Danny Kennedy
Newry and Armagh · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“<BR /> <BR />I know the circumstances that we are in, but my hope is that departmental officials will continue to explore these issues and find solutions so that, at the earliest point, those solutions can be delivered to my constituency and to the people who have such frustration with the lack of service.”
“This situation is also prevalent in other rural areas of Northern Ireland. People in areas such as Lissummon, Ballygorman, Cladymilltown, Altnamackan, Loughgall, Mullaghglass and countless others, unfortunately, all of which are located in my constituency, find themselves in a position currently where they are provided with little or no e…”
“I, with others, receive regular contact from my constituents on this issue. It is abundantly clear from the representations that I receive that the lack of broadband provision, particularly in rural areas, impacts in many ways on families and businesses that reside in various locations across the constituency.”
“Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, I thank you and the Business Committee for affording me the opportunity to debate the issue of broadband provision directly relating to my constituency of Newry and Armagh. I also place on record my good wishes to you as you leave the House, and I wish you well for the future.”
“The lack of high-quality broadband, for instance, has an impact on the ability of many rural businesses to function efficiently, placing them clearly at a disadvantage to other competitors in their particular field.”
“I could continue to detail many more circumstances, but I want other Members to contribute and to hear what the Minister has to say. I take this opportunity to make an impassioned plea to the Minister to pursue, within a quick time frame, the network improvements that are so clearly required.”
The complete record
Every one of 1,097 lines we hold for Danny Kennedy, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 18 of 22.
“Members may be aware that the investment strategy envisages the progression of a package of high-priority schemes on the north-western and northern corridors amounting to around £390 million beyond 2015, using alternative finance. The strategy recognises that a commitment to fund the revenue consequences of this roads package will be required, so the timing depends on future resource budgets — back to money. Members will also be aware of the significant cuts proposed across Departments in the draft 2015-16 Budget, particularly in resource funding. My Department faces a 19% cut, which, if implemented, will have significant impacts on front-line services.”
“<BR /> <BR />To provide the option of advancing the Dungiven bypass ahead of the remainder of the Londonderry to Dungiven scheme, the draft vesting order, which identifies the land required to build the scheme, was published in three parts: the Dungiven bypass, Derrychrier Road to Crebarkey Road; Caw roundabout to Maydown roundabout; and Maydown roundabout to Derrychrier Road. That will enhance the flexibility of the construction programme. <BR /> <BR />The motion calls for this section of the A6 scheme to be:”
“The procurement process for this scheme is well progressed, and I hope to be in a position to announce the successful contractor in spring 2015. <BR /> <BR />But then we need the money. The A6 Londonderry to Dungiven dualling scheme, which includes a bypass of Dungiven, is also well advanced in development. It has been through a public inquiry, and the inspector has produced a report containing a number of recommendations. One of the recommendations was to examine a suggested alternative route for the Dungiven bypass that was put forward by a third party on the final day of the public inquiry, and we are therefore quality-assuring that route. That work continues, and, when I am satisfied that all issues have been appropriately reviewed, I will issue a departmental statement.”
“As mentioned, there are proposals to dual two sections of the A6, those being Randalstown to Castledawson and Londonderry to Dungiven. My commitment to improving the A6 can be seen through the advancement of the Randalstown to Castledawson section to be shovel-ready in 2015, so that it will be in a position to commence construction at short notice, when the necessary funding becomes available. To be fair, all Members around the Chamber accepted that the financial position is a challenge, and I hope that they will remember that as they speak to their colleagues on the Executive, particularly the Finance Minister, with whom some Members are particularly friendly. I very much hope that they will remember the DRD and Danny Kennedy when it comes to getting funding for a scheme that has widespread political support.”
“Subsequent air quality action plans have examined a range of measures to improve the air quality in the air quality management area. They include traffic management, sustainable development, travel initiatives and the provision of a bypass. <BR /> <BR />Some Members asserted that they thought that Dungiven had the worst air quality in Europe. I do not think that that stacks up. I do not think, either, that it is terribly helpful in promoting Dungiven as a destination. The arguments for the bypass stand apart and are clear without, if you like, blighting part of Dungiven by saying that it is a toxic place to be. <BR /> <BR />Perhaps it would be helpful if I confirmed the current position of the A6 dual carriageway schemes.”
