that approach in my statement on 18 November, alongside the fact that reform of rating policy should support growth, make better use of property and ensure that the system is fair, proportionate and aligned with wider economic objectives.”
“The accelerator will operate alongside our highly successful Back in Business scheme, which has helped to bring over 100 vacant high street properties back into use since May 2024. Those issues have been the subject of considerable interest and comment in the Assembly, and it is right that we grasp the nettle now.”
“There are no circumstances in which a hard border would be good for the people of Ireland; it would not be good for anyone. Those who suggest that are being naive at best and dangerous at worst, in the sense of not understanding this society. <BR /> <BR />Rural communities along the border are one and the same.”
“This announcement represents the next step in that. That said, I also put on record my intention to strengthen support for small businesses. In that vein, £10 million has been set aside in the draft Budget to broaden the impact of the small business rate relief scheme in order to increase the number of businesses that can benefit from it.…”
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“I am satisfied that there is sufficient independence around the testing of our water quality for me to stand here and reassure our constituents and myself that we can use the water that is coming out of our taps.”
“Let me be clear: there is independent assurance about the water. NI Water does its tests; the independent drinking water inspectorate carries out tests; we work with our colleagues in NIEA who carry out tests; and local councils can carry out tests. The water is robustly tested to assure citizens that, if they are connected to the public system, it is safe to turn on their tap and that clean drinking water will come out of it. <BR /> <BR />I am happy to support an independent environmental protection agency. To be perfectly honest, I do not know what role such an agency would have in testing water. It may be another layer, but if that would assure the Member, let us have another one.”
“In fairness to my Executive colleagues and the main players in the debate, everyone recognises that NI Water needs more resources, but it is competing against Health, Education and all those things. We have to work together to map out a way forward. As I said in response to a number of questions today, there is a three-pronged strategy: having more direct investment in NI Water, seeing what new legislation on developer contributions might look like, and working with nature through programmes and the provisions in the SuDS Bill.”
“Any investment strategy has to include an investment strategy for NI Water. It will not work without NI Water having access to the resources that it requires or that can be delivered during an investment strategy period. Those discussions are ongoing.”
“We will work on legislation and see whether we need to change legislation and what that will look like to allow for developer contributions to waste water treatment works, pumping stations or whatever it may be. We need to ensure that houses, factories and schools are built, and that they are connected to a system that is safe, secure and environmentally robust.”
“As I previously outlined, working with my Executive colleagues is part of the long-term plan. Unfortunately, we have been dealing with one-year Budgets over a period, which makes it difficult for a Minister, the Executive or, in this case, a government-owned company to plan for the future with real certainty. Hopefully, that will change after the current spending round. <BR /> <BR />Working with nature is also a way forward. We will need hard engineering solutions; there is no question about that. We will need tens of millions of pounds to put those hard engineering solutions in place, but we also have to work with nature and ensure that we use it through SuDS or other measures to contain the deluges that we face as a result of climate change.”
“That can happen if an extension is put on a property, if a washing machine is put in a garage or whatever it may be. The legislation will allow NI Water to work with the property owner, so that either the property owner will correct that connection or NI Water will correct it and charge the property owner for that mis-connection. We are taking a number of steps. <BR /> <BR />As I said, we have all taken Lough Neagh for granted for far too long. We have to stop doing that.”
“I put it this way to the Member: we have all contributed to it. We have all taken the lough for granted for far too long, and we are now seeing the consequences of that. What is NI Water doing? NI Water needs the resources and support to upgrade its waste water treatment works, where required. I am working with NI Water to ensure that every penny that we spend is used as efficiently and effectively as possible. I am working with my Executive colleagues to secure further funding for NI Water. <BR /> <BR />I mentioned the sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) Bill to one of our colleagues earlier. It looks not only at holding back floodwater and releasing it into the system more slowly but at another issue that causes significant damage to our environment: wrong or illegal connections, where foul water runs into storm drains.”
“I welcome the opportunity presented by the question for urgent oral answer to, once again, reaffirm that message: water is safe to drink and use. As I said, rigorous tests are carried out on water daily at source, through the treatment stage and at customers' taps. If any customer has continuing concerns about their water, they should report those directly to NI Water. In fairness to NI Water, it will not be able to go to everyone's homes to test water directly from the tap, but it is taking sample tests in the affected areas, and those are being tested as well. As I said, my home has been impacted, and I am using the water. I understand people's genuine concerns — I am not dismissing any of them — but the water is safe to drink.”
