Michelle McIlveen
Strangford · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Public confidence depends not only on effective enforcement but on enforcement being exercised fairly and consistently. <BR /> <BR />There is widespread concern across Northern Ireland about the condition of many of our lakes and rivers, and there are a vast number of factors that contribute to water quality challenges.”
“Although we support the overall direction of travel, I think that is appropriate to reflect on the concerns that have been raised and ensure that the legislation is proportionate, practical and capable of delivering its intended outcomes.”
“If we are therefore serious about improving our aquatic environment, every source of pollution must be addressed. New legislative powers are meaningful only if the Department has the resources, the expertise and the personnel necessary to implement them effectively.”
“There is, however, a need for accompanying clear guidance and support and for regulatory consistency and prompt decision-making. Delays, uncertainty and excessive bureaucracy will undoubtedly discourage investment and undermine confidence in the sector.”
“Subordinate legislation should not become a substitute for proper democratic accountability. Consultation and engagement must be undertaken before regulations are introduced, and I cannot overstate the need for stakeholder engagement. <BR /> <BR />I will now talk about the Bill's proposed enforcement powers.”
“The DUP broadly welcomes the Bill. As has been said, it provides an opportunity to modernise legislation that, in some areas, has remained largely unchanged for decades. The Bill strengthens the protection of our fisheries, improves the regulatory framework for aquaculture and enhances the management of our water environment.”
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“I thank the Member for his numerous questions, a number of which will be covered in detail as we move through Question Time. As he will be aware, a normal winter gritting service will be in place and that that road, given its nature, will be included if it has not already been. We hope that everything will be completed by the end of December. Issues were identified during the construction process about the use of unsuitable material. That has been rectified. <BR /> <BR />The Member also asked about grass cutting in the area. That commenced yesterday along the central section of the A8 central reservation. Lane closures associated with that will be required so that the remaining outer strips of the central reservation can be cut. That is programmed to be completed by November 2015.”
“Throughout the construction works, Transport NI and the contractor have ensured that any inconvenience to the public has been minimised. <BR /> <BR />This is an excellent scheme that will improve journey times for this stretch of the A8 by removing the issues associated with the queuing of traffic, thus reducing driver frustration and improving the safety performance of the route for all road users. In doing so, this much-needed upgrade will grow the local economy, contribute to wider economic development across Northern Ireland and help with the development of the port of Larne.”
“The A8 scheme represents a £133 million investment by the Executive. It forms part of the eastern seaboard key transport corridor, which is an important link between Northern Ireland, the Irish Republic and Scotland, via the port of Larne. I am pleased to advise that the new A8 dual carriageway opened to traffic, as programmed, on 29 May 2015. However, since then, as the Member will be aware, localised traffic management along the scheme has been required to facilitate ancillary works on side roads, utility works and the completion of the landscaping works during the planting season. Construction of this 8·7-mile-long dual carriageway scheme commenced in August 2012 and is on target for contract completion at the end of December 2015.”
“The Member, and everyone in the Chamber, will be aware of the challenges with our financial situation, but, where there are opportunities, as I indicated in my response to Mr McKay on EuroVelo and the development of greenways, we will take them into consideration.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Member was present when I launched the first 'Belfast Bike Life' report on 21 October. This report was compiled by Sustrans and is based on Copenhagen's 'Bicycle Account' series. It is the first ever bicycle report for Belfast and provides information on cycling conditions in the city and the views of residents on various aspects of cycling. As the Member said, the report indicates the number of journeys — 19,000 — made by bicycle every day in Belfast, and this information is critical in informing decision-making in my Department and for policy development. Certainly, the investment in cycling has increased over recent years.”
“If other councils wish to consider operating a bike share scheme, I suggest that they develop a business case, as Belfast City Council did. Hopefully, we will see the scheme being launched in various towns and cities throughout Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Belfast Bikes has probably been one of the most successful bike share schemes introduced in the United Kingdom. The number of hires, since its launch in April this year, is now well above 100,000. It is a Belfast City Council scheme, although my Department provided capital funding of over £1 million for implementation through the active travel demonstration projects competition. Last week, the council announced an expansion of the scheme, with two new docking stations at Queen's University, and I know that the council is giving consideration to additional sites. <BR /> <BR />Obviously, the rationale behind the Member's question was whether the scheme could be extended to his constituency.”
“I thank the Member for his question. This is ongoing and is part of a route that is being developed, as is the funding associated with it. Funding is critical to such projects, as is land acquisition. I am not clear at this stage whether anything further would be required in those areas, but I am happy for officials to look at it as we move forward through the project. This is an exciting option, and it will certainly develop cycling in Northern Ireland.”
