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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“As with all major projects, particularly when there is a one-year budget, you can only confirm the budget for the following year. The Irish Government's contribution has given us headroom, and I am engaging with the Finance Minister about a contribution from the Executive. <BR /> <BR />I am also engaging and plan to engage with the UK Government. The A5 is mentioned in the UK connectivity report, and the British Government and the Treasury therefore have a responsibility to contribute to that major piece of infrastructure, which both gives road safety to the people who use it and opens the entire western side of the country up economically. We can therefore allow economic development to take place. The A5 also connects our ports and our airports.”
“The PAC has produced a detailed report on how the project can be delivered, taking into account all factors, including environmental factors and people's rights. It includes all those details. I give a commitment to the House that I will faithfully respond to that report in due course.”
“Given the history of legal challenges to the scheme, I expect that there will be more, unfortunately. My Department received the report of the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) on 31 October. It is a complex and detailed report that deserves to be carefully studied and responded to. When I am in a position to do so, I will respond to that report and outline what I plan to do in the time ahead. <BR /> <BR />I appeal to those who are behind the legal challenges to the project to look at and listen to the statistics that I read out today. People are dying on the road. The road needs to be upgraded — there is no argument about that — so I ask those people to set aside their legal challenges.”
“<BR /> <BR />The collision history on the existing road speaks for itself, in that there have been over 50 fatalities since 2006.Clearly, with a new dual carriageway on which all travelling vehicles are separated from opposing traffic and strategic traffic is separated from local traffic and local communities, there is significant potential to reduce collisions and fatalities. A clear example at local level is the provision of the new dual carriageway on the A4 between Dungannon and Ballygawley. There were 37 fatalities on that notorious road in the 10 years before the dual carriageway was opened in 2010. While every fatality is, of course, regrettable, there have been just two since the year of its opening.”
“I thank the Member for her question. The A5 western transport corridor has been a flagship project for the Executive since it was announced in 2007. Improving road safety has always been and remains one of the key scheme objectives of the new road. My Department has therefore been focused throughout on developing plans that will greatly improve safety for all road users and benefit many communities living close to the existing A5 route by removing strategic traffic from that busy road.”
“It will take significant investment in certain areas — in other areas, not so much — but we can do things differently in certain areas, and early engagement is key.”
“This could probably become a theme during Question Time: if Members wish to meet me, I am happy for them to contact my private office, and I will attempt to facilitate as many meeting requests as possible. It is difficult when I am on my feet in the Chamber to agree to various meetings. <BR /> <BR />My response to your question is the same as the one that I gave to your two colleagues: early engagement and discussions between developers and NI Water are crucial to how we move forward. As Minister, I assure you that I will do everything in my power to move matters forward, but we will have to do things differently. <BR /> <BR />The Living with Water scheme for Belfast is an example of how we can do things differently.”
“It may not be funded directly by NI Water; it may have to be for developers. I understand that there might be financial concerns around the developers, but we will have to do things slightly differently from the way in which we did them before, and we will have to be imaginative about it. <BR /> <BR />I encourage developers to engage with NI Water at an early stage. NI Water has now built up a good relationship with social housing providers, ensuring that each knows the other's priorities and plans. It is like many things in life: engagement is key.”
“I understand that there are particular constraints in the Belfast area. I had a meeting with my officials this morning about the Belfast Living with Water scheme. The cost of that scheme has risen significantly. It is under review. I have asked my officials to report on that review to me as soon as possible. I will have to match that review against my budget settlement, and then, as I said to Mr McGlone, I will have to prioritise things in my Department against things in the Executive. <BR /> <BR />This goes back to the point that I made, and it should be delivered loud and clear to everyone: early engagement with NI Water is essential, particularly by developers. That brand of "economically constrained" sends out too negative a message. It is too definitive, too rigid. There are opportunities to develop in those areas.”
“<BR /> <BR />On developments, we have to broaden the conversation around how we deliver waste-water treatment works for certain developments. I do not like the term "economically constrained". It almost sends out a negative right away that leads developers to say, "I can't develop there". The reality is that NI Water — it is very clear on this — is asking developers to engage with it at an early stage to see what can be done both by NI Water and the developer.”
“On your second point, I await an evidence base to support that claim. NI Water gave evidence to the Infrastructure Committee, at which it said that it would take responsibility for 20% of the effluent. However, my colleague the AERA Minister is taking forward a programme of work on that, so we want to make sure that we are working on an evidence base in relation to what is happening in Lough Neagh. <BR /> <BR />Certainly, I would like to be able to invest more in NI Water, but I am competing with other priorities in my Department and with other priorities in the Executive, so we will face difficult budgetary decisions as we move forward. However, I will do everything in my power to ensure that NI Water is supported as best as it can be.”
