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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“In terms of corporate governance, the Council noted Waterways Ireland's annual report and accounts for 2016, 2017 and 2018, which have been laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly and both Houses of the Oireachtas. We also noted that Waterways Ireland's annual report and draft accounts for 2019 have been submitted to the Comptrollers and Auditors General in both jurisdictions and, following certification, will be laid before the Assembly and both Houses of the Oireachtas. <BR /> <BR />The Council approved Waterways Ireland's corporate plan for 2017-2019 and associated business plans, which were prepared in accordance with the guidance issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Finance, and it recommended the budget provision for each.”
“The Council further noted Waterways Ireland's preparations for Brexit in the context of its status as a North/South implementation body. <BR /> <BR />We noted the comprehensive progress report provided by Waterways Ireland that covered matters including the management and maintenance of waterways, capital expenditure projects and an ongoing programme of replacing existing jetties and lock gates and installing new ones along the navigations. Ministers also noted plans for blueway developments and restoration work on the Ulster canal and that Waterways Ireland had successfully hosted the World Canals Conference in Athlone in September 2018.”
“<BR /> <BR />The meeting was chaired by Minister O'Brien and dealt with issues relating to inland waterways and the constituent agency, Waterways Ireland. The following topics were discussed and decisions taken, where appropriate. First, we noted the response of Waterways Ireland to the challenges posed by COVID-19. The Council was advised that there had been an increase in user numbers along towpaths and trails during the period of COVID-19-related restrictions and noted the role of Waterways Ireland in leading a user-engagement project through the Network of Inland Waterways of Europe (NIWE) to achieve a greater understanding of the increased recreational use of inland waterways since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council also noted the increasing popularity of inland waterways as a holiday destination for the domestic market.”
“With your permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, in compliance with section 52 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, I will make a statement about the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) inland waterways meeting that was held on 11 November 2020 in the North/South Ministerial Council joint secretariat headquarters in Armagh and by videoconference. The Executive were represented by me, as Minister for Infrastructure, and Robin Swann, the Minister of Health. 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 am making it on behalf of us both.”
“To reassure the Member, the work that my officials are undertaking is not further consultation. They are analysing the successes and the difficulties with the scheme that was devised and implemented in Belfast so that we can adapt that learning and ensure that new schemes that are rolled out are informed by the learning that has gone before to make sure that they are as effective as possible for communities.”
“I thank the Member for her question. One of the joys of being the Infrastructure Minister is that you get a whirlwind tour of all the constituencies and to hear about the important issues that are facing communities. <BR /> <BR />On the residents' parking scheme, the Member will be aware that officials are reviewing the analysis of the scheme that was carried out on Rugby Road. I have not been presented with the findings of that yet. However, I am very clear that, when we have those findings, we need to be learning lessons. I am mindful that, in your constituency and others across Northern Ireland, this is an issue of importance to communities and one that elective representatives would like to see delivered. I have committed to continue to work on it, and the Department will publish the findings of the review when I receive them.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I am aware of occasions when there have been a substantial number of passengers on Glider services, making it difficult to be socially distanced. It is my understanding that Translink has been providing additional services along the routes where that is occurring. The challenge is that our young people, in particular, prefer to use the Glider, with its access to the internet, rather than use a standard bus. It is something that we are working on. We are working with Translink to engage with schools to reinforce the public safety message and the requirement to wear face coverings. There are a number of measures that Translink is taking to try to address the issue. I am happy to provide the Member with the information on the routes that he was speaking about.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He is correct. To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, Translink provided 500 additional buses. I do not have at hand the specific breakdown of the information that he is seeking, but I am more than happy to write to him and provide that information.”
“As part of the review, my officials have been engaging with key stakeholders. I recently met with the Northern Ireland Local Government Association, and that was one of the issues that it wanted to discuss with me. I reassured it that, given the critical role that councils play in our Planning Service and the delivery of a much-improved Planning Service, they will be central to the review and will be widely consulted. We will be engaging with stakeholders, right across the board, on the review and as we work to identify what needs to change, from a legislative and non-legislative perspective, to improve our Planning Service.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He is right, there is a requirement to review the Act, and I have initiated that. My officials have attended the Committee, and I hope to be in a position, later this year, to be able to provide an update to the Committee and the House.”