“Both are key elements of the bicycle strategy and fit in with the main purpose of the EuroVelo, which is to provide routes that people can use for daily journeys and for recreation. My Department has had discussions with Sustrans about the route for EuroVelo 1 in Northern Ireland. Those discussions included consideration of how the EuroVelo might form part of the comprehensive network referred to in the bicycle strategy.”
“'Northern Ireland Changing Gear: A Bicycle Strategy for Northern Ireland' is based around a three-pillar approach. Those are building a comprehensive network for the bicycle; supporting people who choose to travel by bicycle; and promoting the bicycle as a mode of transport for everyday journeys. That balanced approach underlines the importance of high-quality bicycle infrastructure, good support measures for those who want to use a bicycle and effective programmes for behavioural change. I am particularly keen to explore opportunities to expand the cycling infrastructure, in building better infrastructure for the bicycle so that people can have the freedom and confidence to travel by bicycle for everyday journeys. Current work has focused on the urban bicycle infrastructure and the potential to develop greenways.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I had a very enjoyable journey to Bellarena to see the site there, and I am very encouraged by the works that are progressing. That will have a significant impact for commuters making the journey from Londonderry into Belfast and further. I am not aware of the detail of Knockmore. As the Member said, it is a rumour that he heard over the weekend. I am happy to look into that and come back to him.”
“The Department has invested in the provision of a number of park-and-ride and park-and-share sites in the north-western key transport corridor, including at Drumahoe, Castledawson, Craigadick, Toome, Dunsilly and Ballymartin, which amount to up to 1,400 spaces. In addition, as part of the A6 Dungiven bypass scheme, a park-and-ride facility is proposed to provide 60 spaces. I hope that that answers the Member's question. If I have missed something specific, I will certainly come back to her.”
“I am not sure whether I should thank the Member for that question, but he certainly has an opinion. He will understand that I am recently in post, a post that was held by another Member — indeed, another party. The matter has been drawn to my attention. I asked for an update and am asking for the matter to be progressed. We are working through the processes.”
“I thank the Member for his comments. I am happy to visit the constituency yet again. Undoubtedly, the proposed park-and-ride facility at Cullybackey would relieve the pressure on the Ballymena park-and-ride facility, certainly in the short to medium term and particularly for commuters from north of Ballymena. <BR /> <BR />Ballymena park-and-ride has 294 spaces. It is consistently at full capacity and, on occasion, accommodates vehicles well in excess of the designated number of bays. I am aware of traffic problems, as is Translink, as a result of commuters parking for long periods outside local residences. Hopefully, not in the not-so-near future but certainly within the next couple of years, that situation should be relieved.”
“That assessment, combined with increased crossing incidents, has led Translink to conclude that the level crossing at Cullybackey station should be upgraded before the park-and-ride project is commissioned. The crossing upgrade involves significant railway signalling alteration works. Timescales for the work depend on the certainty of capital funding and availability of signalling expertise currently engaged on a number of significant railway projects, most notably phase 2 of the Coleraine to Londonderry track re-lay project. <BR /> <BR />Translink has committed to aim for completion of the level crossing upgrade and the park-and-ride facility in 2018-19. It is anticipated that the land purchase will be completed in the current financial year, 2015-16, once site surveys conclude.”
“The Member will be pleased to know that Translink has commenced work towards the construction of a park-and-ride facility at Cullybackey railway station. A detailed design review and risk assessment, including a CCTV survey of the interaction of vehicles and pedestrians at the existing crossing, has raised concern that additional traffic introduced by the park-and-ride facility could potentially cause blocking over the automatic crossing.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I understand that that is no longer an issue and that they should be in place. The procurement process commenced in September 2014, and tenders were returned on 1 May this year. Those have been assessed, and, as I said, there will be an announcement in the next few weeks. That was part of the project assessment review, and we are confident that it is on track to be delivered on time.”
“If Departments and councils work together, we have an opportunity to develop Comber greenway into a world-class facility.”
“I thank the Member for his best wishes for today and for his question. I agree with him on the Comber greenway. Some may say that I am slightly biased given that it links our constituencies, but I believe that it is one of the best examples of greenway infrastructure in Northern Ireland. I am keen to explore how it can be improved to encourage greater use for commuting and, indeed, for wider reasons, including health and well-being. My Department is working on a scheme to improve the linkages to Belfast city centre, but I also want to see better access to the greenway provided at the Comber end, particularly linking into Comber town and eventually into Newtownards. That would allow for greater numbers of people to enjoy a safe cycling and walking route. That would be for commuters and leisure users.”