“I am thankful that my Executive colleagues are working with me on the budgetary issue. As I say, the other issues are moving forward as well.”
“The Member is absolutely correct. One of the causes of the algae blooms in Lough Neagh is foul water entering the lough in too high a concentration and too often. I am working with my Executive colleagues to increase the funding available to NI Water to upgrade the relevant water treatment works. I am looking at changing the legislation on developer contributions. Recently, I also had a policy passed at the Executive to allow me to go forward and draft legislation on sustainable drainage, so that we work with nature instead of against nature in how we separate and deal with storm water etc. That is so that we can store it and release it into the system more slowly than has been the case. When it is released more slowly into the system, it does not overrun at our waste water treatment works. Three steps are at play at the moment.”
“I commit to working with the AERA Minister; indeed, the Executive have committed to working with the AERA Minister. I note that the action plan is also referenced in the draft Programme for Government. It is abundantly clear to us all that the abuse of our natural environment over decades is coming back to haunt us. As I said, the ongoing blue-green algae blooms in Lough Neagh present challenges to NI Water in producing fresh, clean drinking water. We are receiving fresh, clean, safe drinking water through our taps, but we have to take on the challenge of where the odour and smell are coming from. They come from the algae in the lough. That presents huge problems to the environment and biodiversity of Lough Neagh. It is right and proper that other Ministers and I support the AERA Minister in his action plan to take that on.”
“I am satisfied with the assurances that I have received from NI Water on the quality of our drinking water. As I said, my home was impacted by this, and I am using the water in my home. I accept — I do not dismiss — anyone's concerns. It is a genuine concern: if you turn on your tap and there is a foul odour coming out of it, you rightly ask questions and rightly contact elected representatives and NI Water. <BR /> <BR />The water is inspected by NI Water. It is inspected and regulated by the independent drinking water authority as well. NI Water is liaising with the Environment Agency and councils in that regard, so we can give ourselves a number of independent assurances that the water coming out of our taps in some areas, even if it has a foul odour, is safe to use.”
“While algae continue to bloom on the lough, NI Water faces considerable challenges in producing clean drinking water for us, but it is producing clean drinking water for us.”
“I recently visited one of its water treatment processing plants and was impressed by the nature of the studious activity that was going on to ensure that we are supplied with clean drinking water daily. <BR /> <BR />The strong taste and odour that people are getting at the moment is not from a chemical but from a naturally occurring compound in the water. It is a timely reminder to us all, if we needed it, that we need to look after our natural resources. We need to look after Lough Neagh. We need to ensure that the action plan that was published by the AERA Minister is advanced and enacted and that we tackle not just the years but the decades of neglect of Lough Neagh.”
“Let me emphasise this again: NI Water has confirmed to me that the water coming out of our taps is safe to drink and use. My home is impacted on by this. I use the water in my home and have young children, and I obviously do not want it to impact on my health. I accept that there is an unpleasant taste and smell for drinking-water purposes. Some people may wish to have bottled water or other water for that purpose. For all other purposes, the water is safe, and it is safe to drink as well. <BR /> <BR />As for which chemicals are used, I will follow up in writing to the Member. NI Water has a very robust regime in place to ensure that the water that comes out of our taps is safe to drink.”
“Processes have included enhanced sampling of the network treatment works, the distribution network and customer taps.”
“NI Water's number-one priority is the quality and safety of your drinking water. I am aware of a number of customers who have reported a taste and smell in their drinking water supply in specific areas. This is related to increased algae levels in Lough Neagh that contain naturally occurring compounds that may cause an unpleasant taste and smell even after going through NI Water's robust treatment process. NI Water is working to reduce the impact of those compounds as they move through the water supply system and is working closely daily with the drinking water inspectorate (DWI) and the Public Health Agency (PHA) to ensure that the water is safe to drink. I can confirm that NI Water has confirmed to me that the water is safe to drink.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Given the experience of Waterways Ireland in its role across a vast network of inland waterways across the island of Ireland, it is ideally placed to support and work with organisations on the River Blackwater and elsewhere. That does not fall under the NSMC's remit yet, but it would be useful to all if the remit of Waterways Ireland were broadened to allow it to support and work with communities. The River Blackwater is one example, and there are many others.”
