Nichola Mallon
North Belfast · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“I have had the very moving opportunity to meet families who have tragically lost a loved one on that stretch of road. That was an important opportunity for me to hear at first hand their experience and the experiences of the local community as they try to go about their everyday business while living in close proximity to a key transport…”
“I take safety on our rural roads very seriously. My Department continues to be actively committed to improving safety on our roads and to work closely with our road safety partners to deliver a programme of road safety education, engineering and enforcement activities.”
“I thank Mr Muir and all the members of the Infrastructure Committee for very constructive working relationships. At times, those working relationships were tense, but they were always very constructive — I mean that.”
“It was important to me to take forward the motor insurance legislation to try to protect people against a hike of up to £50 in their motor insurance premiums. Members will be aware that I took the decision to freeze any hike in public transport fares.”
“That commenced a consultation process that is open until 6 May. I encourage anyone with an interest in this significant project to make their views known during the consultation period. <BR /> <BR />In advance of the major upgrade, it is important that we do what we can to improve road safety.”
“I have announced my intention to extend the concessionary fares scheme to provide free travel for people with disabilities who currently pay half fare and to new operators who have already indicated or expressed an interest in joining. I am aware that many people with a disability have limited travel options.”
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“The council did not progress the study at that time, but my officials have had meetings with elected representatives who are keen to see the project advanced. Officials have also met the council and received a briefing on the work that it has done to advance its proposal for a greenway along the route. I am pleased that Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has designated that greenway as a priority project and is progressing to an outline business case for it. The council has made an application for capital funding from my blue-green infrastructure fund. My officials are considering the application, and I hope for a positive outcome. <BR /> <BR />The Cullybackey to Ballymena greenway is, I know, an area of interest for Members as well.”
“<BR /> <BR />The 1,000 signatures in Mr McGuigan's recent petition for the delivery of the Ballymoney to Ballycastle greenway and the fact that around half of those were from the local area are a clear demonstration and indicator of local support for greenways. I will take a minute or two to update Members on some of the progress on greenways in your area. Mr Frew was right: you represent a beautiful part of the world. We should maximise the opportunities for people to walk, cycle and enjoy it. <BR /> <BR />As Mr Storey said, in 2016, the Department provided funding to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for a feasibility study of the Ballymoney to Ballycastle greenway. In 2018, a grant of £25,000 was offered to the council for a detailed design.”
“I did not appoint someone externally. My initial approach to the issue was that I wanted to change the culture at the heart of the Department by embedding active travel across the Department rather than parachuting in someone external and making it that one person's responsibility. Having said that, I am open to considering other avenues in approaching the issue. I note the independent sustainable travel commissioner that Mr Muir talked about. Of course, that would require legislative change, but I will keep it under active consideration. I have established new blue-green teams in the Department. That is a first: we have never taken that approach before. It is about ensuring that, when we look at our infrastructure projects such as resurfacing projects, we do so through the lens of active travel as well.”
“Earlier this year, I committed another £20 million of capital money to blue-green initiatives. My Department is investing £11 million in active travel schemes across the North. I also announced £2·5 million of funding for greenway development in the 2021-22 financial year for projects that are ready to be delivered, and I am ready to make further funding allocations available to councils that are in a position to start construction soon. That is why my walking and cycling champion wrote to councils again this year seeking details of greenway and active travel projects. <BR /> <BR />I understand the point that Members make. The appointment of a walking and cycling champion at the heart of the Department was a positive step that was taken after listening to active travel stakeholders. The pace of change, however, has been slow.”
“I recognise, however, that greenways can make a huge difference to people's daily lives by providing the opportunity to enjoy safe and easy access to fresh air and exercise. They provide a vital leisure resource for local people and visitors alike, which is particularly pertinent to the north Antrim area.”
