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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“I thank the Member for his question. He refers to the fact that auditing, finance and governance processes already exist. This consideration lies in the fact that a board is a vital element in the governance structure of any organisation. As I said in response to the question from the Chair of the Infrastructure Committee, we should keep the absence of a board in Waterways Ireland under review. It is not clear to me why there is no provision for a board in the legislation that established Waterways Ireland. Therefore, it is right and proper that the issue is reviewed. I am in no way pre-empting the outcome of that review and what the recommendation will be, but, for governance reasons, it is important that we examine the issue closely and come to a considered conclusion on it.”
“I very recently attended the British-Irish Council summit, which was of huge importance for shared learning and collaboration. It is equally important that we have the same level of engagement on a North/South basis.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Yes; it was hugely frustrating, not least given the amount of work that officials had put in to prepare for the very important NSMC meeting last Friday, to discover that that meeting was obstructed from going ahead. As I have said many times in the Chamber, we overcome our challenges when we work across these islands, east-west and North/South. As Ministers, we also have legal obligations and responsibilities to uphold our duties, and that requires us to engage in the North/South Ministerial Council meetings. I hope that, with a new DUP leadership and whatever ministerial team at the Executive table that that leads to, all Ministers will live up to their legal responsibilities. I hope that we will see full attendance at all North/South Ministerial Council meetings.”
“As the Member is aware, the Ulster canal greenway is progressing. It is under consideration by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The period required for construction has been extended, so there is a funding shortfall. I understand that that is under consideration by INTERREG. At this stage, it would not be appropriate for my Department to become involved, given its role as an accountable Department, but I am keen to see the outcome of INTERREG's deliberations and consideration. As the Member rightly points out, I am committed to the expansion of our blueways and greenways, and I will be keen to see what my Department may be able to do to advance that.”
“At our meeting, we therefore agreed that officials will explore options for the establishment of a board to oversee all of Waterways Ireland's work. An update will be provided to the Council at the next NSMC inland waterways meeting. We need to look at this with fresh eyes, and I look forward to officials bringing forward recommendations on the matter for our consideration.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I am genuinely pleased to see engagement on the statement from my colleagues across the Chamber. <BR /> <BR />The Member may be aware that the North/South implementation bodies were established under the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) Order 1999. Two of the six bodies, one of which is Waterways Ireland, were established without a provision for them to have a board. The board of any organisation forms part of its governance structure, and we should keep the absence of a board for Waterways Ireland under review. It is eight years since the options for setting up a board for Waterways Ireland were considered. Now is an appropriate time to review the position.”
“<BR /> <BR />We agreed that officials will explore options for the establishment of a board to oversee the work of Waterways Ireland and noted that an update will be provided to the Council at the next NSMC inland waterways meeting. We consented to a number of property disposals. We agreed to hold our next NSMC inland waterways meeting in late 2021.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Council noted the impact of Brexit on Waterways Ireland in the context of its status as a North/South implementation body. <BR /> <BR />We approved Waterways Ireland's draft 2020-22 corporate plan. We noted that Waterways Ireland's annual report and accounts 2019 have been signed off by both Comptrollers and Auditors General and will be laid before the NI Assembly and both Houses of the Oireachtas in the near future. We also noted that Waterways Ireland's annual report and accounts 2020 have been submitted for audit. <BR /> <BR />On staffing and organisational matters, we agreed that options for an independent organisational review of Waterways Ireland will be considered by sponsor Departments and the body, and we noted that draft terms of reference will be submitted to the NSMC for consideration at a future meeting.”
“As part of our examination of our commitments in New Decade, New Approach, we noted the progress achieved on the restoration of the Ulster canal. That includes the ongoing work on phase 2 of the restoration, from Clones to Clonfad, the plans for phase 3, from Castle Saunderson to Clonfad, and the plans for the development of the Ulster canal greenway. <BR /> <BR />We discussed our response to COVID-19. We noted the response of Waterways Ireland to COVID-19 and the increase in user numbers along towpaths and trails during the period of COVID-19 restrictions in 2020. We also noted the increasing popularity of the inland waterways as a holiday destination for the domestic market, as has been demonstrated by the increase in bookings for the 2021 season.”
