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 is correct: we will resume driving tests on 11 December. While driving instruction was suspended during the recent period of increased restrictions, it was still possible for learner drivers to practice their driving under supervision from someone in their household or support bubble. Candidates who are concerned that they will not be ready for their driving test when it is scheduled to take place should contact the DVA. We are open to offering refunds and rebooking tests, but I hope that, during the period of restrictions, our learner drivers were still able to practice safely on the road in line with the regulations.”
“So far, 10 temporary examiners have started with the DVA; six have completed their training and been appointed to test centres; and four are currently undertaking training and are due to be in place by early January. We are also working at pace to recruit a further five temporary vehicle examiners. In addition to that, the recruitment of 12 permanent vehicle examiners and a further recruitment process for permanent driving examiners will be launched in the new year. <BR /> <BR />We are very mindful of the impact, and I assure the Member that we are doing what we can, in line with risk assessments, to maximise our capacity. We have also extended the validity of test pass certificates for learner drivers. We are committed to doing what we can to minimise disruption and restore our services as quickly and safely as possible.”
“I thank the Member for his question and understand the huge impact that this has on the multiple aspects that he has highlighted. Given that it is a public-facing service, the DVA and the driving test element of that have been severely impacted, as all public-facing services have been. We are mindful of that and constantly review the situation and do what we can to maximise capacity. <BR /> <BR />I assure the Member that we have 37 driving examiners and 40 dual-role examiners, who conduct both vehicle and driving tests. To increase the driving test capacity, we are in the process of recruiting an additional 27 temporary and permanent vehicle examiners.”
“The DVA will also use overtime to rota off-shift dual-role driving examiners to provide additional capacity and to provide cover for scheduled driving tests where, due to a variety of unforeseen reasons such as sick absence or the requirement to self-isolate, driving examiners are unable to attend work. <BR /> <BR />I understand that this is a challenging time for new drivers and for the DVA, but I assure Members that officials are working hard to minimise the disruption caused by the impact of COVID-19.”
“Testing slots have been released for February, and additional booking slots have been made available in December and January, as the DVA increases capacity by recruiting additional examiners. The DVA is working on proposals to reopen the booking service next for customers impacted by the two-week circuit-breaker restrictions and, in due course, will issue further communications to customers through nidirect and social media channels. <BR /> <BR />While testing resumes, the DVA will continue to offer driving tests on a Saturday and, following consultation with key stakeholders, plans to offer driving tests for heavy goods vehicles on Sundays, where it is suitable to do so without compromising the integrity of the test.”
“Mr Speaker, with your permission, I propose to answer questions 1 and 3 together. <BR /> <BR />Driving instructors were included in the Executive’s regulations on businesses that closed from 16 October until 20 November to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Following that Executive decision, driving tests also ceased over this period of increased restrictions based on public health and scientific advice. Driving tests resumed on 21 November but ceased again for two weeks from 27 November to 10 December inclusive, due to the circuit-breaker restrictions announced by the Executive. Motorcycle lessons and tests are not affected by those restrictions. <BR /> <BR />The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has opened up its booking system exclusively for customers whose tests were cancelled between 17 October and 20 November.”
“I agree with that. Importantly, he emphasised the need for ongoing communication with our ports. I reassure him that I will continue to engage and work closely with our ports to support them through this difficult time. <BR /> <BR />I hope that Members across the House support the Second Stage of the Bill, and I look forward to continued engagement with them as the Bill progresses through its stages.”
“Very recently, I met again representatives of Warrenpoint harbour to understand better the challenges that they face and to reiterate my Department's support and commitment to continue to work with them. <BR /> <BR />Ms Ennis and Ms Anderson again raised concerns about the lack of clarity about Brexit and what that will mean for local businesses and communities and our ports in particular. They highlighted their concerns about the lack of clarity on SPS checks, the time that is left to prepare and all the challenges that come with that. Ms Anderson also spoke about Foyle port, which is a significant employer in her area. She referenced the many benefits to the north-west and to Northern Ireland of membership of the European Union. <BR /> <BR />Mr Harvey spoke about ports being the gateways to the world and to key markets and destinations.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr Muir reiterated his support for increasing the threshold. He raised the issue of commercial borrowing. Our ports can borrow commercially, but very specific circumstances are set by Treasury, so it is important that they are able to access grants and loans from government. Mr Muir paid tribute to the ports and all those who work in them and keep them going. I agree that we owe them a debt of gratitude. <BR /> <BR />Ms Ennis talked about the importance of our ports in keeping our supply chains open. We are very much reminded of that during COVID and of the fact that those who work in our ports, ships and haulage companies are critical key workers. She referenced Warrenpoint harbour in particular and the importance of that port to the local economy and the community that she represents.”