“I thank the Member for his question. There is obviously great enthusiasm for the delivery of that project. There is huge interest in the routes that the Glider will take in both north and south Belfast. I assure the Member that I will consult on routes for phase 2 of the Glider project. I am, of course, more than happy to meet him to discuss the matter.”
“I thank the Member for his question. All politics is local. DFI teams, along with consultants Atkins, are continuing to actively work remotely on the development of that project, which is also a Belfast region city deal infrastructure project. A feasibility and options appraisal is being developed, together with an associated interim outline business case. I hope to be in a position to consider an emerging preferred option later this year. COVID-19 restrictions may, however, have a bearing on that timeline. An interim outline business case for Belfast rapid transit 2 was forwarded to the Belfast region city deal executive board on 12 August 2020. My understanding is that it may be in a position soon to indicate which projects have been successful and how much funding has been allocated.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary question. I agree that we need to have more finances and that we need to improve our roads. I think it was the Barton report that identified independently that £140 million is required annually to ensure that our roads are maintained to a satisfactory standard. The Member will be aware of what took place when Danny Kennedy was the Minister for Regional Development. The Department has struggled to recover from that. I assure the Member that I will continue to make the case for greater investment in our infrastructure, because it is key to our communities and our economic growth.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He is an extremely active advocate for his constituency. I have made the point to him on a number of occasions about the need to be transformative and to get the basics right. I maintained the budget for road maintenance this year. I also established the rural roads fund, which is £10 million, so I am committed. I have also said that it is very important that we, as an Executive, do what we can individually and collectively to tackle regional imbalance. I am committed to doing more. Of course, what I would like to do is constrained somewhat by the financial envelope within which I have to operate, but I will continue to make the case at the Executive to ensure that we get the funding required to invest in our infrastructure, particularly in our rural areas.”
“I continue to engage with my Executive colleagues in the hope that we can take forward the recommendations of that panel and have sustainable and inclusive infrastructure right across our society.”
“The Member makes a very important point. We bandy about the term "co-production", but what it should mean is that we are working with our citizens to shape services and to make sure that we have a society where everyone feels involved and where there is equal access. That is why, in the terms of reference for the ministerial advisory panel on the infrastructure commission, I specifically referenced the need for our infrastructure to be not just sustainable but inclusive.”
“My Department and Translink also work closely with the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee, as it is important that disabled people are involved in shaping and designing services from the very beginning. I assure the Member that I am committed to that cause and that I, as Minister for Infrastructure, will continue to do what I can.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He has been a long-standing champion of equality and of the rights of disabled people. I share his commitment and will do what I can. I am fully supportive of Parliament Buildings being lit up to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities. However, as the Member says, we need to go much further than just lighting up buildings, and I want to assure him that I am committed to doing what I can in my Department. <BR /> <BR />We are working to ensure that DFI services are accessible and inclusive. For instance, more than 95% of Ulsterbus vehicles are wheelchair-accessible, but they need to be 100% accessible. That is why all future bus and coach purchases will be wheelchair-accessible.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He will be aware that my party and I are supportive of a fiscal council, as we believe that it is an important tool for planning and for the future management of our finances. We need to be strategic in our investments. I believe that that is important work and that we all should be involved. I look forward to having an input on the terms of reference. I believe that our strategic, long-term approach to, and delivery of, services and projects right across all Departments needs to be much better. It was with that in mind that I set up the ministerial advisory panel on an infrastructure commission, which would have a key role to play in ensuring that we are strategic in our approach and in the delivery of projects to the maximum effect.”