“The 2021 internal audit plan and associated reports have been completed, and a business process review of Waterways Ireland's finance function is ongoing, with an estimated target completion date in June 2021. The 10-year long-term plan is nearing completion. Final articulation of the plan is ongoing, and preparatory work is already under way in preparation for pre-public consultation engagement with key stakeholders, including sponsor Departments, in advance of appropriate screening and public consultation.”
“Waterways Ireland is progressing plans on Dublin canals development opportunities and living communities. The Waterways Ireland heritage plan 2016-2020 concluded in 2020, having directly invested over €650,000 in the delivery of heritage projects. Work is ongoing on the formulation and delivery of a new 10-year heritage plan. <BR /> <BR />Waterways Ireland continues to work on its 10-year climate change adoption and mitigation plan, being one of the first organisations in the public sector to do so. Research by Waterways Ireland determined that over half of the population in both jurisdictions visited at least one of its waterways in 2020. Walking, cycling, commercial boating, rowing, angling, sailing and canoeing were just some of the activities that people engaged in. Progress to improve governance, risk and controls is ongoing.”
“Ecology surveys and preparations for planning submissions for five-year long-term maintenance plans along the Barrow and south Shannon are ongoing and will be completed in 2021. Some €150,000 was awarded to Waterways Ireland in March 2021 under the urban regeneration development fund for development options, a viability appraisal and a master plan for Tullamore harbour. <BR /> <BR />Waterways Ireland, with support from Minister O’Brien and Minister Martin, launched the Shannon tourism master plan in March 2021. Over €70 million of investment will be injected into the Shannon river region by 2030. In March 2021, Waterways Ireland, with support from Minister Noonan and Minister Ryan, launched the Royal canal greenway, which is Ireland’s longest greenway, stretching over 130 kilometres.”
“<BR /> <BR />We noted the progress achieved in the activities of Waterways Ireland, including extensive restoration work to repair the Meelick weir on the Shannon, with a new 295-metre publicly accessible walkway on top of the weirs, and the commencement of enabling works to Carnroe weir on the lower Bann in January 2021, which are due to be completed in April 2021. The in-river works are due to commence in the spring of 2022, with completion expected by autumn 2023. Abandoned, non-compliant and non-live-aboard boats along the canals were removed, significantly improving by-law compliance rates across navigations from 56% to a percentage in the mid-80s. Work commenced on the 46-kilometre Barrow blueway in the late summer of 2020 in Kildare and Laois, with that stretch due to be completed in 2022.”
“With your permission, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, in compliance with section 52 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, I wish to make a statement on the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) inland waterways meeting that was held in the North/South Ministerial Council joint secretariat headquarters in Armagh and by videoconference on 21 May 2021. The Executive were represented by me, as Minister for Infrastructure, and the Health Minister, Robin Swann. The Irish Government were represented by Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform. The statement has been agreed with Minister Swann, and I make it on behalf of both of us and the Executive. I chaired the meeting, and the following is a record of what was discussed.”
“With 36 years of public service as an elected representative, and having served as mayor and deputy mayor of his borough, Gordon clearly had a deep and enduring love for the people whom he represented. We can all respect that and learn from it. <BR /> <BR />Unfortunately, due to ministerial commitments, I will not be able to stay in the Chamber to hear all the tributes, but my thoughts, and those of my party colleagues, are with Gordon's friends, his family and his DUP colleagues at this very difficult time.”
“On behalf of the SDLP, I convey my sincere condolences to Gordon Dunne's family, friends and party colleagues. We know what it is like to lose a friend and colleague, and we know how much more difficult that process is under the current circumstances. <BR /> <BR />As already said, Gordon was a good man who cared dearly and deeply about his community and constituents. In my dealings with him, I found him to be straight-talking, fair and, above all, a very friendly and approachable Member. As a Minister, I got to see at first hand how deeply he cared for his constituents. He made continual representations on their behalf. If an issue mattered to Gordon's constituents, it mattered to him.”