“I reassure Mr Beggs and all Members that, given that the statutory responsibility for airports is shared across the Minister for the Economy, the Minister of Finance and me, I am committed to working with my ministerial colleagues to ensure that we support our airports during this challenging time. <BR /> <BR />Mr Beggs also asked why we were not addressing the increase of the threshold at a later stage through secondary legislation. I think that it was the Chair who pointed out that that was one of the issues that I originally raised but the Finance Minister had had concerns about it. Therefore, in recognising the pressing nature of the Bill in ensuring that we can get financial support to our ports, I proceeded without that principle and objective. It is something that I hope to return to with my ministerial colleagues.”
“He mentioned the International Airport. It is important to clarify — I think that it was Mrs Kelly who stated this — that rate relief has been provided by the Finance Minister to all three airports. That equated to £1·7 million in support for Belfast International Airport. The Economy Minister has secured £2 million for tourism. My understanding is that she is engaging with Belfast International Airport on two of its airlines. The Finance Minister is also preparing a paper to bring forward to the Executive on the provision of safety and security grants to all three airports. That will be funded from the remaining money that is sitting in the centre for our airports.”
“He emphasised the importance of tourism and of ensuring that our ports are equipped to facilitate and service the industry. I share his concerns about the lack of clarity on implementation of the protocol. I have close engagement with our ports, and it is hugely difficult and challenging for them to prepare when it is not clear at all how they are meant to do so or what is required of them. Mr Beggs talked about Brexit and SPS checks. He will understand that that is a matter for DAERA. There is a clear commitment from the British Government that they will fund the work that is required for the implementation of the protocol. That is a commitment that, I think, all of us in the House support and want to see materialised and realised. <BR /> <BR />Mr Beggs also spoke about the importance not only of ports but of airports.”
“The intention is that the operational date for the legislative amendment will be in January. He highlighted the fact that the current threshold has almost been reached and that real and pressing financial requirements face our ports: I agree, and that is why we tabled the legislation. He asked for confirmation of the value of future loans that have been identified by the ports over the next five years. I can confirm that the figure that I have been presented with is £27 million, as opposed to £22 million. Were those loans to materialise, that would bring the total up to £61·3 million. <BR /> <BR />Mrs Kelly spoke in support of the Bill's Second Stage and highlighted the strategic importance of our ports and the role that they play. <BR /> <BR />Mr Beggs talked about the increase being in line with inflation.”
“It is important that we take cognisance of the fact that that is how the grants and loans have been used and that we clearly understand that the next set of planned loans and grants will be expected to be used, as Members have said, to enhance the resilience of our ports and ensure that they have the financial capacity for future economic growth, including diversifying their business, land acquisition and building cruise ship infrastructure. Mr Muir and Mr Beggs talked about the importance of tourism. It is also anticipated that the money will be used for purchasing additional tugboats and replacement cranes and for quayside repairs. <BR /> <BR />Cathal Boylan sought clarity on a number of issues, and I am happy to provide it. He asked when the ports would be able to access the finance.”
“She set out the rationale for the Committee's support for the Bill and reiterated the its fervent support for our ports and the critical role that they play. <BR /> <BR />The Chair of the Committee also gave examples of how previous loans and grants had been used by the ports, and that is an important point. Loans and grants have been used for the Evermore renewable energy project at Foyle port; the expansion of the ro-ro facilities and the construction of a deepwater quay at Warrenpoint harbour; the purchase of new tugboats and cranes at Foyle port; and the replacement of old infrastructure and the construction of new bulk storage silos at Warrenpoint harbour.”
