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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“They knew that hundreds of other families had acted within the law, the guidelines and the public health advice. They knew that, by their actions, they were putting themselves above the law, but they still made that choice. They also knew that there would be political fallout but they still made that choice. They knew what the restrictions that they had designed and implemented in the Executive meant. They knew because, along with the guidance and public health advice, the deputy First Minister and the Finance Minister made them. I sat in the meeting and saw them do it. Then I watched on television as they broke them. If they were confused, as they subsequently claimed in police interviews, why did they not raise this around the Executive table at the time?”
“So, when the leadership of Sinn Féin and 22 of that party's elected representatives decided to attend a funeral and a graveside rally last June, it was a knowing act. It was not surrounded in ambiguity, and there was not a slight question mark over whether public health advice, guidelines and legislation were broken. Please do not let us hear that today. It is an insult to the bereaved across Northern Ireland and across our island, and it is an insult to all those who have followed and adhered to the rules over the past 12 months. <BR /> <BR />It was a proactive decision that they chose to make. They made the choice. They knew that the consequences for public health would be severe and even fatal, but, still, they made that choice.”
“We have a uniquely Irish way of managing death, and it gives enormous comfort to our people to open up their doors when faced with death to embrace the comfort offered by our family and community. On this island, our wakes and burials are a crucial act of closure. <BR /> <BR />The restrictions require people to set that aside, and what a sacrifice that is. Our people said almost unanimously, "If that is what must be done, we will do it". Most of us will know someone directly or indirectly who has buried a loved one during the pandemic, perhaps stood on the roadside as a cortege has driven past or watched a funeral service on Zoom. It does not even amount to a substitute for the true way that these things should be done.”
“<BR /> <BR />The belief that we must all adhere to the regulations and the guidelines and look out for and support each other has been my approach and the approach of the Social Democratic and Labour Party to dealing with the pandemic in the Executive, here in the Assembly, in our communities, in our sports clubs, at our school gates and on the ground, and we will not deviate from that. In the Executive and in the Assembly, we have asked our citizens to make huge sacrifices. The biggest sacrifice asked of our people since last March has been that asked of the family and friends of the deceased. To bury a loved one with no wake and only a small number of people in attendance robs us of a final act of love, an act of grace in parting and a final comfort for the bereaved. It goes against our very nature.”
“I will speak as the deputy leader of the SDLP and with deep regret that, in the midst of a public health crisis, we have had to come here today to give voice to so many of our citizens who feel so hurt and so betrayed. I rise not to score any political points, not to add to the grief of any family in the North that has lost a loved one in the past year and certainly not to undermine the important messages and instructions that we must all continue to follow in order to suppress COVID-19 and to move our people into a more hopeful and new era. I speak as a political leader who genuinely believes that we are, in fact, all in this together and that all those in power must be held to account for their actions.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. It is testimony to the fact that, when we work in partnership and work to find solutions with communities instead of imposing them from the top down, we get much better outcomes for everyone who lives in the areas. <BR /> <BR />Again, I offer my appreciation to Mr Buchanan for bringing the Adjournment debate and to all Members for their representations to me not only this evening but outside the Chamber, which they do on a very regular basis. I thank them for that.”
“I thank the Member for that intervention. It is important that DFI officials get to hear that. They live in and very much care for their communities, and, often, because we care about our communities so much, DFI officials bear the brunt of a lot of frustration and anger.”
“It is a matter that is very close to their hearts, and I reassure them of my commitment to do what I can to make it safer for our children and young people to walk, cycle and wheel safely to and from school.”
“<BR /> <BR />All Members who spoke talked about the importance of partnership working. That is really important. If we are going to create safer environments for our children, young people and other road users, we have to work in partnership with communities. The community safety grant is one way that my Department helps to support communities to have their own safety programmes. We absolutely have to work with local representatives, who know their area best, and we have to work with our school leaders and the PSNI. As all Members rightly pointed out, we have to work in partnership with the Minister of Education. I will not be found wanting in that regard. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I thank all Members for their interest in the issue. All Members have written to me on it.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am very conscious that Members referenced the fact that, in rural areas, schools are located in places that we would possibly not choose if we were doing it all over again. It is, therefore, very important that rural communities are not left behind and that there is not always a focus on urban areas. By setting up the rural roads fund, I want to demonstrate my commitment to ensure that we are doing much more to provide safe infrastructure in rural areas as well. <BR /> <BR />Members highlighted the importance of gritting, which I understand, and the importance of street lighting, and a number of Members spoke about the importance of site-specific solutions. That is the kind of approach that I want to have, but you are always constrained by the budgetary reality within which you have to operate.”