“It is vital, as the Member points out, that Ministers have oversight, given our accountability.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I welcome the Finance Minster's proposals to reconstitute the Procurement Board. The new Procurement Board announced today by Minister Murphy will, I believe, provide impetus to the development of public procurement policy to ensure that it delivers maximum social, economic and environmental impacts. <BR /> <BR />The Executive spend significant sums of public money annually on procurement, so it is only right that procurement policy is designed and developed by those who manage and deliver government contracts and that policies have Executive approval. I look forward to engaging with the Finance Minister to agree the roles and responsibilities of the new Procurement Board and on how any work will be referred to the Executive.”
“The short answer to the Member's question is yes. We need only look at the climate emergency to realise that the issues facing our citizens are not restricted to boundaries or borders. I am committed to working with all partners across this island, and across these islands, as we tackle the challenges facing all our citizens. I believe that an infrastructure commission would play a critical role in delivering that.”
“At that meeting, I provided my counterparts with an update on my commitments and priorities, including enhancing the rail network to create a spine of connectivity on the island, the A5 project and the Narrow Water bridge. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Minister Ryan and members of the British Government to realise those commitments.”
“Progressing action on that, in November my Department launched a public consultation on Living with Water in Belfast, which is the strategic drainage infrastructure plan for Belfast. <BR /> <BR />Collaboration across our islands is key to ensuring the delivery of the commitments in NDNA, as the agreement also contains pledges from the Irish and British Governments. I have met and had useful discussions with the Irish Transport Minister, Minister Ryan, on how we can work in partnership to progress the shared commitments to improve the lives of all our citizens who share this island. The North/South infrastructure projects in 'New Decade, New Approach' were discussed at the October North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) transport sectoral meeting.”
“The commitments made by parties in 'New Decade, New Approach' will be transformational, and I am committed to doing all that I can to deliver on our shared promise to the people of the North. My Department is progressing Executive flagship projects on the A5 and A6 along with other key infrastructure projects including the A1 junction safety programme, the iconic Narrow Water bridge and York Street interchange. Work is also progressing to develop the design of the Newry southern relief road and other statutory requirements in advance of public consultation. 'New Decade, New Approach' also recognises that significant investment is required in our sewers, pumping stations and upgrades to our waste water treatment works.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I want to do so much more in that area. Logistically, it is challenging to roll that limit out to 100 schools in this financial year, but it is something that I am committed to doing. I am also committed to seeing it rolled out further to many more of our schools. We have to use a matrix and criteria to do it fairly, but I assure the Member that I want to see 20 mph limits outside many more schools in coming years. I look forward to continuing to work with him as he advocates for that on his constituents' behalf.”
“I thank the Member for her question, and I offer my sincere condolences on the loss of her family members. <BR /> <BR />I am aware of the issue, and the Member, along with other colleagues, has written to me about it. There was a site meeting with officials, and signs have been erected, but we need to do so much more. I have asked my officials to work proactively with McDonald's so that we can get a more sustainable road safety solution there.”
“I assure the Member of my commitment and the commitment of all my officials to doing all that we can to improve road safety. He is right to highlight the fact that we are coming into a period of much darker nights, where we will experience some challenges on the roads. I am committed to working with the PSNI, the fire service and a range of partners, particularly community groups, because they have a really important role to play in taking the road safety message to the heart of communities. I am aware of Life After, and I have already agreed to meet it.”
“My Department will continue its engineering efforts, including undertaking general improvements to the network; providing facilities for users who are more vulnerable; introducing measures aimed at regulating traffic; and seeking to maintain the road network to ensure that it continues to be safe for us all.”