“I recognise Members' frustration that we are not delivering the pace of change that we need and our citizens deserve. I have been very focused in the Department on turning the curve. A lot of that work has necessitated culture change work in my Department as well. <BR /> <BR />The benefits of developing greenways and active travel infrastructure are many, and Members who contributed to the debate rightly identified them. The challenge is that we all know the benefits that are derived from active travel and greenways, and we all talk about them, but there is still a reluctance to grasp the nettle and change things when they are at our front door. We have to be open and honest about that. There is a challenge when we are looking to reallocate road space and trying to challenge people to adapt their behaviour.”
“I am committed to investing in active travel, as we have to address how we travel, if we are to deal with the challenges that we face in health and well-being, and the climate emergency, as many Members rightly identified. We simply cannot continue to travel in the ways that we have become accustomed to if we are going to effectively deal with those challenges. I wholeheartedly concur with Mr Muir's presentation of the issue as one of public health. It is very important that we do not lose sight of that in the wider current debate on investment in health. <BR /> <BR />Members may know that, in June this year, I published 'Planning for the Future of Transport: Time for Change'. That sets out my determination to call time on the slowness of change here.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. First, I thank Mr McGuigan for securing the debate on greenways and active travel infrastructure provision in North Antrim. I add my congratulations to those offered by other Members to our local athletes. They are inspirational and wonderful role models, particularly for our younger people. <BR /> <BR />One of my key ambitions as Minister is to put in place measures that will enable people to do more walking, wheeling and cycling for the many short journeys that we all make every day. It is about giving people the freedom and confidence to travel by walking and cycling as part of their daily routines.”
“What is required is that we all prioritise our water and waste water infrastructure and that, going forward, we ensure that sufficient funding is provided so that we can upgrade it to ensure that we achieve the many outcomes that we want for our businesses and citizens across the North.”
“It is, therefore, the responsibility of the Executive and the Assembly to ensure that sufficient funding is provided for our water and sewerage systems over subsequent years to help to unlock those areas that Members across the House identified as being under economic constraint as a consequence of the historical underinvestment in that critical infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />I will end on this point. Given that the strategies to expand and enhance our water and sewerage infrastructure already exist, the call from businesses across Northern Ireland and our environmental sector is not, as Mrs Kelly said, to create another glossy brochure. The plan and the strategies are there.”
“Therefore, in light of the existing strategies and the robust processes that are already in place, a new strategy is not what is required at this point. What is needed is the remainder of PC21 and future price controls to be fully funded to help to address the legacy of underinvestment in water and sewerage infrastructure and to facilitate economic growth and housing development. <BR /> <BR />The cross-cutting benefits from a fully funded water and sewerage sector are clear. Economic development, connections for social and affordable housing and environmental health are fundamental building blocks of any functioning society.”
“Northern Ireland Water is statutorily obliged to have due regard for individuals who reside in rural areas when it considers how to carry out its activities properly, and those duties are exercised and monitored throughout the price control period. Northern Ireland Water's rural waste water investment programme is a great example of a focused package of works that is being undertaken to refurbish waste water treatment facilities in hamlets and villages in rural areas across the North where the population is below 250. The aim of that programme is simple: to deliver significant environmental benefits, including improving water quality in local rivers, and to increase capacity for development in rural areas.”
“There is a strong emphasis on environmental compliance, headroom capacity issues and the potential to ease developmental constraints. The investment plan and supporting business cases for the upgrade of specific works, sewerage networks and their pumping stations are reviewed for robustness and value for money by the Utility Regulator. <BR /> <BR />I assure Members that Northern Ireland Water does not take a Belfast-centric approach.”
“It is important to point out that a strategy is already in place in Northern Ireland to manage our water and waste water infrastructure and to work towards the achievement of a sustainable water sector. It is the Executive's 'Sustainable Water — A Long-Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland (2015-2040)', and I assure Members that it is Northern Ireland-wide. <BR /> <BR />Perhaps, there is a misunderstanding that the Minister has the authority and discretion to identify which projects to accelerate. It is true that the price control period has a clear and robust process. For each price control period, a prioritised list of schemes for waste water treatment works is identified to deliver defined quality improvements or major upgrades. Those proposed schemes are evidence based, agreed by all key water stakeholders and prioritised.”