“Those are all commitments in NDNA, and we will be seeking answers. <BR /> <BR />To conclude, the SDLP remains committed to good governance, to putting people before party, and to improving the lives of everyone in Northern Ireland.”
“That means getting the 335,000 patients who are living in pain off our hospital waiting lists. It means giving the hundreds of children who are waiting for school places the education that they deserve. It means dealing with the housing crisis, the COVID crisis, the Brexit crisis and the climate crisis. We do not need any more DUP/Sinn Féin-manufactured crises to add to our list. <BR /> <BR />The SDLP, of course, has many questions about the exclusive negotiation between the DUP, Sinn Féin and the British Government. Were there any negotiations on funding to tackle the crisis in our waiting lists? Were there any negotiations on the housing crisis? Were there any negotiations on the anti-poverty strategy? Were there any negotiations on free and affordable childcare for working parents?”
“Although there may be a sense of relief today that we have not been pushed over the cliff and into the hands of Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock, the truth is that the British Government do not have a good track record when it comes to delivering on the promises that they make. We have only to look at the protocol. The SDLP in Westminster will, however, hold the British Government's feet to the fire to ensure that they deliver on the Irish language and deliver for those who care about and respect all our cultures. <BR /> <BR />As this political drama comes to an end for the time being, the clear message from people in Northern Ireland is, "Cut the drama and start delivering. Get on with the job: the job of making people's lives better, not worse".”
“We entered the Executive in good faith, and we remain committed to the delivery of all the commitments that were made.”
“Comhghairdeas to the joint First Ministers on their nominations today. The SDLP welcomes the fact that this crisis appears to have been averted, but the people of Northern Ireland should never have been brought back to the point of crisis yet again. Five parties, the British Government and the Irish Government all signed up to New Decade, New Approach. All of us made promises to the people of Northern Ireland, and all those promises must be honoured. No party has the right to pick and choose which commitment will or will not be honoured. Neither is it good or responsible devolved government, however, to run to the British Government every time that the DUP and Sinn Féin fail to implement what had previously been agreed. The SDLP entered the Executive on the basis of New Decade, New Approach.”
“I was very sorry to hear about the latest accident. There clearly is an issue on that road. Once we get the report back at the end of this month, I will be more than happy to meet the Member on-site.”
“At present, it is expected that the consultants will report back on progress at the end of this month, at which point the Department can consider the best way forward.”
“I know that the Member cares very deeply about that issue and has made a number of representations to me and my officials. The Department has commissioned its partner consultants to carry out a feasibility study to consider potential improvements to pedestrian facilities at the McKinstry Road roundabout following the opening of the McDonald's restaurant and drive-through. <BR /> <BR />The feasibility study is taking a two-stage approach. The first stage is a high-level overview of possible improvements, with the second stage focusing in more detail on the preferred options. While a draft stage 1 report has been received by officials, the consultants are still working on more detailed options as part of phase 2.”
“I would be delighted to meet the member, or, if he prefers, he can meet the walking and cycling champion, so that we can discuss his ambitions for Active Travel in Lagan Valley. I am happy to meet him and work with him in partnership.”
“I am pleased to say that this year I am investing more in the Active Travel agenda than I did last year or, indeed, than anyone did in previous years.”
“That is everyone scarred for life. <BR /> <BR />The Member is correct: I have announced the £20 million blue-green fund for this financial year. At the heart of that fund will be an £11 million pot for Active Travel projects across Northern Ireland to get schemes on the ground in order to ensure that Active Travel is a safer and more attractive option for people getting around. I have wanted to see those changes realised since taking up the post of Minister, but, with the added challenges of COVID, the truth is that not enough has been done, and we now need to change that. That is why I am investing and focusing my team on delivery, getting projects on the ground and making sure that active travel becomes an option for many more families across the North.”