“<BR /> <BR />In an intervention, Mrs Kelly referenced the importance of education and training. She highlighted potential sources of funding, which is very useful for Members. I reassure Members that my Department has a cycling proficiency scheme; the practical child pedestrian safety training scheme; the Active School Travel programme, which we work in partnership with the Public Health Agency to fund; and the junior road safety officer scheme. I hear what Members are saying about the need to expand footway provision for children getting to and from schools, particularly in rural areas. That is the kind of project that I want to be able to support through the £20 million blue-green fund that my Department has set up.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr McGlone spoke about people travelling at hugely dangerous speeds. <BR />While traffic calming and the roll-out of 20 mph zones will go some way to addressing that, we have a collective responsibility to get the message to all our drivers that they need to travel safely and at safe speeds. <BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to Mr Buchanan in particular, because he has been very active in working on SIDs and has been working with local businesses to gather funding so that they can be purchased. I assure Members that I am aware of the benefits that can come from the use of SIDs, so I have asked my officials to prepare a guidance note in order to ensure that we have a consistent approach across divisions when responding to requests for them.”
“Being mindful that we have limited time left in this mandate, there are challenges around the legislative changes that I would like to see. <BR /> <BR />As I said, eight schools in Mid Ulster will be in this first tranche of the roll-out of the 20 mph scheme. I want to say to Members that I am very committed to rolling that out to further schools. The extent to which I can do that will depend on the budget allocated to me. We have not yet had confirmation of final allocations, but I am committed to doing what we can and will keep Members regularly updated on it. St Joseph's Primary School in Galbally, Holy Family Primary School in Aughnamullan, and St Mary's Primary School in Ballinascreen were all mentioned. Those schools will all be assessed as part of the further roll-out of the schemes.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr Buchanan talked about the importance of ensuring that people park responsibly, particularly around our schools. I assure Members that DFI will continue to take enforcement action against irresponsible and unsafe parking. We will also work in partnership with the PSNI, given its remit in this area. Mr Buchanan pointed to the fact that I have asked my officials to scope out what more we can do in this area. I am very conscious of the moves in Scotland towards a ban on pavement and double-parking. I am conscious that, in England, they are going to consult on a number of options, and that the issue is being addressed by councils in Wales. I have asked my officials to prepare a submission on what we can do in this area.”
“No problem. I will go on to address that in respect of next year's budget. <BR /> <BR />I reiterate that this is a commitment of mine. I want us to do what we can. For me, this is about ensuring that we create safe active travel for our children on particular routes. <BR /> <BR />I turn to some of the points raised during the debate. Like Mr Buchanan, my thoughts are with those who have lost their lives on our roads. In some instances, that has involved children and young people. Mr Buchanan is right to highlight that there are a number of approaches to this. We need to tackle speed; we need to look at road layouts; we need to look at parking, and I will come back to that point. It is about engineering solutions and education.”
“At each of the schools, new standard fixed speed limit roundel signs will be erected, with a flashing amber light set to come on at the times that the reduced speed limit applies. As Mr Buchanan highlighted, this follows trials at a number of schools in 2019 to determine the effectiveness of the arrangement of signs, when it was found that they reduce the mean speed. In Mid Ulster specifically, this will include Crossroads Primary School, Edendork Primary School, St Trea's Primary School, Orritor Primary School, Aughnacloy College, Aughnacloy Primary School, St Eoghan's Primary School, St Brigid's Primary School and Ampertaine Primary School.”
“It is my intention that, through future programmes, many more schools — many of the schools that have been referenced in the debate — will have a 20 mph speed limit on the roads outside their gates. My officials are working to complete the schemes, with the legislation now in place to enforce the part-time 20 mph speed limit measures at those schools. Ms Dillon asked about time frames for this. We have a number of signs already implemented, and officials are working hard to complete the programme in the coming weeks. <BR /> <BR />This is another step forward in our efforts to make our roads safer for all users. However, I reiterate that we all have a collective responsibility to take care when using our roads.”