“On 2 June this year, I gave the go-ahead for the development of a strategic drainage infrastructure plan for Derry, similar to the 'Living with Water in Belfast' plan that I just referred to, and my intention is to roll out that approach, which is very much focused on our natural environment, to many more areas across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The motion calls for a new strategy to be brought forward to:”
“The plan aims to deliver a new, strategic, long-term approach to drainage and waste water management, protect from flooding, provide a cleaner and greener environment, and ensure that Belfast is open for business and investment. That plan, which I hope to get onto the Executive agenda shortly, makes a robust case for the investment needed to provide a 21st-century waste water system to serve the growing population and allow for economic growth. <BR /> <BR />As Mr Delargy, rightly, pointed out, I am keen that we see the rolling out of the Living with Water programme so that it is extended beyond Belfast.”
“I assure the Member that, in my remit as Minister for Infrastructure, I have identified that that is an issue of strategic importance. I have done so not solely by way of offering platitudes but by following through in making bids to the Executive and allocating sufficient funding for this financial year. This is the first time in a long time that that has happened. <BR /> <BR />Earlier this year, as part of my commitment to a green and sustainable recovery, and to delivering the commitments made by the Governments in the New Decade, New Approach agreement, I completed a public consultation on 'Living with Water in Belfast', a draft integrated plan for drainage and waste water management in the greater Belfast area.”
“That allocation includes an additional £20 million over and above the Utility Regulator's final determination to bring forward and accelerate capital projects. <BR /> <BR />I also note with interest the propensity within Sinn Féin to claim credit for positive financial announcements that other Ministers make. I look to see the same fervour, enthusiasm and ownership being taken when Ministers have to implement cuts, which we will, inevitably, have to do in the Budget. I assure Members —.”
“Without that investment, as Members rightly identified, Northern Ireland Water will be at risk of breaching statutory environmental obligations, and the delivery of much-needed housing will be constrained by a lack of capacity in the waste water treatment works and sewerage works. <BR /> <BR />Rightly, Mr Allister challenges Ministers on identifying their strategic priorities. He referenced Narrow Water bridge. I take this opportunity to remind Mr Allister that the Irish Government have committed to the funding of Narrow Water bridge. As Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, I have absolutely prioritised investment in our water and waste water infrastructure. In responding to the challenging environment in which we find ourselves, I have allocated over £210 million of capital funding to Northern Ireland Water for 2021-22.”
“Over £1·5 billion of the funding that is identified in this price control period needs to be invested in waste water treatment works and sewerage networks across the whole of Northern Ireland, including projects to address the lack of capacity at 49 locations. Those include a number of significant projects to upgrade waste water treatment plants in Belfast at a cost of approximately £126 million; in Kinnegar at a cost of £108 million; in Greenisland at a cost of £33 million; and — this will interest Ms Kimmins — in Newry at a cost of approximately £27 million. <BR /> <BR />As I have said many times in the House, the scale of the waste water capacity issues across Northern Ireland will, realistically, take at least 12 years — over two price control periods — to address.”
“In addition to the economic constraints, a lack of capacity can cause increased instances of flooding and sewage spills, leading to increased pollution, damage to the environment and an increased risk to health. <BR /> <BR />Members will be aware that I have consistently made the case for additional investment in our water and waste water services. The Utility Regulator has determined that Northern Ireland Water requires over £2 billion over the six-year PC21 investment period. I have to say that I noted with interest Mr Buckley's criticism that I have not presented the Utility Regulator with confirmation of subsequent years of funding. Of course, we are still locked in a single-year budgetary process, so it is absolutely impossible for me to give any certainty beyond the current financial year.”
“As Mr Beggs, Mr Bradley, Mr O'Toole and Dr Aiken pointed out, in recent years, flooding has had devastating consequences for those living and working in affected areas. We can be in no doubt that climate change will place even more pressure on our ageing infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />As a result of the continued underinvestment in sewerage infrastructure, there are, as Members pointed out, estimated to be over 100 areas where a lack of capacity in sewerage and waste water infrastructure is having a detrimental impact on local development. That lack of capacity means that Northern Ireland Water may not be able to accept future connections for new developments.”