“The Department is currently assessing that plan. At present, the Utility Regulator is undertaking a mid-term review to determine the investment levels required for the remaining three years of the price control period. The Department awaits the outcome of that mid-term review. However, funding the investment requirement identified by the Utility Regulator will be subject to the challenging, constrained financial situation going forward.”
“I thank the Member for his question. <BR /> <BR />Sorry, Mr Speaker. I am trying out a new device today. <BR /> <BR />With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions 2 and 11 together. <BR /> <BR />The Utility Regulator’s price control final determination, known as PC21, recommends a capital investment of £2·1 billion in water and waste-water services in the period spanning 2021-22 to 2026-27. That figure includes over £1 billion being invested in waste-water assets. My Department has fully funded NI Water for the first three years of the price control and has provided circa £90 million of additional capital funding over and above the funding level recommended in PC21 during that period. <BR /> <BR />NI Water recently submitted to the Department its 2024-25 operating plan and budget.”
“I understand that, in a flood scenario, there is a centralised number to contact and that all the agencies are coordinated into that. I expect that any messages left with that service are then forwarded to DFI Roads. <BR /> <BR />As for formulating an out-of-hours service for elected representatives, I simply do not have the resources to do that. Somebody would have to staff that, and it would have to be backed up with resources etc. That is not possible at the moment, but I will double-check that my Department and Roads Service are fully involved in the flood line to which you are able to report incidents.”
“On the issue of roads being closed for repairs, I have asked my officials to review that to make sure that there is consistency of approach. <BR /> <BR />I think that the Member asks a broader question about the quality of the road network, if I am correct. It could be argued that rural roads have fallen behind. I intend to look at my budget as we move forward to see whether we can direct more funding towards our rural road network to bring it up to the standard that businesses and rural dwellers deserve.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Not all roadworks are shown on the TrafficWatchNI website. There is a considerable number of road restrictions across the North, and those that are considered to cause significant disruption are shown on the website. I am assured that significant road restrictions in the south Down area are being shown on the TrafficWatchNI website. However, I have asked my officials to review the process to ensure that a consistent approach is being taken, one that maximises the benefit of the website to the public.”
“At that time, the growth of the private car drove decision-making processes. Mr Carroll referred to austerity measures. That is not a new thing; they were introduced at that time as well. There were proposals to move away from public transport in a bid to save money. Those people were mistaken. We have 60 years of hindsight, but, with the report, we now have an opportunity to correct the mistakes of the past. There are huge opportunities for all our people across these islands, including ensuring that no one is left behind.”
“I assure you that I will continue to seek funding for our public transport network with my Executive colleagues, especially given the clear role of public transport in helping to address the climate emergency, alongside providing support for many of the Executive's other priorities, including health, education and the economy. The benefits of public transport services, particularly rail, do not end at the rail station. I think that Mr Honeyford pointed that out. As part of the proposals, we will ensure that there is connectivity from our rail stations to public services. That is important for our economy. <BR /> <BR />Mr Gildernew pointed out the economic benefits of investment in rail services. Decisions that were made in this place 60 years ago need to be reversed.”
“The rail network will play an increasingly important role as we seek to encourage people to move to more sustainable transport options. At the same time, we must seek to reduce the emissions from our rolling stock as part of that process. A first step is the procurement of a new Enterprise fleet that will operate on battery and electric power. <BR /> <BR />Members will be aware, however, that, given the many competing budget priorities that my Department faces, funding our public transport services remains challenging.”
“My officials and I are discussing the consultation responses to that document. My intent is to retain the services as they are. I will have to engage, most likely, with my Executive colleagues about how we secure the budget for that, but my intention is to secure the services as they are. <BR /> <BR />A separate feasibility study that will examine the introduction of a half-hourly service between Derry and Belfast and consider the possibility of additional rail halts on the Coleraine to Derry line, including at Derry City Airport, is also being progressed and will inform future investment in that area. <BR /> <BR />We all are aware that transport is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gas. The decarbonisation of transport is vital if we are to meet the targets set out in the Climate Change Act.”
“However, I accept that more can be done, and that is why my Department approved the business case for phase 3 of the Coleraine to Derry project in November 2022 and made available over £97 million to Translink to take that project forward.”