“The works have been well publicised, and details of the impacts on local traffic are available on my Department's Trafficwatch Northern Ireland website. The changes that the works will introduce and the changes that have already been introduced on completed sections of the routes will provide benefits for existing public transport in advance of Belfast rapid transit becoming operational. The procurement of the rapid transit vehicles is progressing well, and I hope to make a major announcement on that in the next few weeks. Phase 1 of the Belfast rapid transit system is scheduled to become operational in September 2018.”
“I am fully committed to the delivery of Belfast rapid transit, including not only the current phase, which connects east Belfast, west Belfast and Titanic Quarter via the city centre, but future extensions to the north and south of the city. I regard Belfast rapid transit as a transformational public transport project for the city. It represents a great opportunity for Belfast going forward and is a major decision for my Department in relation to the commitment of funding in support of an Executive priority. <BR /> <BR />I have a keen personal interest in Belfast rapid transit and recently visited some of the infrastructure that my Department is developing for the system, including the new 520-space park-and-ride facility at Dundonald and the ongoing works on the routes.”
“<BR /> <BR />I welcome the support of the House as I look to build on this success and seek to lay the foundations for a modern, efficient transport infrastructure across all parts of Northern Ireland.”
“I am committed to taking that forward as part of a balanced, regional strategy to deliver a modern, efficient transport infrastructure that unlocks the economic potential of all parts of Northern Ireland and enhances well-being and access to opportunities for all our communities. <BR /> <BR />I am pleased to note the supportive comments of the Members who spoke, and I look forward to support from across the House as I make the case for greater investment in our entire transport infrastructure. Members mentioned the opportunities presented by Europe. My Department has a strong track record in that area, securing almost £18 million towards transport projects in Londonderry alone. In addition, my Department has secured the inclusion of €20 million towards a new multimodal transport hub in the north-west.”
“Investment in transport will not, on its own, deliver growth or well-being. It must be aligned with efforts to enhance our skills base to attract businesses, tackle deprivation and build communities in urban and rural environments that are attractive places to live and work in order to ensure that they can compete for investment in a global economy. <BR /> <BR />No single Department can create the conditions for growth and prosperity. We need coordinated action from all sectors across the Executive and the wider public sector, including local government. I share the view of others in the House that the reform of local government and the community planning process provide us with a unique opportunity. <BR /> <BR />I am committed to improving the road and rail transport infrastructure in the north-west.”
“It is for that reason, as I highlighted, that we need a collective agreement across the Executive on the prioritisation of investment in key transport infrastructure. The restructuring of Departments provides the opportunity to better coordinate our efforts and align key strategies. It is critical that we seize that opportunity.”
“<BR /> <BR />I firmly believe that we must have an ambitious programme of investment to build a modern, efficient transport infrastructure right across Northern Ireland, including in the north-west. However, it must be balanced. It cannot be to the benefit of one area and to the detriment of another. We also need to be realistic: while we can lay the foundations of that network today, it will require long-term investment stretching across a number of Budget periods. It is simply not affordable otherwise. The capital investment required to deliver the projects identified in this motion alone is greater than my Department's entire capital budget for the current Programme for Government mandate.”
“However, I need to emphasise that the actual delivery of the additional rail services involved would create a significant extra annual financial pressure on Translink. It is not apparent at this stage where that investment will come from. <BR /> <BR />The motion calls for the reopening of the Antrim to Portadown line to provide a direct rail link to Dublin and, indeed, to Belfast International Airport at Aldergrove. To answer Mr Lunn's question: the reopening of the line would require an investment of at least £50 million, and it is unlikely that the demand would exist to justify prioritising that level of funding in the immediate future. The number of passengers using Belfast International Airport is projected to reach 10 million per annum by 2030, and, at that stage, it may be possible to make an economic case for reopening the line.”
“I recently visited Bellarena to see for myself the progress that has been made on the current phase 2 Coleraine to Londonderry project, which, at a cost of nearly £46 million, will overhaul the antiquated signalling system and create a new passing loop by the end of next year. I agree with Mr Dallat that that is an exciting development. Alongside the development of a new rail station in Londonderry, there is an opportunity to continue the growth in passenger numbers and services that we have seen in recent years. More recently, our investment in the Londonderry line sends a strong signal to businesses and overseas investors of the Executive's strong commitment to the north-west. That capital investment will provide the infrastructure required to make an hourly service from Londonderry to Belfast possible.”