“I thank the three Members, including the Chair and the Deputy Chair of the Committee for Infrastructure, for tabling the motion on the crisis in waste water and sewerage capacity. As Mr Buckley pointed out and many Members reiterated, it is a very important issue that affects all of us. I have listened carefully to the views that Members expressed. The significance of the issue is reflected in the fact there were more Members who wished to speak than time allowed for this evening. <BR /> <BR />As Minister for Infrastructure, I am well aware of the importance of our waste water infrastructure and the critical role that it plays in our health and well-being and, as many Members pointed out, in the economic prosperity of Northern Ireland.”
“I would like to see us be able to provide that face-to-face service at people's doors and at the heart of their community in their local library.”
“I thank the Member for his question and am glad that his particular issue was resolved. We closed over-the-counter services in line with public health advice. People can make applications online. If they have difficulties accessing the service digitally, they can contact the call centre. <BR /> <BR />I am very keen to deliver services that are closer to communities. My Department is progressing work with Libraries NI to agree a face-to-face booking enquiry service that they will deliver on behalf of the Driver and Vehicle Agency. Libraries across the North should be vital parts of our community network. We should put services into libraries and not place them under threat. We are working on this at pace.”
“I thank the Member. She is absolutely right. Individually, as Ministers, and, collectively, as an Executive and a society, we need to take ownership of the issue. I very much value my role on the Executive working group on mental well-being, resilience and suicide prevention. I can confirm that, in the feasibility study, we looked to identify which bridge was best-placed to initiate this. I have also asked my officials to look at whether, in the interim, they can do something along all of the bridges. I am very keen that we tackle this issue. That is a location of great concern. It is very important that we all come together and make small financial changes that can have a huge impact on vulnerable people.”
“I thank the Member for her question. As the Minister and as an MLA for North Belfast, mental health and suicide prevention are a priority for me. When I took up the post as Minister for Infrastructure, one of the first questions I asked myself was what could my Department do better to tackle the issue. We have been engaging in a piece of work called Relink Belfast, which is looking at the feasibility of having environmental measures at our bridges along the Westlink so that we can create softer, greener areas where, for example, people can feel safer. I hope to be able to make an announcement on that shortly.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary and for another creative and tenuous link to the original question. I will give the DUP Benches 10 out of 10 for creativity today. I visited Harmony Lane and met residents, and I will say that their commitment and sense of community pride is truly remarkable. Of course, there are challenges because the lane is an unadopted laneway, but I gave a commitment to the residents that we would look at what we could do creatively. I have asked my officials to explore what legislative powers we have so that we can look to adopt the laneway. As you say, it is a blight because it has been subjected to antisocial behaviour. It is very important that we all do what we can to address the situation and to support the residents in their endeavours.”
“Therefore, I expect that the project will be funded by the Executive in line with other priorities such as the A5 and the A6. Work on the place-making analysis and the active travel review is progressing well, and I hope to be in a position to consider their outcomes shortly before deciding on the next steps.”
“I agree with the Member that that is a very important strategic project. I confirm that I have allocated £2·7 million in this financial year to continue the development of the project. That funding will deliver a place-making analysis of the project and the wider area in the light of new and emerging policies; an active travel review that will look at walking, cycling and public transport connectivity through the scheme and in the wider area; and the further development of the engineering design, including site investigation works to reduce costs and design risks. <BR /> <BR />With regard to future funding, the Executive have committed to the delivery of essential infrastructure projects as part of the New Decade, New Approach agreement, which, as the Member will know, includes the York Street interchange project.”
“I thank the Member for her question. The routes that have been identified as part of the consultation were determined by the consultants, having factored in a number of issues around the engineering of routes, accessibility and viability. Those were the parameters on which we went out to consult. Of course, I have been very clear that I want this to be a genuine public consultation exercise. I am very keen to hear views about extensions to the route and to give careful consideration to those views when identifying the next steps.”