“Waterways Ireland has increased focus on sustainable management of the natural environment of the waterways. Given its remit, it is connected to the protection of biodiversity and ecology. In 2022, Waterways Ireland adopted a 10-year climate action plan and will continue to deliver that. The environment, sustainability and that action plan are key priorities of its 2024 business plan, which includes implementation of a water management strategy and a heritage and biodiversity plan.”
“The River Blackwater, which I am very familiar with, does not fall under the remit of Waterways Ireland, but I come back to my answer to the previous question: we are not fulfilling the full potential of our inland waterways. When you look at the River Blackwater with its connections to Lough Neagh and the Ulster canal and other waterways, you see that we have to find a mechanism to deliver the potential that they have for tourism, leisure and even the fisheries industry in those areas. We are failing in that regard. There has to be a review of how we manage those waterways to their full potential.”
“The restoration of the Ulster canal includes a connection from Lough Neagh to Clones. It was a commitment in the Stormont House Agreement, the Fresh Start Agreement and New Decade, New Approach. Currently, no actual plans are in place to deliver those commitments, but I want to work with Waterways Ireland and the NSMC to ensure that we deliver them, because the tourism potential for us in completing that connection is huge. We have not fully harnessed the potential of our inland waterways in this jurisdiction for a variety of reasons, including a lengthy period of austerity. The commitments made in those agreements now have to be fulfilled, and I look forward to working with others on fulfilling them.”
“Yes. I recently visited the project. It is very impressive work, and a complicated piece of engineering has been going on there. It can only take place during certain parts of the year because of the water levels in the Bann. Good progress is being made. Phase 2 involves the remaining length of the weir to the eastern side of the river, adjacent to the lock chamber, and it is due for completion in autumn 2024.”
“I understand that, once work has been completed in relation to the by-laws in the South, Waterways Ireland will move towards a consultation on its by-laws in the North. A consultation will be produced, and Members and other interested parties will be able to respond to that before it goes further.”
“It did not feature at the most recent meeting, but the Member is absolutely correct: it is under review, and it is being looked at by the secretariat. A report will be brought to a future NSMC meeting on that matter.”
“It will provide for cars, cycle and pedestrian traffic by connecting the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway in County Down with the R173 Omeath in County Louth. The NSMC also noted the significant benefits the bridge will bring by better connecting both jurisdictions and developing sustainable tourism in the east border region. <BR /> <BR />The Council agreed to hold its next inland waterways meeting in late 2024. That concludes my statement on the inland waterways sectoral meeting.”
“We welcomed additional funding of €80 million for phase 3 of the project from the Government of Ireland and noted an event to mark completion by Waterways Ireland of phase 2 of the Ulster canal restoration project, which took place later that day at Clones marina in County Monaghan. <BR /> <BR />We welcomed the commencement of construction of the Narrow Water bridge, which was marked at an event in June that I attended, as Minister for Infrastructure, with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. We welcomed the fact that the Government of Ireland approved funding from the Shared Island Fund for the total cost of the project based on the successful tender price of €102 million plus VAT. The bridge is a major investment and a landmark piece of cross-border infrastructure.”
“<BR /> <BR />We noted that the terms of reference for an independent organisational review of Waterways Ireland have been approved by the Finance Ministers and that an update on the position of the review will be provided at a future meeting. <BR /> <BR />We consented to a number of property disposals and acquisitions. <BR /> <BR />We noted the progress achieved on the restoration of the Ulster canal and the plans for phase 3 of its restoration from Castle Saunderson to Clonfad.”
“We noted that the Waterways Ireland annual reports and accounts for 2021 and 2022 have been laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly and both Houses of the Oireachtas and that the annual report and accounts for 2023 have been submitted to the Comptrollers and Auditors General in both jurisdictions and, following certification, will be laid before the Assembly and both Houses of the Oireachtas. <BR /> <BR />We noted the proposed updating by Waterways Ireland of the Shannon navigation by-laws and the canals by-laws, which involved extensive stakeholder engagement. We also noted that the body is in the process of reviewing submissions received as part of the consultation process.”