“There is also the danger that we can lose sight of the importance of what might appear to be localised investment in the likes of crossings and footpaths. Those may not appear to have regional benefit, but they can make a huge difference to a local community, including its ability to access services and wider opportunities. We need, therefore, to continue to make adequate provision for those schemes. <BR /> <BR />I also welcome the opportunity today to set out my commitment to further investment in the rail network, including in the north-west. As was highlighted, significant progress has been made in recent years in upgrading the track between Belfast and Londonderry.”
“In addition, that funding has also allowed my Department to complete the £130 million investment in the A8 Belfast to Larne dualling scheme and the £50 million A2 Shore Road dualling scheme at Jordanstown, and to develop a range of projects including new bypass proposals for Ballynahinch and Enniskillen. The Enniskillen bypass will build on the £146 million upgrade of the A4 Dungannon to Ballygawley road. It is those more modest schemes that collectively provide the connections and local conditions that create attractive environments for people to live and work in. Alongside investment in public transport, they provide the links between our towns and rural areas, which are essential to building sustainable rural economies and communities.”
“My challenge as Minister is to find an appropriate balance within the available funding envelope. <BR /> <BR />The need for investment, of course, is not and should not be limited to Belfast or Londonderry. As I stated, investment must be part of a wider and balanced regional strategy if our rural areas and major towns throughout Northern Ireland are to benefit from growth and attract business attention and investment. This year, £67 million has been allocated to develop and construct strategic road schemes. Most of that will be spent on the construction of the A31 Magherafelt bypass and the A26 Frosses Road dualling.”
“A contract for Randalstown to Castledawson was awarded in May this year, and work is progressing on the first phase to develop the scheme to a shovel-ready position, which will allow construction to start at short notice when funding becomes available. The Londonderry to Dungiven scheme is also well advanced, and the draft vesting order was published in three parts to increase flexibility with construction and to allow options such as the building of the Dungiven bypass ahead of the remainder of the scheme. Equally, the delivery of the York Street interchange, the Belfast transport hub and, indeed, rapid transit have an essential role to play in Northern Ireland's economic future. In their absence, we run a very real risk of constraining our capacity for growth not just in Belfast but right across Northern Ireland.”
“I have quite a bit to say, so, if you do not mind. <BR /> <BR />On the A6 corridor, two major projects are being developed: the Londonderry to Dungiven scheme and the Randalstown to Castledawson scheme.”
“<BR /> <BR />Members have correctly identified the importance of key projects such as the A5 and A6 in unlocking the economic potential of Londonderry and, indeed, the wider north-west region. I visited those schemes recently, and I am satisfied that they are regionally significant schemes with all the associated benefits. However, in recognising the benefits of such schemes, I am acutely aware of the concerns of local landowners particularly affected by the A5 scheme. I am aware that there are significant misgivings because of how they have been treated to date. I plan to engage with some of the agents representing those landowners to address the concerns of those affected. Unfortunately, I cannot undo what was done before my time in office, but I can give an assurance that I will listen to concerns going forward during my tenure.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention, and I will return to the issue around the A5. <BR /> <BR />If we focus solely on schemes or deal with the north-west in isolation, no matter how well intentioned that is, we run the very real risk of diminishing the impact of the investment we are likely to get. So, we cannot ignore the real needs for significant investment in our transport infrastructure elsewhere in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />All successful regions have vibrant connected cities at their core. It is for that reason that the Programme for Government, the Executive’s economic strategy and the regional development strategy all highlight the need to strengthen Londonderry as a principal city and driver for the north-west and Belfast as the regional economic driver.”
“<BR /> <BR />I will work hard to make the case for the Executive investing in a modern, efficient transport infrastructure across all parts of Northern Ireland, and I welcome support from across the House in making that case. <BR /> <BR />We all recognise the need to invest in the transport infrastructure in the north-west. However, these decisions cannot be taken in isolation; they must be part of a wider regional strategy.”
“As the Chair of the Committee and Mr Ó hOisín have stated, there is also a need to provide greater certainty on our long-term funding priorities to the industry to provide it with the clarity it needs to plan, invest and build the skills required to deliver those schemes. There is a clear and immediate economic benefit here for our businesses, and we should not ignore that. <BR /> <BR />When considering our priorities for investment, we must take account of the realities and constraints that we face today. Equally, however, we must look forward. We must anticipate and plan for the needs of our people and our economy not just today but in 10, 20, 30 years' time. In that context, the desirability of the schemes highlighted in the motion are not in question. We can be united on that. The challenge is one of affordability and prioritisation.”