“More detailed work will be needed to test the feasibility and affordability of the recommendations and guide future investment decisions. One of the key initial steps will be the prioritisation of the review's recommendations and the development of an implementation plan. My officials are already engaging with their southern colleagues on those matters. <BR /> <BR />On ongoing rail developments, my Department has in recent years invested over £100 million in major rail projects in the north-west. That includes phases 1 and 2 of the Coleraine to Derry track relay project, totalling over £70 million, as well as the north-west multi-modal transport hub, which amounts to over £27 million.”
“Given the scale of the interventions and the magnitude of transformation involved, delivering those benefits will undoubtedly be challenging and require support from my Executive colleagues and the necessary resources being made available to my Department. We will also look at all avenues of funding available, given the importance of the work for economic activity and connectivity. <BR /> <BR />The review was released for public consultation from July to September last year. My officials are working closely with their southern colleagues to address the issues raised through the consultation and finalise the review. However, the finalisation of the review is only the starting point. The review's recommendations provide policymakers and Ministers in both jurisdictions with an evidence-based framework to inform future investment decisions.”
“I have no difficulty in engaging with the Department for Transport, and I will come to the connectivity review in my remarks shortly. <BR /> <BR />There is a responsibility on the British Government to help fund this project and other transport projects in the North. We pay taxes to the Treasury, so we have all invested in the tax regime, and we expect a better return on it. As was noted by the Finance Minister earlier, it has now been accepted that we are underfunded. I will certainly engage with the Department for Transport on this project and other projects that I believe the British Government should be investing in. <BR /> <BR />This is a significant investment that can deliver multiple benefits for our people, our economy and our environment.”
“For the North, the total cost estimate is £7·7 billion, which is approximately £0·31 billion per annum over a 25-year period.”
“Should the latest analysis continue to report that rail services to Fermanagh are not viable in the time frame of the review, those review periods will allow for consideration of the decision at a later stage. <BR /> <BR />The review is an excellent example of joint collaborative working on cross-border priorities. I am committed to continuing that partnership by working with southern colleagues to realise the extent of the ambitions of the review. Discussions between my officials and their southern counterparts continued even while the Assembly was down, and I will engage with Minister Ryan next week on this and a number of other matters. <BR /> <BR />If the review's recommendations are implemented in full in the coming decades, the capital cost is estimated to be over £30 billion in 2023 prices.”
“Therefore, in the view of the report's authors, a rail service to Enniskillen would be unlikely to represent good value for money at this time. The review, instead, found that a higher-frequency integrated bus link between Enniskillen and rail stations, such as Omagh and Dungannon, may provide a better public transport option. However, my officials continue to explore with the appointed review consultants the viability of rail services to Fermanagh, and will report back to me on that matter in the coming weeks. I am keen to extend the rail network to as many parts of the country as possible. While the review extends to 2050, the intention is to build in review points over that time period.”
“You are the Opposition. You draw me up a list of things that you do not want me to spend money on and leave me with the things that I can spend money on. <BR /> <BR />Finalising the rail review that puts us on the path to delivering these interventions is one of my key priorities as the Infrastructure Minister. <BR /> <BR />While the recommendations, which will grow and enhance our rail network, are to be welcomed, I recognise that many are disappointed by the omission of rail connections in Fermanagh. Several Members have raised that point today. The provision of rail services to Fermanagh and, in particular, Enniskillen was considered as part of the review. However, the review reported that the proposed railway line did not appear to stimulate sufficient demand to support a rail service within the time frame for the review.”
“I note that, in the past hour and a half in the Chamber, we have spent a few billion pounds. A few billion pounds was also spent in the previous debate. I would like to prioritise everything but, in fairness to Members, you will have to start prioritising, because we do not have billions to spend.”
“There will also be cross-border routes from Derry to Letterkenny and Portadown to Mullingar; reinstatement of the railway line between Lisburn and Antrim, which will enable Belfast International Airport to be connected to the rail network; and improvement of existing rail connections at George Best Belfast City Airport. <BR /> <BR />I am conscious that concerns have been raised about the proposed lack of connection to City of Derry Airport. That is something to be looked at as the review moves on. We are talking about an investment over 25 or 30 years. As has been said, there will be a number of Ministers in position before this comes to its conclusion. Now that we have opened up the debate about improving our railway services, there are huge opportunities for connections, particularly to our ports and airports.”
“<BR /> <BR />Some of the key recommendations and interventions in respect of the North include: decarbonisation of the rail network, including electrification of the Belfast to Dublin line; frequency, speed and capacity improvements on the Belfast to Dublin and Belfast to Derry lines; and new lines from Belfast to Newry and Portadown to Derry. On Mr Durkan's comment about the speed of the Portadown to Derry connection, to clarify, it is planned for that rail network to have a 200 km per hour speed, so it is a high-speed connection.”