“I am determined, as the Minister for Infrastructure but also as a mother of three small children, to improve road safety, particularly on roads and streets near our schools. As Members mentioned, I made a commitment last September to take forward legislation to introduce part-time 20 mph speed limits at around 100 schools so that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from school every day. Yesterday, I was pleased to announce that part-time speed limits have now been set in legislation for 103 schools at 90 sites. Children, parents and teachers in every part of the North will see positive, practical changes to limit vehicle speeds on the roads around their schools. <BR /> <BR />Road safety, especially around our schools, is a priority of mine.”
“Thank you, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker. First of all, as other Members have done, I add my thanks to Mr Buchanan for instigating the debate on road safety at schools in Mid Ulster. I have listened with interest to the comments and issues raised by Members. It is clear that this is a topic of huge importance for all Members. As Ms Sheerin rightly said, road safety, particularly in and around our schools, is a hugely important issue in our communities. It is extremely important, understandably, to parents, teachers and principals.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He will be aware of the huge pressures on the resource side of my budget. Those pressures go back to the smash-and-grab when Danny Kennedy was the Minister. I give a commitment that I will do what I can, but I cannot give a commitment on numbers because the final budget allocation has yet to be determined.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He will know that I created the new blue-green infrastructure fund of £20 million. I remain committed to that agenda. We have also been recruiting in order to ensure that we have more people in the Department working in Roads who are aware of the opportunities for active travel so that we can have that design phase at the beginning of the processes. I will continue to do what I can. <BR /> <BR />You are right: the draft budget allocation as it stands is deeply concerning, and it will have ramifications. I know that Members are very concerned about the surface of roads, street lighting and active travel, but, unless I am given the budget to be able to do those things, difficult decisions lie ahead with consequences for all our constituents.”
“The Member will be aware that I am committed to greenways. They deliver huge benefits to people. They contribute to better mental well-being and physical health, promote active travel and are good for the environment and reconnecting people with nature, which has been one of the chinks of light throughout the COVID crisis. I will continue to do what I can to maximise our opportunities for citizens across Northern Ireland to avail themselves of greenways and to do as much as we can to ensure that we have continuous routes for greenways not just here in Northern Ireland but across our island, because I believe that there is huge potential, which remains untapped, to do so much more in that very important area.”
“The proposed alignment and location of the shared-use path ensures that no carriageway-crossing movements are required for walking and cycling, creating a safer road environment for all road users. Phase 2 is under way, and I am pleased to say that it is expected that it will be complete by the summer. It is expected that a resurfacing scheme will be undertaken alongside that project.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Strathfoyle to Maydown shared-use path will be a continuation and extension of the council's Strathfoyle greenway and Waterside greenway projects, which provide a shared footway/cycleway from the Peace Bridge to Stradowen Drive in Strathfoyle. Phase 1 of the Strathfoyle shared-use path will provide new 3-metre-wide off-road facilities for walking and cycling on the Temple Road at Clonmeen Drive and Haw Road. Phase 1 started in the autumn of 2020 and is substantially complete. <BR /> <BR />Phase 2 of the project involves upgrading and widening the existing substandard footway on the Maydown Road from the Haw Road junction to the police station to the desirable standards of a shared-use path.”
“The Member raises a very important point. That is particularly important when we reflect on the tragic deaths of the two women at the weekend and on women feeling safe. As Minister for Infrastructure, I want to ensure that we make women feel safe, and an important part of that is street lighting. The Member will be aware that I allocated a budget to ensure that we could have a full 12-month repair of our street lighting, but I am keen to work with councils and others to see what more we can do to ensure that, yes, we are lighting our spaces to make them attractive but also, importantly, so that women and young girls and everyone who wants to go out walking can do so and feel safe.”
“I thank the Member for raising this very important issue. I will commit to discussing the matter with my officials, asking them to provide you with an update on what actions we can take and making sure that that gets to you at the earliest opportunity.”
“I thank the Member for his question. To state that there has been no progress is factually incorrect. A number of draft agreements have been shared between my Department and the GAA's solicitor. The drafting of a planning agreement is a complex matter. I am not suggesting for one moment that anyone wants me to cut corners and put the project in jeopardy. I will continue to do what I can, and my officials will continue to work at pace, on this very important project. However, I share the view that, if we had had an Assembly and Executive for the three years that they were down, we would have made much more progress on this important project.”