“They connect our manufacturers and businesses to global markets, allow us to attract the talent and investment we need to transform our economy and provide access to employment, education and, indeed, the social opportunities our people and communities need to benefit from growth and realise their potential. That is why laying the foundations for a modern, efficient transport infrastructure in all parts of Northern Ireland will be my priority as Minister. <BR /> <BR />Investment in our transport infrastructure is a significant, long-term commitment and is one that lays the foundations for our future economic well-being. Investment decisions cannot be driven solely by a focus on the present and must enjoy wider Executive support if they are to survive beyond a single mandate.”
“<BR /> <BR />As was highlighted during the previous debate, our transport infrastructure needs to be fit for purpose to ensure that people, particularly in more remote areas west of the Bann, are in reach of available jobs and that the correct economic infrastructure is in place to enable the conditions through which economic growth can take place. <BR /> <BR />It is all too easy to take for granted the connections and opportunities that modern transport infrastructure provides not just in Northern Ireland but in an increasingly connected global community. It is those very connections that determine our economic potential.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Members who tabled the motion and welcome this opportunity to speak on an issue of such importance. <BR /> <BR />As a member of the Executive, my job is to support and drive economic recovery across all parts of Northern Ireland. The motion rightly highlights the importance of transport infrastructure in that recovery. It is obvious from comments expressed this evening that all of us in the House recognise the need to invest in our economic infrastructure if we are to realise our shared ambition to transform our economy and society.”
“— and I affirm the terms of the Pledge of Office as set out in schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998.”
“Yes, Mr Speaker, I am willing to take up the office of Minister for Regional Development —”
“I thank the Member for his question. There is an annual event — Safer Internet Day — and the next one is scheduled for 9 February 2016. That will represent a further opportunity for us to promote internet safety messages.”
“For example, that will also include the launch of a new programme for secondary schools by the centre, called the Childnet Digital Leaders Programme, in September. It will offer schools across the UK access to online training and support for pupils.”
“That will then be presented to the Executive. <BR /> <BR />While OFMDFM does not directly have involvement in an internet safety strategy, junior Minister McCann and I, in our roles as junior Ministers, have central responsibility for matters relating to children and young people. We have been involved in a number of actions associated with the issue, participating in meetings such as those of the ministerial coordination group on suicide prevention and internet safety. The issue is being considered at that group. <BR /> <BR />I will continue to pursue opportunities to promote safety awareness, and officials will also be liaising with the UK Safer Internet Centre on developments in the pipeline.”
“The death of Ronan Hughes was, indeed, tragic, and I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his parents, Gerard and Teresa Hughes, his wider family and friends and the pupils at St Joseph's Grammar School in Donaghmore. <BR /> <BR />Actions are being taken forward by the Executive to address Internet safety issues. The Executive agreed at their meeting on 29 January to formally commission the Safeguarding Board to develop an e-safety strategy and an action plan. SBNI has appointed a project manager to work within an 18-month time frame, and it aims to draft the e-safety strategy within that period.”
“I thank the Member for his comments and his question. I tend to agree with him on that. He will understand that I have long had a concern about cooperation between Health and Education. It is sometimes very much dependent on individuals in either trusts or, as they were formerly, boards who have worked positively together to get positive outcomes for individual children, but we want to make sure that that is the case right across Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Member for his question. That is a concern, and perhaps it might have been useful to extend the time for the Committee Stage further to allow that, but I guess that we are where we are on that.”
“That could also be seen as inappropriate. In addition, Departments already work closely together, and, given the cross-cutting nature of the policy, much of this work is considered corporately at Executive level. A range of cross-departmental groups operates in this area, and there is regular, ongoing engagement with the sector via a number of different bodies. While we have those concerns, we agree with the principle of the Bill and are looking at further amendments.”
“I thank the Member for his question. At this stage, the Bill is quite general, and there is, therefore, a risk that the impact on delivery would be minimal. There is a danger that the Bill could promise much but deliver quite little, with the main result being that it would increase bureaucracy rather than improving outcomes for children and young people. <BR /> <BR />The term "cooperation" is not easily defined or measured. The reporting function focuses solely on the cooperation element, and, while this is important, we feel that it would be more beneficial if we reported on service delivery and the impact on children and young people. <BR /> <BR />Another issue of concern is clause 4, which appears to give the Health and Social Care Board an empowering role in relation to a range of public bodies, including Departments.”