“Firms are more productive when they have access to a large labour market. Recruitment is quicker, and it is easier to find workers with the skill-match required. <BR /> <BR />There are, of course, health benefits with the proposed bypass of Dungiven, which would help to alleviate the current air-quality issues in Dungiven. I am aware that Limavady Borough Council was required, under the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002, to identify areas of poor air quality. Those areas were declared air quality management areas. Such areas are only declared where an exceedance occurs at locations where members of the public might reasonably be exposed. The western end of Main Street, Dungiven was identified as an air quality management area in March 2006, due to high nitrogen dioxide levels.”
“<BR /> <BR />Construction of the schemes will yield transport benefits for road users and wider economic benefits for Londonderry and the wider north-west. The transport benefits of the scheme include improved passenger and freight transport links between Belfast and Londonderry; reduced journey times on the trunk road network, contributing to the Government’s target of reducing road congestion; road safety benefits accruing from the provision of improved carriageway standard and reduced vehicle kilometres on the highway network; and a reduction in the number of accidents. I note the contributions made in respect of that particular point. <BR /> <BR />The wider economic benefits of the scheme include an increase in accessibility to the north-west for a greater number of firms and workers.”
“In response, my Department continues to develop proposals for a new dual carriageway on the A6 between Londonderry and Dungiven and between Castledawson and Randalstown. <BR /> <BR />The Londonderry to Dungiven scheme will provide a dual carriageway, including a dual carriageway bypass of Dungiven. A further 14 kilometres of dualling will be provided in a separate scheme between Randalstown and Castledawson. Both roads will be high-standard dual carriageways. There will be no private accesses; no central reserve crossovers; junctions will be grade-separated or left-in/left-out; and side roads will either be stopped up, diverted or linked to minimise the number of junctions. This standard of dual carriageway has considerable safety benefits for the road user.”
“The strategy confirmed plans to commence additional investment that would result in higher-standard roads, providing improved access for commercial traffic, buses and private cars, mainly on the key transport corridors connecting Northern Ireland's major cities, including key cross-border routes. This saw the introduction of a project to provide a 30-kilometre dual carriageway from Londonderry to Dungiven, including a dual carriageway bypass of Dungiven. This supports the aims of the regional transportation strategy and the revised 'A New Approach to Regional Transportation', which are reflected in my Department's vision to provide dual carriageway-standard roads on all key transport corridors.”
“<BR /> <BR />The A6 forms part of the north-western transport corridor, an element of the strategic road network between Belfast and the north-west, providing an important link for commerce and services between Northern Ireland's two primary cities. A bypass at Dungiven was included in the regional strategic transport network transport plan 2015, which was published in 2005. The scheme would reduce traffic congestion in the town and improve the poor air quality. <BR /> <BR />The investment strategy for Northern Ireland, which was first introduced in 2005, set a new, comprehensive approach to be used by government to make informed decisions on the investment priorities for Northern Ireland.”
“At the outset, I confirm that I welcome and support improvements to the A6 and, indeed, the other arterial routes across Northern Ireland. As Minister for Regional Development, I wish to see improvements across the entire road network that will enhance safety, reduce journey times, provide value for money and, indeed, support the economy. Members have expressed their views, which align with the support for the schemes from local representatives that my Department has received over the years relating to the A6 Londonderry to Dungiven dualling scheme, which includes a bypass of Dungiven, and the A6 Castledawson to Randalstown dualling scheme.”
“I am grateful to Members for what I think was a useful debate on the issue. I particularly want to thank Members for the tone of the debate; it has been largely constructive. It has also been sympathetic to me in one sense. I realise that I have not yet heard the winding-up speeches, so I will not go completely overboard, but I have asked my officials to take note of the Hansard report so that, if I do not have time to pick up on points raised by Members, I can write to them following the debate. <BR /> <BR />I note the concerns expressed by Members, and I do indeed welcome the opportunity to debate the schemes being progressed on the A6 between Londonderry and Belfast and, in particular, a bypass at Dungiven.”
“When it suits it, or when public pressure is so great, the Provisional IRA suddenly reappears and is able to assist with information. It is time that the same happened with the murder of Paul Quinn. It is time that the IRA acknowledged that its people were involved, in the same way that they were involved in abusing children. It is time that it acknowledged that it has information to provide on its own members, and it is time that it did so, because the murder of Paul Quinn is no less of a crime than the sexual abuse of children, and those responsible are no more entitled to their liberty.”