“I look forward to the final planning decision issuing, as the project will give a real boost to sport across our island and to the economy of west Belfast and, finally, give the GAA its home in Ulster.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I announced my decision to recommend planning approval for the new stadium at Casement Park on 13 October. The final decision will issue when a section 76 planning agreement with the applicant and with relevant parties has been satisfactorily concluded. Work on that is ongoing at pace. The application remains a priority for my Department. The drafting of a planning agreement is a complex legal matter. I am sure that the Member, as a supporter of the project, will agree with me on the need for it to be done right. The Departmental Solicitor's Office and the GAA's legal team remain in regular contact on the details of the planning agreement. Both parties are keen to reach agreement as soon as possible.”
“I thank the Member for her question. That agenda was important even before COVID. We need to be better at reimagining our space. A people-centred approach to place shaping is the right one. We all must work together to ensure that we reimagine our space so that people can, when it is safe to do so, come together to shop in our local businesses. We will be very much reliant on indigenous tourism. I give a commitment that I will continue to work with stakeholders across the North to ensure that we reimagine our spaces together and do what we can to support our businesses, in particular, at this difficult time.”
“The more significant of those include the north-west greenway proposals for Derry and Strabane. Other walking and cycling measures are proposed at Strathfoyle in the Maydown area and along the Limavady Road from Ebrington. I am also providing funding for the construction of the Strathfoyle greenway and the Strabane north greenway.”
“I thank the Member for her question. A pop-up cycleway was delivered in June 2020 between the Harbour Square roundabout and the council offices through the riverfront car parks. My Department continues to work with the council and other stakeholders to identify measures for social distancing in Derry city centre. Officials are developing draft proposals for the Ferryquay Street, Diamond and Bishop Street areas. Those measures may include the repurposing of road space to improve social distancing where footways are narrow, the introduction of one-way streets and the removal of on-street parking to enhance provision for walking and cycling or the introduction of parklets. <BR /> <BR />My Department is also progressing several walking and cycling measures in collaboration with the council.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary question. I am very keen to ensure that we do not leave our rural communities behind when it comes to the active travel agenda. I have also been very clear that I do not believe in delivering government from the top down, imposing what I believe to be the right approach for local active travel routes on communities. That is why we have been working very closely with councils through my walking and cycling champion and why we had the community safety grant for local communities. <BR /> <BR />I very much want to continue to work in partnership with councils and local communities to identify the right opportunities for active travel so that, when we bring about change, we do so in a lasting and sustainable way.”
“<BR /> <BR />I remain committed to that agenda, and, while it is not possible to determine at this stage what the final funding may be for next year because we have not yet had the final Budget allocation, I gave a commitment to the Member that I will continue to do what I can to maximise active travel opportunities for constituents right across Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I know that he has a keen interest in this area. <BR /> <BR />The Member will be aware of the investment that my Department has provided for the development of greenways and park-and-ride facilities across Northern Ireland as part of the £20 million blue-green fund. We have also been writing out to councils to ask them, along with their local communities, to identify ways to enhance active travel infrastructure and opportunities in their areas.”
“My ask of the Executive is simple, but I know that it is a tall order. We absolutely have to provide the funding that is required to ensure that we have access to clean drinking water, are able to meet our environmental requirements, can build the many homes that we need and can grow the economy. I will continue to make the case to ensure that we can get the required investment across the line.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Northern Ireland Water has advised that it completed an analysis of its waste water investment plans for the Foyle constituency at the end of last year. That investment will require the Executive to provide capital funding of approximately £29 million. The planned improvements will target capacity issues in the Culmore waste water treatment works network, including a £12 million investment in the upgrade at Strathfoyle and nearly £5 million investment in the Culmore waste water treatment works itself. <BR /> <BR />To service new growth, approximately £9 million is associated with new sewerage infrastructure investment for the Skeoge lands along the A2 Buncrana Road, which Northern Ireland Water is seeking to align with the DFI Roads A2 upgrade scheme.”
“If that critical investment is not realised, we will not be able to deliver our Programme for Government outcomes and we will not be able to see that development and economic growth in the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area or any of the council areas for that matter.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The reality is that, because we have had historical underinvestment in our water and waste water infrastructure, we are now sitting with some 116 locations across Northern Ireland that are at or beyond their developmental capacity. That has consequences for the building of the many homes that we need, as the Member rightly identified. It has consequences for the building of recreational facilities, hotels, hospitals and schools. The Utility Regulator has identified some £2 billion of capital investment that is required in the next price control period alone. I make it very clear to my Executive colleagues that that is a huge issue. It is a very challenging issue.”