“Those links can bring communities previously cut off from public transport within easy reach of towns and cities, boosting access to services, jobs and education, and helping to address regional imbalance. <BR /> <BR />Rail also has an important role to play in tackling the climate emergency: it has a lower environmental impact than any other mode of transport as it emits less carbon and consumes less energy. Decarbonisation of the rail network will further enhance the benefits and is a key objective of the review. An improved, expanded and accessible rail network across the island will also deliver environmental benefits by encouraging modal shift, and, in the process, reducing congestion and emissions and improving safety.”
“I am keen that we are ambitious around our rail network, and that we maximise the potential of rail to support social and economic development and the environmental sustainability of our transport system. The rail review is an ambitious piece of work that has the potential to transform our rail network. It offers an opportunity to deliver real and lasting change for people, communities and our island economy through faster speeds; greatly improved frequency; new routes, particularly across the west and north; and widened accessibility and connectivity across the island. <BR /> <BR />The benefits of enhanced rail connections are many. Investment in the railway drives jobs and growth, stimulates development and regeneration, and unlocks housing supply by creating better transport links.”
“I thank the SDLP for tabling the motion on the all-island strategic rail review and the future of rail services across the island, and I thank the DUP for tabling its amendment.”
“All lights are green, and construction work will start in early summer 2025.”
“In all seriousness, this project has taken into consideration the town centre. We worked in collaboration with the local council. There is an opportunity now for the local council, ourselves and other agencies to see how the town centre can benefit from this project commercially, business-wise and even through the living environment. I believe that it will make a positive change, but we cannot just take that for granted: it has to be moved forward. On the land ownership issue, all the land that we require has been vested. I believe that I am correct in saying that. The land issues have been resolved. <BR /> <BR />I think that I have covered everybody's general comments. It is a good start that I am able to stand here and, as a result of a collective decision by the Executive, announce that funding is available for a project.”
“He has a question in already. <BR /> <BR />We now know where we will have the tea and coffee after we cut the ribbon on the bridge. We will have it in the Fermanagh unionist hall so that we can look at Weir's bridge.”
“Rural communities are often left behind when it comes to infrastructure, and I would like to see rural roads being treated in a more equitable manner. <BR /> <BR />Patrick Brown chanced his arm greatly by mentioning Ballynahinch and Downpatrick. I am sure that he can bring forward a debate on those measures, or, if he writes to me, I will be more than happy to engage with him.”
“If we do not, construction can start within that time frame and be delivered quite quickly. <BR /> <BR />As I have said, this is a significant milestone for an important project. As Mark Durkan said, Ministers would much prefer to be cutting ribbons than cutting budgets, so this is an easy one for me. I doubt that I will have very many easy debates in the Chamber, but this is certainly one. <BR /> <BR />I will turn to Members' comments. I have already covered some of the issues that they raised. I note that a Chamber debate on the all-Ireland rail review is upcoming. I also note Fermanagh's absence from that review. I will pursue that matter and engage on it in the time ahead. <BR /> <BR />Jemma Dolan mentioned the disparity in the treatment of rural roads. I hope to be able to announce a dedicated funding programme for rural roads.”
“<BR /> <BR />Funding for the scheme will now allow procurement to commence — Deborah asked about this — in April 2024, and the ability for the Department to meet that timescale means that the seasonal windows for earthworks, as well as works over and in the water, can be progressed to the most advantageous time frames. Again, environmental concerns have been raised about the time frame for constructing the road. If procurement goes ahead in April 2024, we hope that construction will start in spring/summer 2025, with around a two-year time frame for building. Thankfully, to date, there have been no legal challenges to the project. As far as I am aware, it is overwhelmingly supported in the local community. I hope that, at this stage, we do not run into any legal difficulties.”
“A landscaping plan has been developed, and we have already been working proactively alongside Ulster Wildlife to ensure that a significant amount of native tree planting, hedgerow and wildflower planting has been incorporated into the design. As an example, look at the A6. That is a longer stretch of road, but 1·2 million trees are planted along it, which will have huge beneficial impacts on biodiversity in that area. It is amazing that, even though we are building a road — roads bring not only opportunities but challenges for the environment — we can do things to improve the local environment. That is a really exciting part of the project.”
“<BR /> <BR />While the construction of major roads projects can significantly impact on the climate, I am pleased to advise that this scheme will show an overall reduction in carbon emissions in the long term and will have a beneficial impact on the climate. In fact, the environmental impact assessment shows that the combined emissions for the proposed scheme after opening, including the adjacent road network, will lead to an overall reduction in emissions of -4·7% when compared with not having the scheme. Consequently, the scheme has a carbon payback period of 28·8 years for the carbon emissions in construction. <BR /> <BR />My Department has considered ways in which the building of this important infrastructure can be mitigated through landscaping opportunities throughout the site, as mentioned by Tom Elliott, who has just come back.”