“That is exactly what Sinn Féin wanted — limited public comment and no rocking of the boat. My view is clear, and contrary to that approach. I believe that no victim or victim's family should be denied justice for political expediency or to sidestep such an uncomfortable truth. The murder bore all the hallmarks of sophistication and premeditation. It bore all the hallmarks of the Provisional IRA. I, for one, do not believe that its involvement should, in any way, be a barrier to justice for Paul Quinn and his family. All local representatives should make the same acknowledgement and provide the same commitment to fight for justice for Paul. <BR /> <BR />We were told in recent days that the IRA has provided details to the gardaí of sex offenders that it relocated over a number of years.”
“Although Shaun Woodward went on to say that they should be dealt with by the law, it seems, in one sense, to appeal for people not to make much public comment on the issue and asks them not to rock the boat.”
“The grief of those close to Paul was compounded by a very nasty campaign of misinformation by Sinn Féin and some politicians in the Republic. They did not want to focus on the IRA and Sinn Féin so soon after they had publicly accepted policing and justice in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />When we look back at the comments by the then Secretary of State, Shaun Woodward, in response to a question in 2008 from Alistair Carmichael MP in the House of Commons, knowing what we know now about the OTR scheme, amongst other things, the words take on a different meaning. Shaun Woodward said:”
“It is hard to think that seven years have now passed since the brutal murder of Paul Quinn, yet his family has yet to see any justice. Like many other families who have suffered at the hands of paramilitaries over the decades, they feel no closer to that justice. I truly admire the courage and determination of the friends and family of Paul, who have campaigned and continue to campaign for justice. For some — and some who sit in the Chamber — it is an uncomfortable truth that organised violence, serious crime and murder has occurred since the Belfast Agreement and other agreements. <BR /> <BR />Make no mistake about it: this was a murder ordered and directed from Northern Ireland and carried out in the Republic of Ireland. Paul was a young man who was lured across the border to his death by the offer of a few hours' work.”
“Publication of the new environmental statement and draft orders will be followed by a further consultation lasting a minimum of six weeks, when formal representations and/or objections to the scheme can be made. The Member will know that this consultation is likely to lead to the need for a further public inquiry, but a decision on this can be made only following careful consideration of the representations and the level of objection received in response to the consultation exercise. That may lead to a new public inquiry, which would be likely to be held in 2015.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Member will know about the appropriate assessments: the three assessments that have been carried out and the one on Tully Bog, consultation on which is due to end later this week on 28 November. We will need to take those into consideration. The next step in progressing the scheme will be the publication of the new environmental statement, draft vesting orders and draft direction orders. Development work on those is at an advanced stage, but a firm date for publication cannot be given until after consideration of any submissions to the ongoing public consultation exercise on impacts on Tully Bog.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his question. Of course, the Member has a longstanding interest in seeing the development of the A5. As I have outlined here, and, indeed, at the NSMC, the current situation is that we continue to work through the various reports to inform the appropriate assessments. I am not at liberty to go further than that through the statement or at this time.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his question. As he and other Members, particularly Mr Dallat who has raised this issue on an ongoing basis, will know, my Department has had no previous involvement with the funding of that project, and there are no plans to change that at this point. I am aware of the interest of Members, particular Members from that constituency, and of the councils involved. However, primarily, that would be a project for the councils involved to carry forward.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his interest in and question on the matter. The A75 link route into Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom has to remain an important focus of our cooperation on an ongoing basis. We continue to look at ways of improving it through lobbying the Scottish Government and perhaps bringing forward innovative ideas that would garner support not only in the Executive but, potentially, with the Scottish Government and which would also have EU involvement. Some of that work is still at a relatively early stage, but I am happy to confirm that we are pursuing it.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his question. Principally, it is the work around the Enterprise, which is important work, and the rail services. Of course, there are also the Translink and bus services on a cross-border basis that occur. It is to look to see how we can best improve timings, ultimately, of the Enterprise service, hopefully, to put it into more frequent service given its popularity and to ensure that the cross-border bus services are fully efficient and effective.”
“Could the Member repeat the latter part of the question? I beg your pardon.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Clearly, whilst NSMC will deal with cross-border issues, we will always seek to maximise opportunities through the British-Irish Council (BIC), which is not part of the statement. We clearly reference that work as being important; it is not just North/South but east-west. We look positively at opportunities that there may well be for us in that respect.”
“I am very grateful to the Member for the very clever way in which he introduced business that is not the business of the North/South Ministerial Council or the report of the meeting into his question. Clearly, he has learned a political skill. The Member will know that there are ongoing discussions between me and Minister Durkan as to how that issue can be properly resolved to the satisfaction of everyone concerned.”