“I thank the Member for her question. The public consultation on phase 2 of the Glider scheme closes today, so there still is time and opportunity for Members to feed into that consultation if they have not already done so. <BR /> <BR />My officials will work through the feedback and will bring to me a submission identifying the best routes. I reassure people that this is not a predetermined outcome. The consultation set parameters in terms of the work of the consultants. I am keen to see the feedback, and that will determine the next steps. A critical component is the Belfast region city deal. This is a project within that, so I am keen that it is prioritised and we can get on to deliver the multiple benefits that, we know, the Glider phase 2 will bring for the people of north and south Belfast.”
“I thank the Member for her question. When I took up the post, I said that I was committed to tackling regional imbalance and better connecting communities, particularly in the north-west. As anyone who looks at the rail map knows, it speaks volumes about the lack of investment and connectivity. <BR /> <BR />My officials continue to work at pace on this. We are linking with Into the West, which has been invaluable in identifying the terms of reference. I am pleased to say that the feasibility study will be completed next month. That will enable us to move forward with the next steps and a business case.”
“It will be an evidence-based and evidence-led approach, but there will also be the opportunity for public engagement, so I encourage Members to input to that process when they can.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I recently met Minister Eamon Ryan and the consultants who are taking the work forward. The purpose of the all-island strategic rail review is to look at our existing rail network to see where it can be improved. That is a particular issue in the north-west. It will also look to identify the potential for new rail links, so that we better connect communities and businesses, and examine the possibilities of rail in connecting our international gateways — our ports and airports. It will also examine the potential for freight. All of those are hugely important as we tackle the climate emergency. <BR /> <BR />The consultants have been asked to report within a 12-month period.”
“I thank the Member for her question and the tenuous link that was creatively provided. I have invested significantly in the provision of park-and-rides, and we are taking forward a number of schemes. Dundonald presents difficulties because of the challenges of land availability. My officials continue to work to identify our options to relieve the pressure on that site. We need to encourage as many people as possible to make the switch out of their private cars and onto public transport.”
“The public consultation closed on 30 September. Its purpose was to gather views and comments on whether lighting should be provided on the Comber greenway and, if so, whether it should be installed on the entire route. We received 1,700 responses. Officials are working through the feedback, and the outcome of the consultation will guide not only whether we light the Comber greenway on a pilot basis but the development of policy on lighting active travel routes.”
“My understanding is that, if they complete that test in GB and come over here, it should be fine, but, of course, given the seriousness of the issue, I will double-check that with officials and confirm the answer in writing to the Member.”
“The DVA is not aware of any specific concerns being raised by training schools regarding the availability of appointments, but training schools are encouraged to liaise directly with their appropriate centre management team, should additional testing capacity be required. The DVA will continue to liaise with training schools to monitor the demand for tests. In the first full four months since driving tests resumed on 23 April, the DVA has conducted 1,290 LGV driving tests, which is 65% higher than the five-year average for that period. That demonstrates a clear commitment to providing increased testing capacity for the sector.”
“I am aware that GB is introducing changes to class B and E trailer tests to help the sector tackle the lorry driver shortage. My Department had no knowledge of the change prior to the public announcement. The implications of the changes for road safety will need further consideration, but I want to point out that testing is not seen as a significant reason for HGV driver shortages here. A recent Road Haulage Association survey identifies driver retirement, Brexit, of course, and changes to off-payroll working rules as the three main reasons for the shortage. Testing was not identified as an issue by hauliers in the UK-wide survey. <BR /> <BR />At this time, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) can facilitate practical driving tests and theory tests for LGV drivers.”
“That research involved focused stakeholder engagement, including seminars with council planning managers, professional institutions and environmental interest groups. It also included individual meetings with relevant organisations, including the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Construction Employers Federation, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the Rural Community Network and the Ulster Farmers' Union. The aforementioned work helped inform the preferred way forward for strategic planning policy for development in the countryside and my decision to issue the PAN.”