“It will also bring benefits to the town centre environment by improving air quality and reducing noise levels. That will create a unique opportunity to enhance active travel and placemaking measures in the town centre, with reduced levels of through traffic. That is an exciting opportunity for Enniskillen, which is a very picturesque town in a beautiful setting that is ideally set for active travel. That measure will involve consultation with local businesses, communities and elected representatives on the best way to bring it forward, but Enniskillen is ideally placed for such a scheme.”
“That is welcome news for the Department as well as for local businesses and communities in Enniskillen, which are supportive of this much-needed project. <BR /> <BR />The £2·1 million bypass will provide a new transport link to the southern side of the town, improving connectivity between the A4 Dublin Road and the A4 Sligo Road. As a number of Members mentioned, the transport link will also provide 3·5 kilometres of active travel for walking and cycling, extending along the Dublin and Derrylin roads to connect the existing non-motorised user infrastructure. The scheme will also alleviate traffic congestion in Enniskillen town centre, which will reduce delays and improve average journey times by approximately 50%, and it will bring much-needed improvement to road safety.”
“Thank you, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I also congratulate you on your appointment to your role. <BR /> <BR />I thank Deborah Erskine MLA for initiating the debate on the Enniskillen southern bypass scheme. I add my thanks to my Executive colleagues and will take this opportunity to recognise their commitment to the project, as demonstrated by yesterday's announcement to provide the necessary funding. It is also important to note that that was one of the first decisions of the newly reformed Executive, so it shows an intent to tackle regional inequality. <BR /> <BR />The £16·2 million capital funding that the Executive agreed, alongside the approved early release of £12·5 million from the Mid South West city and growth deal, provides security for the delivery of this critical infrastructure project.”
“Mr Allister made a comment about the ammonia policy. I accept that that is a huge challenge for the farming sector, but it is also a huge challenge for the environment. Various elements of that policy are under investigation, and reports will have to be developed on that as well. <BR /> <BR />I ask colleagues to work with me, and I will work with the Committee and others to ensure that we bring our planning system forward, secure the investment that it requires and deliver sustainable development into the future that benefits rural and urban communities.”
“We will do everything within our power to support the development of new industries and the green economy, wherever it may be. We will do our best and work with them to improve it, but let us not send out the message that you cannot do business here. <BR /> <BR />There are challenges for planning systems across these islands. If you look at some of the major planning applications that are going through in Britain or down South, you see that there is always a challenge. It is down to this: when you listen to the different views on planning in this Room today, you find that what one person, such as Mr Elliott, sees as economic development, another may see as a threat to the environment. It is about getting that balance right, and we have to work within the legislation that is before us to get it right.”
“I intend to take some time to understand the progress that has been made to date and to ensure that we do everything possible to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our wider planning system. I note that the proposer of the motion stated that they are not looking for another full-blown review of planning; they are looking at an appraisal of the planning system. I am more than happy to do that. I will continue the work that has already been done and continue to actively pursue and implement the reports that have been published in the most recent period. <BR /> <BR />I accept that our planning system is not working to its full potential, but we need to be careful not to send out a message to investors here or potential investors overseas that you cannot do business here in terms of planning :we can.”
“For my part, I am determined that projects that are a priority for me, such as the A5, will move forward and deliver long-awaited benefits for the people who use them. The progress already made is a starting point. We need to build on that and ensure that the whole system and all parties to it are properly funded and resourced in respect of capacity and capability in order to deliver the system change that is needed. There is lots to do in my Department and, more widely, with key stakeholders in the process, and I am up for that challenge. <BR /> <BR />As has already been pointed out, the Strategic Investment Board is a matter for the Executive Office, but I am committed to working with every delivery partner to get the whole system working better for everyone.”
“That represents a decrease of more than 15 weeks compared with the same period a year earlier, moving closer to the 30-week target. Results for the target of 70% for the closure of enforcement cases within 39 weeks are not available at this time. Once that information becomes available, I will make it available to the Committee and whoever else requires it. <BR /> <BR />There has been progress, and, although I accept that it was measured over only one year, with the various reports that we have had, the recommendations therein and the stop-start implementation of those at a political leadership level, we are having some change in the right direction, although I will not be complacent about it. <BR /> <BR />I want my Department to function at full capacity and to set a pathway for long-term future investment.”