“There could be significant opportunities for DRD, other Departments and our counterparts in the Republic of Ireland to work in partnership in the identification of projects and the preparation of applications that seek Horizon 2020 funding. With the aim of maximising those opportunities, I recently led a delegation to Brussels to meet the CEO of the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency, which operates Horizon 2020. My Department is open to working together with those of Minister Donohoe and Minister Durkan through the NSMC forum to ensure that those opportunities are realised.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his positive comments and, indeed, his contribution to the Committee for Regional Development and his commitment to projects in the north-west. <BR /> <BR />Horizon 2020 is the EU's biggest research and innovation programme, with nearly €80 billion of funding available between 2014 and 2020. The transport objective under the Horizon 2020 programme is entitled 'Smart, Green and Integrated Transport' and has been allocated a budget of €6·4 million. It aims to support:”
“I know that he and the Committee for Regional Development will support that as we seek to move it forward.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his good news. It is good news that there are ever-increasing numbers using not only trains in Northern Ireland but the cross-border Enterprise service. We can happily agree that that is indeed good news. <BR /> <BR />The Member will also be aware of the very good news that, under the INTERREG IVa project, through the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), we are getting additional finance to refurbish the Enterprise service extensively, which will be good news. I also travelled on the Enterprise service recently. Whilst it was a very good experience, I think that there are grounds for further improvements. <BR /> <BR />The Member will also know that the Department is pursuing opportunities for further European funding projects, including for the old Waterside station.”
“Obviously, greenways in Northern Ireland remain the preserve of local Ministers.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his question. Indeed, he will know that my Department's cycling unit has begun work on scoping out a greenway plan for Northern Ireland, although it does not envisage being involved in the delivery or construction of the greenways, because my Department's statutory responsibilities relate to public roads. The majority of the greenways will be located off-road. <BR /> <BR />Our aim is to bring together the relevant organisations and to support and facilitate greenway projects being developed by local authorities in a coherent way. The Member will also note the clear distinction about work that is being looked at or brought forward by the North/South Ministerial Council, which is what we are discussing today. There may be schemes or projects that we would be interested in looking at on a cross-border basis.”
“Obviously, the NSMC does not have any role in considering greenway projects, such as the Comber greenway, in Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />I think that there are potential opportunities to get assisted European funding for the cross-border greenways initiative, and the Member will be aware that, in Newry and Mourne and in the Cooley areas of County Louth in the Republic of Ireland in particular, there are greenway projects for the advancement of cycling and walking. Those are the matters that we would pursue on that.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his question and, indeed, for his compliment that my statement was brief. <BR /> <BR />The Minister of the Environment will largely deal with HGV levies, and he will do so in some detail — he will thank me for that — in his statement. However, it is fair to say that the issue that the Member raised about the differences that exist because of the tolls that apply in the Republic of Ireland is worthy of consideration and should therefore not be ignored in the context of that discussion.”
“<BR /> <BR />On major road projects, the Council noted the ongoing public consultation on the final report informing the appropriate assessment process for the A5, and it was also noted that, when published, the new environmental statement will be subject to a public consultation and may lead to a further public inquiry. We also noted that both Governments remain committed to the A5 scheme. The Council welcomed that the A8 project is progressing well and that the road is expected to open by spring 2015. <BR /> <BR />The Council agreed to hold its next NSMC transport meeting in April 2015.”
“<BR /> <BR />It also welcomed the strategic joint decision by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to support the identification and development of possible INTERREG V funding for cross-border greenways. The Council welcomed my Department's work on establishing a greenways working group, initially consisting of key stakeholders from Northern Ireland, to scope a plan for the development of greenways. It noted that the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport would welcome any invitation to be included in full or in part on that working group.”
“<BR /> <BR />We noted the current position on key EU dossiers of mutual interest, including the Europe 2020 mid-term review and the outcome of the informal ministerial meeting; port services; the cross-border exchange of information on road traffic offences; the fourth railway package; and the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR). <BR /> <BR />The Council welcomed an update of the progress of the INTERREG IVa-funded refurbishment works on the Dublin-Belfast Enterprise rail service and the Drogheda railway viaduct. <BR /> <BR />The Council welcomed the continued investment by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department for Regional Development in the promotion and development of sustainable transport options, including cycling.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Council acknowledged the ongoing positive cooperation between relevant Departments on EU-related transport issues and the opportunities that are being explored to pursue EU funding in a mutually beneficial manner, including maximising cross-border Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) transport funding opportunities; utilising INTERREG programmes for a joined-up cross-border transport and tourism infrastructure; and pursuing Horizon 2020 smart, green and integrated transport cooperation opportunities.”