“I thank all the Members who have commented on the Bill at Second Stage. Some general issues have been raised, as well as several specific points, and I will try to deal with them. If I miss anything significant, I will get back to Members in writing once we have examined the Official Report. I reiterate my appreciation to the Chair of the Committee and its members for their support for increasing the threshold. I acknowledge the concerns around the utilisation of accelerated passage, which I share. <BR /> <BR />The Chair of the Committee set out clearly the uncertainty of COVID, the challenges that it presents to our ports and the need for adequate support. She also set out the engagement that my Department has undertaken with the ports, the Finance Minister and other Executive colleagues.”
“The grants and loans made under the Bill increase a charge on the Consolidated Fund, so Minister Murphy has confirmed to me that he is content to recommend the Bill, as required under section 63 of the Northern Ireland Act. I commend the Bill to the Assembly.”
“The existing limit has been almost reached, and the ports face major challenges at this time, particularly as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and the need to grow business post-Brexit. <BR /> <BR />For the costs to be incurred by ports in implementing the Ireland protocol, it is important to note that DAERA will take forward any necessary EU works at the ports. The British Government have also committed to funding that work. I have to be clear that I do not anticipate the legislation being used to enable construction of sanitary and phytosanitary-related (SPS) infrastructure, nor is that a matter for DFI. <BR /> <BR />The region's main commercial ports have all agreed with the need for the increase to the loan and grant limit. The Executive also support the increase and agree that the legislation can be done by accelerated passage.”
“<BR /> <BR />On the overall limit to loans and grants, the Harbours Act states that the aggregate amount of grants and loans together shall not exceed £35 million. The original £6 million limit has been adjusted on four previous occasions, gradually rising to the current £35 million level. The last rise was made in 1989. The total grants and loans made stands at £34·3 million. The Harbours (Grants and Loans Limit) Bill is straightforward. It is a short Bill with a single purpose: to raise the existing total loan and grant limit from £35 million to £90 million. The new limit was identified, in liaison with colleagues in the Department of Finance, as an appropriate uplift in line with inflation. That will enable the Department to continue to provide loans and grants to our ports.”
“I am sure that Members will agree that, as an island economy, it is critically important that our ports are able to meet existing and future challenges. The importance of the ports' role in the supply of goods into and out of Northern Ireland has never been more clearly illustrated than during the COVID-19 crisis. <BR /> <BR />All of Northern Ireland's ports are governed by my Department's harbours legislation for the provision of grants and loans. Although the trust ports at Belfast harbour, Coleraine harbour, Foyle port and Warrenpoint port, and the privately owned port of Larne, fund their own capital investment and are expected to be commercially self-supporting, my Department can provide assistance for developments of a major nature. That assistance can be by way of a loan or a grant.”
“Mr Beggs raised the issue of the strategic importance of ports for trade. I agree with that absolutely. That is why they need to be supported during this difficult time, particularly in the face of COVID. Mr Muir asked about the governance review. Yes, that review is planned, and I am happy to engage with the Committee on it. <BR /> <BR />I thank all who contributed to the debate, and I ask for the Assembly's support for the position that the motion be adopted.”
“All I can do is set out the factual timeline. <BR /> <BR />I thank all of the other Members for their comments. I thank Mrs Kelly for supporting the intention of the Bill. However, like other Members, she is concerned about the use of accelerated passage. <BR /> <BR />Ms Anderson raised a number of important points, and I will be happy to address those at Second Stage.”
“No one could have predicted the impact of COVID or the financial and resilience challenges that it would present to our ports. There are clear indications that my Department will receive a new request for assistance before the end of the year. Those are the circumstances under which the Bill is being brought forward in this way to the House. <BR /> <BR />Does the Member wish to comment?”
“Again, I thank the Committee for its support on this matter. I recognise and share the concerns expressed by Members about the use of accelerated passage. That is why my speaking notes were very specific on the matter and why, when I appeared before the Committee, I clearly said that this was not the way to do business. <BR /> <BR />Given that a number of Members asked why it took so long, it may be helpful to outline the timeline. The loan and grant threshold was last raised in 1989 — 31 years ago. I cannot speak for other Ministers, but I wrote to the Executive on 6 July to raise the issue of the Bill. On 5 November, the Executive agreed to its introduction. <BR /> <BR />The Department for Infrastructure writes to the ports twice yearly to ask them to identify their loan requirements for the next five-year period.”