“I have also announced the road safety grant scheme for 2020-21, and a number of projects focusing on road safety and active travel will be rolled out across local communities in the coming weeks. I was delighted to allocate £2 million of funding to introduce part-time 20 mph speed limits at 100 schools by the end of this financial year, and I will introduce more as funding permits. My Department also has a rolling programme of educational activities, including the road safety public information campaigns. In recent times, those measures have included promoting the benefits of walking and cycling and doing so in a safe way, taking account of COVID.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I take my responsibility very seriously to promote road safety. This has three strands: education, enforcement and engineering. We work with others, including the Department of Education, the PSNI, the Fire and Rescue Service and the Ambulance Service, and work to develop the new road safety strategy is ongoing. I want to do what I can to tackle drink-driving. On 9 November, I removed the so-called statutory option from legislation, making it harder for some drink drivers to evade justice. I will bring draft legislation to the Assembly early in the new year to increase the fine and penalty points for using a handheld mobile phone while driving and to close the gaps in a law that predates modern smartphone technology.”
“The Member raises an important issue. That was a serious incident. My officials responded when they became aware of it, and the AERA Minister was on-site with his Southern counterpart. That incident demonstrates the need for joined-up working across the board. Planning can play a role in a number of those situations, as can, as I referred to, blue-green infrastructure and natural catchments. There is a real opportunity to be more creative in dealing with such difficulties.”
“<BR /> <BR />As I said, I have allocated £130,000 from this year's budget to start the development of a Living with Water feasibility study in Derry. The study will initially focus on working with the designers of the A2 Buncrana Road strategic improvement scheme to bring forward integrated drainage solutions locally. The study will examine opportunities to use blue-green spaces such as the linear park — Galliagh, is it? — to reduce naturally surface water flows in order to improve water quality in the rivers and reduce flood risk in the surrounding area.”
“The draft plan indicates that approximately £1·4 billion of investment is needed over the next 12 years to upgrade the drainage and waste water infrastructure in the greater Belfast area to protect against flooding, enhance the water environment and facilitate growth. The focus of the programme is on developing integrated catchment-based solutions to manage rainwater on the surface and, where possible, avoid hard-engineered drainage solutions that involve long-term operating and maintenance costs. It is my intention to bring the final plan to the Executive for approval in the spring of 2021, and, following the publication of the final Belfast plan, I intend to publish guidance on the development of integrated drainage investment plans across the rest of the North.”
“I thank the Member for his question and his kind words. I was pleased to visit Derry to mark the completion of works on the north-west transport hub. The Member will be aware that 'Living with Water in Belfast', an integrated plan for drainage and waste water management in greater Belfast, was published for consultation on 11 November.”
“I thank the Member for her question. She has corresponded on the matter with me, and I have said that my officials are to meet with her on-site so that we can see what we can do to address the issue and to support the local community, which may be affected by any flooding in the area.”
“I thank the Member for her question. A feasibility study for Derry completed earlier this year by my Department recommended significant flood alleviation works to both banks of the River Foyle in the city centre to provide protection from coastal and river flooding. The associated business case has recently been approved, and it is anticipated that the Derry flood alleviation scheme, which is estimated to cost £17·3 million, will progress to the detailed design stage within the next few months. In conjunction with this work, and as part of the Living with Water Programme (LWWP), I have also recently allocated £130,000 from this year’s budget to start the development of a Living with Water feasibility study in Derry.”
“I reaffirm my commitment to moving ahead with the Ballynahinch bypass while also promoting the opportunities for active travel in the town. I will be and am considering the next steps.”
“I thank the Member for his question. In June, I announced my commitment to fund the continued development of a number of strategic road improvement schemes, including the Ballynahinch bypass, as part of my plan to aid economic recovery and community transformation while addressing regional imbalance. The Ballynahinch bypass scheme is now at an advanced stage of development, and preparatory work on contract documentation has been completed. I have asked officials to complete the work necessary to allow me to make the direction order, and this includes a review of the environmental reports, which is nearing completion. Subject to the outcome of the review, I hope to be in a position to make the direction order for the scheme in the new year.”
“I hope to be in a position to publish the Department's response to the inspector's report towards the end of January 2021. I am committed to moving it forward at pace, if, as the Member indicated, upon the completion of all of those statutory processes, the decision is positive.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I am very aware of how important the A1 improvements are to the many people who have expressed their support for the scheme, especially those who have lost loved ones. I saw that segment on the news. My thoughts are with the family who lost their loved one in the collision on the A1 earlier this month. <BR /> <BR />As the Member will know, the inspector issued his report to the Department on 19 October. Officials will require some time to fully consider the inspector's proposals and recommendations. When I have been apprised of the findings, I will give them careful consideration before deciding on the next steps for this scheme. I assure the Member that I very much recognise the importance of these improvements.”