“It was a pleasure to meet you at Blaris and watch you vigorously cycle past in your Lycra, Pat — a scene that I will never forget.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Again, it is about balancing sustainable development with the need to have sustainable rural communities, so I have asked officials to do a piece of work for my consideration on how we might take that forward. There are opportunities through the local development plans as well. We have a number of opportunities to help enhance rural living, and I am determined that my officials can play their part in that.”
“Within that, I have to and will pay particular attention to our rural communities, as demonstrated by the increase in funding for the rural roads fund, in particular.”
“I thank the Member for his question. We are taking a number of steps in respect of the planning system. At present, we are doing a lot of work with the councils about environmental governance. We have a cross-departmental planning forum that is very much focused on improving consultee response times. We have a new planning portal as well, and we are looking at planning policy. Members will know that I have announced a review of renewable energy planning policy. Officials are also considering Planning Policy Statement 21 (PPS 21), which has a particular impact on the countryside, and that work is ongoing. On top of that, I am committed to doing what I can to tackle regional imbalance.”
“I sincerely hope that we move back from this point of crisis. People do not want crisis politics; they want their politicians working together, honouring their commitments, delivering on NDNA, tackling the waiting lists, tackling the housing crisis and tackling the climate crisis.”
“I have said this a number of times in the House: not only is it a requirement under the Good Friday Agreement, but we will overcome our challenges only when we work in partnership North/South, east-west and in the Executive. It is deeply concerning that, at this point in time, we do not have our joint First Ministers. Our Executive cannot meet, even though we were due to discuss important issues and to take important decisions on Thursday, not least in respect of the pandemic. <BR /> <BR />It is concerning that we are not clear on whether we will have a North/South Ministerial Council meeting on Friday. I had hoped that we would discuss the Narrow Water bridge at that meeting. A number of us have highlighted concerns, over many weeks, about the absence of the North/South institutions and the impact that it will have.”
“The Member has been a tireless campaigner for the project. I know that she is passionate about the Narrow Water bridge. I am pleased to update the Member that, alongside my engagement with local stakeholders, I have met councils and continue to work with the Irish Government. The Member will know that the project is a New Decade, New Approach commitment, and it is vital that we all work hard to see it delivered. I am pleased that there is a political will, North and South, to deliver the Narrow Water bridge. It is an exciting, iconic, transformative project for the people of South Down and beyond. It is critical that the positive partnership working continues. I assure the Member of my commitment to do just that.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I have looked at that issue, and the Department carried out two pilot studies on the issues of 20 mph zones in residential areas. The findings of that study strongly indicate that, for the zones to be effective, the 20 mph signage needs to be accompanied by traffic-calming measures, such as speed bumps. I am trying to weigh that up to make sure that we have effective schemes in place. We will continue to analyse the findings of that study to find the best way to take that forward. I am very much focused on putting our energies into rolling out the 20 mph zones at our schools as a matter of priority.”
“In the past financial year, I committed to providing 20 mph zones outside 103 schools. A number of those are functional; the rest will be fully operational later this year. I am committed to rolling that out to many more schools in the new financial year, and officials are working up details. My ambition is to at least equal the number of schools that were provided for in the past financial year. It is a really good scheme. It creates a safer environment for children to walk and cycle to school. It also helps to get the message out about responsible, safe driving. For all those reasons, we remain committed to it and look forward to rolling it out to many more schools in the new financial year.”
“We have had extensive engagement with Executive colleagues on the need for an independent infrastructure commission. I really hope that we can get to a point where we have consensus to move that vital work on.”
“The Member raises a very important point. As the Minister for Infrastructure, I have been clear that climate action is a priority for me. For example, one of the reasons why I undertook the short, sharp external review of the York Street interchange project was to ensure that we future-proofed that and were conscious of the climate crisis. It is also one of the reasons why I believe that we need an independent infrastructure commission in Northern Ireland, to ensure that we bring in the experts and have open engagement with the public, that we build infrastructure that is inclusive and sustainable and that we have a long-term vision that aligns with the ambitions that we should have as a society in tackling the climate emergency. We are trying to come at this on a number of fronts.”