“<BR /> <BR />Members will have an opportunity to raise issues on the detail of the Bill during its Second Stage debate. In the interim, I seek the support of the House for use of the accelerated passage procedure and look forward to hearing Members' comments.”
“<BR /> <BR />With regard to minimising the use of the accelerated passage procedure in the future, I have already mentioned my full commitment to clause-by-clause scrutiny at Committee Stage under normal circumstances, but we are not in normal times. I will continue to take any necessary steps to ensure that the accelerated passage procedure is not unnecessarily sought by my Department. In accordance with Standing Order 42(3) of the Northern Ireland Assembly, I appeared before the Committee for Infrastructure on 23 September to explain the need for accelerated passage for the Bill and to outline the consequences of its not being granted. I thank the Chair and members of the Committee for their recognition of the need to expedite the Bill and for their support in seeking Assembly approval for accelerated passage.”
“As the North's ports continue to develop their port operations and to diversify their business, they will continue to make loan applications to my Department over the next few years. If accelerated passage is not granted, my proposed legislation will not be in place in time to be able to continue to provide financial assistance to the ports, particularly in the short term. That could have dire consequences for the ports and for the local economy. It would be a poor reflection on the functioning of the Executive and the Assembly if we did not move quickly to address a potential risk to our crucial gateways for trade. The North's main commercial ports have all agreed that there is a need for the increased loan and grant limit.”
“The total amount of loans and grants made by my Department to the ports over the years counts against the total limit indefinitely. It does not decrease in line with depreciation nor with loan repayments, and the total currently stands at £34·3 million. If all the potential future loans, identified by the ports to date, were to materialise over the next five years, it will require a further £27 million, making the total £61·3 million. <BR />These figures do not take into account any additional grants or loans that may need to be provided to the ports because of the additional financial pressures being placed on them as a result of COVID-19 or to facilitate future developments in a post-Brexit world. <BR /> <BR />I turn now to the consequences of accelerated passage not being granted.”
“<BR /> <BR />I will now explain to the Assembly, as required under Standing Order 42(4), why I am seeking accelerated passage, the consequences of its not being granted, and how I will minimise the future use of that mechanism. <BR /> <BR />I believe that there are compelling grounds for the use of the accelerated passage procedure in the case of this proposed legislation, which is a short and concise Bill to increase the total amount of grants and loans that my Department can provide to ports. The existing total limit of £35 million was set in 1989, and, working with colleagues in the Department of Finance, a new grants and loans limit of £90 million has been agreed. That will enable my Department to react appropriately to the current and future challenges faced by the ports.”
“I welcome the opportunity to address the Assembly on the motion. This is a key time for our maritime sector as it aspires to thrive and strengthen. Unfortunately, the sector, like others, has faced financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Members will agree how important it is, at this time, that our key gateway seaports have sufficient capacity to facilitate future economic growth, adapt how they do business to respond to current challenges, and are connected to key destinations and markets. Accelerated passage is not to be sought routinely; nor is it something that I do lightly. My preference, when taking forward legislation, is to have a full Committee procedure, enabling clause-by-clause scrutiny and the resolution of any issues, there and then, to the satisfaction of the Committee.”
“I beg to introduce the Harbours (Grants and Loans Limit) Bill [NIA 12/17-22], which is a Bill to amend the Harbours Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 to increase the statutory limit on certain grants and loans for harbour works etc.”
“That is why I have written to the DAERA Minister to urge this, and I will continue to engage with him on this important matter.”
“She highlighted the impact on human health, as well as the environmental impact. She talked about the need for a long-term strategy and also emphasised the role of a clean air strategy as part of the solution. <BR /> <BR />I thank all of the Members who have contributed to the debate. I suggest, perhaps, that the Green Party has brought this motion out of frustration, and that is why it has very much been addressed at the Infrastructure Minister. However, the important issue here is to ensure that DAERA's new ammonia strategy and the review of its operational protocol is brought forward as quickly as possible to provide certainly and clarity for all stakeholders in the planning system, and to ensure that planning applications are not delayed.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr Harvey said that the solution that was being proposed under the motion was not proportionate or pragmatic. He emphasised the importance of food production to our economy. He also highlighted some of the proprietary work that has been undertaken by DAERA on updating the ammonia strategy and, again, he talked about delays in the planning process. Again, I make the point that those delays are very much around the tension in the responses from the Shared Environmental Services and DAERA, but I hope that that can be addressed. <BR /> <BR />Ms McLaughlin talked about the fact that Northern Ireland is going in the wrong direction, with our rising ammonia emissions, compared to other places across these islands, and she highlighted that this was a particular issue in her constituency.”