“<BR /> <BR />Progression of any water and sewerage improvement opportunities is subject to necessary approvals being secured and the funding being made available. However, as the Living with Water programme has been identified as an Executive priority in ‘New Decade, New Approach’, I will continue to make a strong case for that investment to be made available. I recently wrote again to Executive colleagues to advise of the serious pressures facing our water and sewerage network and the need for critical investment.”
“The plan includes opportunities to deliver projects in the Dundonald area, including upper catchment management to store and catch surface water run-off in the Craigantlet and Castlereagh hills; river floodplain restoration works along the Enler River and various tributaries; and sewerage improvements to provide increased capacity, combined sewer overflow screening and sewerage storage tanks to reduce the risk of out-of-sewer flooding and spills from the network. <BR /> <BR />On provision of drinking water supplies, Northern Ireland Water prioritises treated drinking water infrastructure to ensure that every household, business, hospital and school has a reliable supply of safe and clean water. Northern Ireland Water reports no specific issues with the supply of drinking water to the Dundonald area.”
“The sewerage requirements for the vast majority of rural properties around Dundonald village are served by private septic tanks, and such properties are offered an annual septic tank emptying service, funded by my Department. With regard to further plans for the Dundonald area, I recently consulted on 'Living with Water in Belfast', the strategic drainage infrastructure plan for the greater Belfast area, including Dundonald. The public consultation closed on 29 January 2021, and officials are reviewing the responses. <BR /> <BR />'Living with Water in Belfast' identifies the existing strategic drainage and waste water issues and pressures across the greater Belfast area in respect of flooding, pollution and development constraints. An integrated and collaborative £1·4 billion plan is proposed to address those over the next 12 years.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I completely understand the frustration that is felt locally at the delay to that project. It has been around since 2007, and the people of west Tyrone and the wider region want to see the project delivered. I reiterate my commitment to deliver it. I carefully considered the interim report from the inspector. I took expert advice. I took Crown counsel advice. Having taken those steps, I believe we can progress the project at the earliest possible opportunity. I remain committed, and I fully understand the frustrations of local members of the public and elected representatives.”
“As I said in response to a previous question, I look to all colleagues across the House to support me in that effort.”
“The Member will be aware, from previous Question Times, of my commitment to the Buncrana Road project. However, we have to ensure that due process takes place. Increasingly, I hear calls of, "Just get it done" implying that I should be cutting corners in some way by not following through proper design process and consultation with local communities, right through every stage of the process, to ensure that we can get these projects delivered in the right way. I will continue to take that approach. <BR /> <BR />On the funding allocations, Mr Deputy Speaker, you will be aware that there is a requirement of around £140 million per annum, independently verified by the Barton report, to maintain our road network as is. I will continue to make the case, around the Executive table, for funding.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He will be aware of the years of underinvestment in our infrastructure, which has led to huge difficulties with the surfaces of roads, and it limits our ability to do much more on new projects. The Member may wish to know that I have included a requirement of £120 million for capital structural maintenance for the next Budget period. I hope that the Finance Minister shares our concerns and that he recommends that this bid for our roads is met. I will continue to make the case, around the Executive table, for greater funding in our infrastructure so that we can improve the quality of life of your, and all of our, constituents.”
“<BR /> <BR />In addition, I internally reallocated departmental capital funding of £4·5 million to structural maintenance in January monitoring to utilise remaining available capacity to deliver additional work on the road network over the remainder of the current financial year.”
“There has been historical underinvestment in our road network for a significant number of years. Recognising this, during the current year, I submitted bids for additional funding for investment in the road network of £11 million and £6·5 million in the June and October monitoring rounds. I was very disappointed to receive no funding against my £11 million bid in June and that only £2 million was allocated against my bid for £6·5 million in October. From the £2 million that I was able to secure, I allocated £1·1 million as a priority to structural maintenance with the balance allocated to street lighting repairs and minor works.”
“The Member will be aware that the Executive stopped driving instruction in line with medical and health advice, and my Department responded accordingly. Recently, in the road map to recovery, the Executive Office deemed driving tests to be placed in phase 2. To ensure that my Department is prepared, my officials are engaging across Departments, including with the Department of Health, to ensure that the correct assessment is completed ahead of further reconsideration of any easements. I assure the Member that, as soon as it is safe to resume driving tests, my Department will be ready to do so.”
“When I took up post and that situation soon developed, I thought that that was extremely stressful, but then COVID hit. I am pleased to say, however, that we have carried out a significant amount of work, and all the lifts that required replacing have been replaced and are operational right across the 15 test centres.”