“I thank the Member for her question. At her kind invitation, I attended the all-party group (APG) on climate change to discuss the important role that the planning system has to play. At that meeting, we discussed the fact that sustainability is at the heart of the strategic planning policy statements that my Department produces and we work closely with councils. The Member will know that we are undertaking a review of the Planning Act 2011. We are engaged in a number of strands of work. We are also working closely with councils on environmental governance and work streams. It is important that we embed climate action in everything that we do and in the approach that we take at senior level as Ministers, at local government level and as citizens.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I was keen to give as much certainty as possible. That is why I increased the rural roads budget by 50% at the start of the financial year. With regard to the prioritisation of works, we submit to every council reports detailing the roads that will be subject to improvement, and those are then put into the public domain. I encourage the Member to look at those reports, which list all the roads that will be addressed.”
“I thank the Member for his important question. Members will be aware of the important statement that I made to the House this morning. I am advised that the legal challenges are not expected to have an impact on my enhanced roads recovery fund of £17 million for this financial year or on the £15 million of that fund that will be targeted specifically at our rural roads.”
“Rural roads will therefore benefit from a 50% increase in funding through that initiative, reflecting my commitment to continuing that important work to improve connectivity and benefit rural communities.”
“With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions 6 and 7 together. <BR /> <BR />I recognise that there has been historical underinvestment in the maintenance of our road network for a significant number of years and that many rural roads are in need of repairs. In response, I allocated £12 million of my 2020-21 capital budget to a roads recovery fund, of which £10 million was specifically directed towards rural roads. Following the success of last year's fund, I am setting up an enhanced fund in 2021-22 and have therefore allocated £17 million of my capital budget to a roads recovery fund, of which £15 million is specifically directed towards rural roads.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I know that the issue is close to his heart. Planning remains a matter for my Department, but the question of funding is a matter for the Department for Communities, so he may wish to raise it with the Communities Minister.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He is right: the GAA has waited far too long to have its home in Ulster. I remain committed to ensuring that my officials progress the application properly and at pace. In fact, I am mindful of the fact that the Member's party and constituency colleague Paul Maskey recently met my officials and thanked them for their hard work on the application. <BR /> <BR />The application is currently with Belfast City Council for a period of consultation. I am sure that the council will return that to us in the quickest possible time frame. Of course, my officials will then continue to progress it as quickly as possible, in line with all the statutory requirements.”
“I look forward to the final planning decision issuing for the project, as it will give a real boost to sport across our island and to the local economy and will finally give the GAA its home in Ulster.”
“Since my announcement in October recommending planning approval for the redevelopment of Casement Park, my officials continue to make considerable progress towards issuing the final planning decision. Departmental officials have been working at pace to progress the required planning agreement, which must be in place before the final planning decision can issue. Anyone who cares about this important project will want it to be processed properly, and that is exactly what my Department is doing and at pace. <BR /> <BR />The Departmental Solicitor's Office and the GAA's legal team remain in regular contact about the details of the planning agreement, and both parties are keen to reach agreement as soon as possible.”
“That is a problem not just in the Member's constituency; I am very mindful that it is a persistent problem in areas such as Portrush. It can have a very negative impact on communities. Although the matter falls largely to the PSNI, I am content to raise it with my officials to see whether there is something that we could do, working in partnership with the PSNI and the community, to try to address the issue.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I do not know whether she has had a very recent site meeting with my officials. If not, I am happy to offer that. Alternatively, if she has, I am happy to raise that matter with officials and then provide her with an update in writing.”
“The Damolly Retail Park is a private development with access on to the public road network at the A27 Armagh Road. Therefore, the Department has no remit for the existing traffic management arrangements for vehicles within or exiting the Damolly Retail Park on to the Armagh Road. Officials are, however, content to discuss any proposals brought forward by the retail park owners that might help to alleviate any problems.”