“Mr Boylan raised the issue of the Planning Act, the review of the Planning Act and the role that that might play. As I have said previously, planning permission should only be granted to projects which do not have adverse affects on their areas of special scientific interest and so forth. As I said in response to the comments that were made by Mr Allister, I think that the difficulty here is the outdated operational protocol that is being utilised by DAERA. The difficulty here, with regard to the some 19 applications that are stalled, is the tension between the responses that are coming from DAERA and those in the Shared Environmental Services, which is using much more up-to-date modelling work. That is why I am very keen to see the updated ammonia strategy being brought forward by my colleague Mr Poots.”
“He framed the approach as one of frameworks, structures and goals, and of working closely with the agricultural sector. <BR /> <BR />Mr Irwin also described the moratorium as almost a nuclear option, and he said that it would be detrimental to the agricultural community, which is crucial to our economy and supporting up to 100,000 jobs. In his view, a better way forward is one that is in balance. However, he emphasised that this does not mean sitting back and doing nothing. He called for a joined-up approach across Government and I very much agree with that approach.”
“He made the point that we have had a three-year absence of the Executive and that, perhaps, this has played a contributory role to the delay in the publication of a new ammonia strategy. He highlighted that this was clearly the responsibility of DAERA, and that he hoped that we would see an updated ammonia strategy sooner rather than later. <BR /> <BR />Mr Beggs described the moratorium option as the nuclear option, and he said that it would affect every farm in Northern Ireland and the entire rural community, and that he believed that it would be counterproductive in its impact in the longer term. <BR /> <BR />Mr Blair also recognised the scale of the problem, but he highlighted the importance of consulting with those who would be affected in identifying and implementing a solution.”
“She made the point that a moratorium would grind the system to a halt, with detrimental impacts on strategic infrastructure projects across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Patsy McGlone said that we were discussing, through the motion, water quality, agricultural diversification, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, and agricultural poverty. He suggested that it might have been more appropriate for the DAERA Minister to have been with you this evening to respond to the points that were made.”
“He said that a moratorium would not solve the problem. In fact, it might even exacerbate it by preventing the upgrading work of farmers to adopt more environmentally friendly practices. He said that he was very much in favour of a climate action Bill, the green new deal, and I very much agree with him. He also made the point that there are too many unknowns to agree a moratorium and emphasised the importance of working with farmers and of coordination across the island. I agree with him on those points. <BR /> <BR />Ms McIlveen worked methodically through the three asks in the motion. She made it clear that she could not support the motion, not because she does not recognise the scale of the problem but because she believes that a more pragmatic solution would be beneficial.”
“Nevertheless, I want to assure her that the strategic planning policy was agreed by the then Executive and is considered appropriate and fit for purpose. It makes it clear that planning permission should be granted only to projects that do not have adverse effects on Natura 2000 sites. Ms Bailey also said that anaerobic digesters are operating without planning permission. That is a matter for the local council planning authorities to investigate, in line with their planning enforcement powers. <BR /> <BR />Mr McQuigan said that he had great sympathy for the Infrastructure Minister. I hope that that is not the first and last time that I hear a Sinn Féin Member say that, as I have taken those comments close to my heart. He said that he recognised, as did many Members, the scale of the problem and that it required a more nuanced solution.”
“It should work effectively in considering the impacts of ammonia emissions, informed by advice from DAERA as the statutory consultee on nature conservation. <BR /> <BR />I have listened intently to Members, and I assure them that my officials will continue to engage with DAERA officials on this, and on any other measures, to address the ammonia issue at a strategic level. <BR /> <BR />I want to turn to some of the points that Members raised that I did not address in my opening remarks. Ms Bailey said that the Department for Infrastructure planning policy was not fit for purpose. I suspect that perhaps she was referring to DAERA's operational protocol. Ms Bailey also made a number of points in relation to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. However, that falls outside my departmental responsibility.”