“The Council welcomed the continued cooperation between the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department for Regional Development on strategic transport priorities throughout the island, including the ongoing engagement on key areas, such as development of the strategic road network, enhancing east-west connections, driving a shift to public and more sustainable modes of transport and exploring the potential for shared cross-border public transport in border areas.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, in compliance with section 52 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, I wish to make the following statement on the meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in the transport sector held in Armagh, on Wednesday 5 November 2014. The meeting was chaired by Minister Donohoe and was attended by me and Minister Durkan. My statement will address the agenda items which relate to my Department. <BR /> <BR />The Council discussed the UK road user levy for HGVs. We agreed to continue to liaise on the issue and its potential impacts.”
“I support those recommendations, but it is rather a pity that some of the people who complained most loudly around the Executive table have not done so. However, I look forward to seeing whether there will be a change of attitude.”
“I regret that I found it necessary to defend myself and the role of my Department when it would have been better to concentrate on improving things for the people who were at the very sharp end and having their homes and businesses impacted by flooding. However, I will say with particular regard to Bridge Street in Newry that it was very clear that that occurred because one of the local rivers had burst its banks on at least two occasions. Given the high volume of rainfall that had occurred in the period running up to that, no system could have coped. <BR /> <BR />I refer the Member to the PEDU report following the June 2012 flooding incident, about which I also reminded some ministerial colleagues. It recommended that one Department and a single Minister take account of and be responsible for emergencies of this nature.”
“Yes, we have had to restrict the work of external contractors, which accounts for about 25% of the normal work, but we continue to maintain gullies, particularly in areas with known wet spots.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his question. He will know that last week's exceptional rainfall in areas of Northern Ireland was absolutely astonishing in many ways. I sympathise with all householders and business owners affected by the recent flooding. I will put it in context: the average November rainfall is around three and a half inches, and the total rainfall to date — it is only 18 November — is over five inches, which is 140% of the average for the entire month. Counties Down and Armagh were worst hit, and areas such as Newry, Portadown and Lurgan were badly affected. In some parts of south Down and south Armagh, up to four inches of rain fell — more than the average for the entire month — in the three days from Tuesday. <BR /> <BR />I underscore continually that my Department has never stopped cleaning gullies.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his supplementary question. I understand that the Committee for Regional Development is conducting its own inquiry into the issue. I have not yet had an opportunity to study the terms of reference, but I have no doubt that the evidence that he and the Committee produce will better inform the whole situation. <BR /> <BR />The role of the official at the relevant subcommittee of the Translink board reviewing these things is simply to observe. As the Member will know, all projects are carried forward by Translink executives, but I will, of course, be interested in any work that the Committee wishes to provide.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his question. Again, we spent much time exploring the issues in some detail in the Regional Development Committee last Wednesday. He will know that I have set in place the lessons learned, and those will be undertaken by the chief executive of Translink and will look at not only the performance of the executive of Translink but the role of the board and all issues. The issue of how my Department and officials have performed is also being scrutinised. I expect to have both reports by the end of this year.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his supplementary question. He will know, obviously, because we have had representations from him and from his office in relation to this, that the hard shoulders are used by traders who have applied for and been given licences by Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council. Following representations from sources including the council and Mr Elliott, the hard shoulders will remain in place and traders will continue to be able to use their licence.”
“I am grateful to the Member. All politics is local, it was once famously said, and park-and-ride is very important locally and in general. I place great importance on the provision of park-and-ride facilities, not only at Tamnamore but all over Northern Ireland. We are making progress on that, thereby making it easier for people to use public transport or share transport with others. <BR /> <BR />Construction of the park-and-ride facility at Tamnamore is expected to be complete in January 2015. It will provide 280 spaces. The original intention was to remove hard shoulders to encourage better use of the new facility.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his supplementary question. I can confirm that I believe the current estimate to be accurate, but, to give belt and braces to that, I will insist that we test the validity of that projection before we go out to procurement and award the contract. I do not want to second-guess that process at all, but I believe that the project is very worthwhile. It remains an Executive priority; it has been a huge success for rail travel, as I outlined; and I believe strongly that, for public transport reasons and for the public good, we should continue to pursue the project.”