“<BR /> <BR />We welcomed Waterways Ireland's response to climate change, biodiversity and sustainability issues, how it has resourced itself and built capacity to enable success in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, and how it seeks to drive cultural change by embedding sustainability in the organisation. <BR /> <BR />We approved Waterways Ireland's corporate plan for 2023-25 and the business plans, budgets and grants for 2022, 2023 and 2024.”
“I chaired the meeting, and the following is a note of what was discussed. <BR /> <BR />We welcomed the achievements of Waterways Ireland since the previous meeting and the valuable contribution that it makes through its various activities, including the launch of Waterways Ireland's 10-year plan; its digital transformation programme; its nomination for various awards, including in the green public-sector organisation of the year category at the Green Awards; the success of the Royal canal greenway and the ongoing work on the Grand canal greenway and the Ulster canal greenway; the progression of major projects, such as the Barrow navigation, Tullamore harbour and depot, Camden lock and Connaught harbour; the ongoing rehabilitation of Carnroe weir on the lower Bann; the delivery of phase 2 of the Ulster canal restoration project; Waterways Ireland's involvement in the development of the Shannon tourism master plan and the Erne visitor experience development programme; the development of its asset management programme; its business continuity framework; its emergency response plan; the implementation of its health and safety programme and pursuit of ISO 45001 accreditation; the introduction of a hybrid working policy; the launch of its people strategy; and the filling of key posts to enable the organisation to fulfil its statutory remit.”
“Apologies, Mr Deputy Speaker. I will be with you in one moment. <BR /> <BR />With your permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement, in compliance with section 52 of the NI Act 1998, on the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meeting in inland waterways sectoral format, which was held in the Ulster Canal Stores in Clones, County Monaghan, on 19 June 2024. The Executive were represented by me, as the Minister for Infrastructure, and by junior Minister Pam Cameron. The Irish Government were represented by Darragh O'Brien TD, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Malcolm Noonan TD, the Minister of State with responsibility for nature, heritage and electoral reform. The statement has been agreed with junior Minister Cameron, and I am making it on behalf of us both.”
“The PAC report will be published at that time. I hope that my recommendation to the Executive will be adopted in order for the A5 project to move ahead.”
“I suspect that you are sceptical about a lot of things, Mr McCrossan. I cannot help you with that, but I am sure that somebody can, if you look around. <BR /> <BR />The timing of my announcement has not been driven by the election. Rather, it has been driven by the requirement for me to follow a detailed and analytical examination of the PAC's report and by legal, scientific and other advice. The announcement would have been made at this time, election or no election. The communications with my Executive colleagues came about as a result of my completing that work, in line with advice from my officials. I have now communicated with my Executive colleagues, and the PAC report is on its way to them. I will present a final draft of the report and its recommendations to my Executive colleagues in August.”
“I am involved in many strange things as Minister, but, unfortunately, that is not one of them. I have heard the Member raise that issue on numerous occasions with the relevant Ministers, and I am sure that they are taking his concerns under consideration.”
“That is a good segue into the statement, Harry. I will make further announcements on my capital programme in the next number of weeks. I assure the Member that I will update him on the Ballynahinch bypass.”
“I thank the Member for her question. She raises a valid point. As I have said before in the House when we talk about the rail link between Belfast and Dublin and improving the rail link between Derry, Cork and Dublin, it is often seen as bringing trade and investment in the one direction. However, I see it in a totally different light. The hourly service has huge economic potential for the towns, villages and communities from Newry up to Belfast. When that service is put in place, we should encourage businesses to look at investment along the entirety of that rail line, because you will be able to bring commuters and businesses to you hourly. It has fantastic opportunities for all of our local businesses and communities.”
“Apologies to the Member, but I have no details before me on that matter. I am more than happy to respond to him in writing.”
“Again, it is about learning from each other's experiences on the matter. The Member will appreciate that, regardless of the different opinions on the border on the island of Ireland, biodiversity does not stop at either side of the border. We have common biodiversity across the island. It is about how we best manage that and learn from each other's experiences. A very interesting presentation was given by both Departments on how we manage road verges and the various pockets of land that each Department manages and how we best use them to promote biodiversity and protect the biodiversity on the island.”