“<BR /> <BR />I note the proposed amendment to the motion calling on my Department to review the planning application process in consultation with the farming and agri-food industry and the DAERA Minister to ensure that planners have access to all the appropriate guidance on ammonia. As I have indicated, DAERA has policy responsibility for the impacts of ammonia; it also acts as the statutory consultee on this issue in the planning application process. Given DAERA's area of responsibility in relation to farming and agri-food, which a number of Members highlighted, I would fully expect those sectors to be closely engaged in that work as it progresses. I am satisfied that planning policy, and the planning application process, remains fit for purpose.”
“The Member will know that my Department has an oversight role. He will also know that there is a two-tier planning system. He will also know how the Shared Environmental Service operates. However, I come back to the point: DAERA is a statutory consultee in this process; it provides responses and is using data that is not as up to date as that of the Shared Environmental Service. That is the difficulty. That is why I have written to Minister Poots, urging him to bring forward an ammonia strategy — an updated ammonia strategy — so that we can resolve some of those tensions and, as I said earlier, keep our planning system moving.”
“Difficulties are coming into play as tensions grow between those responses and those from DAERA, which is operating on a more outdated operations protocol.”
“As the Member will know, those applications are determined by councils, as the planning authorities. One of the issues here is that Shared Environmental Services is providing information and responses on planning applications, which is very much relation on more up-to-date information and modelling.”
“<BR /> <BR />In relation to the call in the motion to review approved planning applications for ammonia-emitting projects, this would not be appropriate for my Department, particularly while DAERA is working on the ammonia strategy. <BR /> <BR />I am content with the current planning policy position, as set out in the strategic planning policy statement (SPPS) for Northern Ireland. That makes it clear that planning permission should only be granted to those projects that will not have an adverse effect on protected sites, such as our special areas of conservation and areas of special scientific interest (ASSIs).”
“I strongly welcome the work in hand to produce this strategy and have already made clear to Minister Poots my readiness to work with him to help the deliver the progress that we all want to see in this area. Given his statutory responsibilities in this area I have already written to him on this important matter. <BR /> <BR />It is important that this new strategy provides clarity and certainty in terms of how the ammonia situation can be addressed effectively. It should also enable greater certainty for planning and allow councils to determine planning applications with confidence. In the interim, it is important that planning authorities and DAERA continue to engage on individual planning applications to keep the system moving and to ensure that environmental obligations and requirements are met.”
“It is my hope that it will further assist DAERA in fulfilling its roles as a statutory nature conservation body in providing advice to competent authorities who are undertaking the habitats regulations assessment required by article 6 of the habitats directive. I know that DAERA has been working with stakeholders to develop this strategy, which aims to deliver tangible and sustained reductions in ammonia. Hopefully it will help reduce the pressure on sensitive sites while facilitating the sustainable development of a prosperous agri-food industry. <BR /> <BR />I understand that the strategy is likely to incorporate a series of ammonia-reduction measures designed for implementation on farms here and that it will also focus on habitat protection and management to reduce the impacts on nature.”
“Planning has, at its core, a central focus on delivering sustainable development. That requires the consideration and balancing of environmental, societal and economic interests. My interest, as Minister for Infrastructure, is the health and efficiency of the planning system. I expect DAERA to provide the correct advice, as a statutory consultee to the planning system, and I expect councils in their role as local planning authorities to take that advice into consideration in determining planning applications made to them. <BR /> <BR />I am aware that DAERA is planning to go out to public consultation in the near future in relation to a proposed ammonia strategy which will include a review of its operational protocol. It is important that that happens quickly.”
“This means carrying out appropriate assessments under the habitats regulations to assess the potential impacts of development on the environment, particularly in relation to European Natura 2000 sites, such as special areas of conservation (SACs) and special protection areas (SPAs). DAERA, as the statutory nature conservation body and consultee to the planning system has an important role to play in ensuring that planning decisions and permit authorisations are well-informed and compliant with European environmental law.”