“I thank the Member for his questions. I think that I have addressed the first part of your question in saying that I will consider that as part of the wider strategic road network, and I am happy to hear your views on it at that stage. <BR /> <BR />I was keen to look at biennial testing, but events have somewhat overtaken us in terms of COVID and staffing resource. I am keen to move to a call for evidence on that issue at the earliest opportunity. It is an important area that we must examine thoroughly when deciding on next steps.”
“This plan is still in development, but, once I have identified my preferred options and priorities, a draft document setting those out will be issued for public consultation, giving you an opportunity to support or challenge the proposals.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The A7 Doran's Rock to Rowallane scheme is at an advanced stage of development, and the design work and an environmental assessment for the scheme are substantially complete. The next stage of development work will include taking the proposal through the statutory procedures, which will include a vesting order to secure the land required for the school from adjacent landowners. The A7 from Downpatrick to Belfast forms part of the strategic road network and is classed as a link corridor. <BR /> <BR />My Department is developing proposals for a new regional strategic transport network transport plan that will set out the priorities for future development of the main road and rail networks across Northern Ireland. I will consider proposals for improvements to the A7 as part of that process.”
“I thank the Member for his question and for his kind words about the hard work of the officials. As I said, we are recruiting 27 permanent and temporary examiners. We are working off a merit list for a number of those, but we also have to make sure that all those who are recruited are fully trained. These driving examiners are taking pupils out, and we need to make absolutely sure that they are trained because this is a road safety issue. We are, of course, trying to do things as efficiently and effectively as we can, but it is always about balancing that with my statutory responsibility for ensuring road safety.”
“I thank the Member for her question. She makes an important point. Following the reopening of the online booking service, from 5 October, we moved to a full opening of the system because we were mindful that some people had their tests cancelled way back, and we have tried to manage that in as fair a way as possible. There was a process prior to that for critical workers based on a priority waiting system, and that looked at a combination of the applicant's role and whether a driving licence was needed for their job or for commuting to work. We are keeping that situation under review, but the approach that we have taken since is to open up the system to all applicants. If the Member has significant concerns, I am happy for her to write to me directly about them.”
“As the Member has rightly pointed out, social media is an important tool in communicating with the public, and we will continue to provide updated information on nidirect and ensure that any changes are communicated through all social media channels.”
“I thank the Member for her question. As we respond to and recover from COVID, it is really important that we communicate consistently, clearly and constantly with the public not just about the restrictions but about how services are affected as a consequence. As I said, DVA is dealing with a significant workload, and officials are working hard to keep drivers safely on the road and to adapt and support new learner drivers at this challenging time. I assure the Member that the DVA will continue to communicate the opening of general bookings to the Northern Ireland Approved Instructor Council and will write to all driving instructors to advise them when the booking service will be available.”
“That is why, in response to a previous question, I wanted to emphasise that we have extended the theory test pass certificate period because we hope that that will go some way to mitigating the disruption caused to learner drivers. Of course, we are not in normal circumstances, and we will continue to do all that we can to increase capacity so that all the learner drivers who want a test can book it as quickly as possible.”
“I thank the Member for his question. This is not a normal year, so assessing the current demand for driving tests is difficult. In order to book a practical driving test, a learner driver must first pass their theory test. As of 1 November, over 21,000 people held a valid theory test pass certificate, and, therefore, that is the maximum number of people that could apply for a driving test at that time. However, some of those learners will have already secured a slot and will have their test between now and the end of February. <BR /> <BR />I understand that learner drivers are hugely frustrated and really want to take their test, but it is a close-contact service, so we have to undertake risk assessments and adapt our services accordingly.”