“I thank the Member for his question. As I said, it is up to councils, as planning authorities in their own right, to determine the relevance of material planning considerations. <BR /> <BR />The Member asked about the consultation that took place. Since the publication of the SPPS, the Department issued a call for evidence in March 2016 to help inform the scope of a potential review of strategic planning policy on development in the countryside. It attracted responses from a wide of range interests, including local government, environmental groups, business, industry, residents' groups, professional bodies and individuals. In March 2017, the Department procured consultants to undertake research and provide an updated evidential context to inform the best strategic planning policy approach for development in the countryside.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I want to make sure that we support our rural communities and ensure that they are vibrant places to live. I stress that the PAN does not change planning policy. As I have said, it is intended to assist councils, as planning authorities in their own right, to give their assessment of what material weight is to be afforded to planning considerations. Therefore, as I say, it is, ultimately, up to councils to make that determination, and I emphasise again that the PAN in no way changes the planning policy that was consulted on and agreed prior to me taking up post.”
“<BR /> <BR />I firmly believe that the current policy approach for development in the countryside remains appropriate and facilitates sustainable patterns of development while supporting a vibrant rural community. I will, of course, continue to consider current and emerging issues to ensure that strategic planning policy for development in the countryside is fit for purpose.”
“The PAN provides advice that councils, as planning authorities in their own right, will take into account when determining planning applications for development in the countryside along with all other material planning considerations. It is important to note that the PAN does not, however, change planning policy. It is intended to assist planning authorities and users of the planning system in the interpretation and implementation of extant planning policy as contained in the strategic planning policy statement (SPPS). It re-emphasises and clarifies several policy issues and will assist in ensuring a consistent interpretation of the policy across the North.”
“The programme for scheme delivery has, in recent years, referred to full scheme completion by 2028, and, although some slippage has occurred, that time frame remains achievable. <BR /> <BR />I reiterate my commitment to the A5 flagship project, which is of significant strategic importance to the region and will help to tackle regional imbalance, improve the economy, job prospects and prosperity, connect communities and improve road safety.”
“I thank the Member for his question. We have discussed the challenges and delays to the A5 many times in the Chamber. One of the things that I find frustrating is that, at a previous public inquiry, the scheme was given the green light. Unfortunately, we had no Ministers in place to take it forward. <BR /> <BR />My officials are working at pace towards the publication of a new environmental statement addendum so that the public inquiry can be reconvened, as recommended by the Planning Appeals Commission, next year. Receipt of the PAC's final report from the inquiry should then allow a ministerial decision to be taken. Subject to the successful completion of all the necessary statutory processes and environmental assessments, the construction of phase 1A could then commence.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The ongoing traffic management at Dungiven is essential to facilitate the construction of a new roundabout that will connect the A6 Glenshane Road to the new A6 dual carriageway. Unfortunately, the nature of the work means that lane closures are unavoidable, but it has been sequenced to minimise lane closures by maximising offline working, extending weekday working hours and working weekends when necessary. My officials continue to liaise with the contractor, elected representatives and local residents to ensure that any impact arising from the ongoing works at Dungiven is minimised as much as possible.”
“I know that the Member is supportive of the Dungiven park-and-ride scheme. She has raised the issue with me previously. A pre-application notice has been submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, and the design is being finalised. I am pleased to report that a public consultation on the proposals will be carried out prior to the submission of a full planning application towards the end of this year.”
“<BR /> <BR />When both schemes are complete, approximately three quarters of the Belfast to Derry route will be of dual carriageway standard or better. As well as improving the standard of carriageway along the A6, both schemes provide enhanced provision for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists. New park-and-ride sites are operational at Drumderg and Drumahoe, with a further park-and-ride site under construction at Claudy. <BR /> <BR />Together, those flagship schemes represent an investment of over £400 million and will significantly enhance the connectivity of the north-west, improve journey time reliability, reduce journey times and, importantly, improve road safety.”