“The sharing of experiences provides an important learning opportunity and enables both jurisdictions on the island to learn from each other, so it will be a standing item on our agenda.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Road safety is a long-standing item on the transport sectoral work programme. There are common causes across the island of Ireland in relation to road safety and crashes. We can learn from each other's jurisdiction.”
“That matter has been brought to my attention. My Department has engaged with Irish Rail on it. I hope that Irish Rail will take on board our concerns about the potential for disruption and delays to the cross-border service. I hope for a positive outcome on that.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I can confirm that, following deliberations with my officials on the capital budget, I will proceed with the safety improvements to the A1. They will be done in one package rather than over a series of phases. Doing the work as one scheme is much more economically viable, but it will also ensure that safety on that busy road, where 40 lives have been lost over the past 20 years, is dramatically improved. There have been many campaigners for safety on the A1, but I particularly want to note Monica Heaney, who has campaigned for safety on the A1 following the tragic death of her son Karl. I commend her and others who have campaigned for that work. I assure them that the work will now proceed as I have lifted the embargo on it.”
“The next step with the review is that it will be presented to the Executive and the Irish Government later this month, I hope, for their noting. The review is comprehensive. I have asked for a review of the review in relation to Fermanagh. It would be inappropriate for me to make further comment on it before presenting it to my Executive colleagues, but I assure the Member that, regardless of the outcomes, the review is open to ongoing analysis and deliberations. The ambition of the review is to ensure that we connect all parts of this island, rural and urban, with proper rail networks.”
“There will be a small contribution from my Department in this financial year. I have mapped out in detail to my Executive colleagues how we propose to move forward with the A5 in the coming years. That also sets out the budgetary plans for my Department and how we propose to spend the welcome contribution from the Dublin Government.”
“Ministers noted that officials will be engaging in a number of cross-border initiatives, including an environment-themed workshop, to showcase and share information on biodiversity best practice across the transport sector. <BR /> <BR />The Council agreed to hold its next transport meeting in autumn 2024. My officials and I look forward to working with the Minister for Transport and his officials on all areas of cooperation in the transport sector.”
“Ministers noted that officials from both Administrations will progress agreed cross-border sustainable travel and transport projects, continue to liaise on policy development and seek opportunities for further collaboration. Ministers agreed that a further update will be provided at a future NSMC meeting. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted current ambitions, mechanisms and governance arrangements in relation to biodiversity loss and climate action, mitigation and adaptation in the transport sector across the island of Ireland. The NSMC welcomed the operational practices across the transport sector in support of addressing the loss of biodiversity and noted the presentation provided on addressing loss of biodiversity in the sector.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Council welcomed progress on the EU-funded Connecting Europe Facility and INTERREG projects, including the A1 Belfast to Dublin road safety improvements; the removal of a major bottleneck on the North Sea/Mediterranean corridor at Newry/Warrenpoint; the planning and design phase of the TEN-T priority route improvement in the north-west; the north-west multimodal transport hub; cross-border greenways; and electric vehicle chargers. The Council noted the updates provided by the Department of Transport in respect of actions under the sustainable mobility policy and related actions under the climate action plans and by the Department for Infrastructure in respect of transport decarbonisation policy development, including increasing sustainable active travel.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Council noted the ongoing review of the potential for government support for renewed viable air routes from Cork to Belfast and from Dublin to the City of Derry Airport. The NSMC welcomed the continued cooperation between DFI and DOT on matters relating to EU funding and welcomed the decision in April 2024 to award €165 million from the PEACE PLUS programme to the Enterprise fleet replacement project.”
“Ministers noted that the Government of Ireland have commissioned an expert-led review on potential cross-border greenway opportunities, in line with the commitment to create an island-wide greenway network. <BR /> <BR />The Council welcomed the allocation of funding by the Government of Ireland of €12·5 million from the Shared Island Fund with match funding from the Department of Transport (DOT) to meet the total cost of introducing an hourly rail service between Belfast and Dublin over an initial three-year period. The NSMC noted the presentation provided on cross-border intercity rail services between Belfast and Dublin and the all-island strategic rail review, and it welcomed the progress on the review and the intention to present the final review to the NI Executive and the Government of Ireland in July 2024.”