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 raises an important point. I was informed by Minister Ryan's office on Saturday 26 September that the Bus Éireann board would be recommending the indefinite suspension of the Belfast-Dublin service. I assure the Member that I am committed to securing island-wide services between Belfast and Dublin and will discuss the matter with Minister Ryan at tomorrow's NSMC transport meeting. My Department will continue to work to provide services for our communities, North and South, and will work with Translink to minimise the impact on passengers.”
“Work is ongoing, and I intend to engage with my counterpart, Minister Ryan, to discuss the project further at tomorrow’s North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) transport sectoral meeting. <BR /> <BR />On improving the all-Ireland rail network, I am committed to improving transport links for the benefit of our economy and communities across our island. Improving connectivity between the North and South is a key priority for me in providing increased social inclusion, enhanced economic opportunities and an improved environment for all our citizens. I firmly believe that rail is an untapped opportunity, with multiple benefits, that can play a crucial part in our future, and I look forward to making progress with our colleagues in the Irish Government.”
“Mr Speaker, with your permission, I will group questions 2 and 7. <BR /> <BR />In line with the commitments in 'New Decade, New Approach', I have begun early discussions with Minister Ryan on a feasibility study of a potential high-speed rail connection North and South, as we seek to create a spine of connectivity on the island. The intention of a feasibility study will be to provide a high-level analysis of the potential of high- and higher-speed rail to support the wider outcomes and priorities of the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. It will allow for the consideration of options from the electrification of existing lines to bring maximum speed up to approximately 120 mph to the development of a new high-speed connection on the corridor.”
“You will know that I have requested a short, sharp external review of the York Street interchange project — an important strategic project to which I am very committed — but I want to ensure that it is inclusive of communities, sits well with all our current strategic plans and plays a key role in tackling the climate emergency. I want to embed that approach across the Department. so that we see things in terms of a green recovery in every aspect, certainly, of the Department for Infrastructure and, I would hope, of the Executive.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I am committed to doing what I can in my Department, working with Executive colleagues, councils and communities, to tackle the climate emergency. I am struck by the way in which we as a community in Northern Ireland have rallied together in our response to the COVID crisis, and I think that we will see that impetus. It is important that we encourage everyone to realise the pressing emergency of the climate crisis that faces us. <BR /> <BR />We are trying to do what we can on public transport.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The active travel agenda is important to me and hugely important for public health and climate action. We really have a wonderful opportunity now. Yes, we have the challenges of COVID and Brexit, but we also have renewed momentum among communities to embrace active travel. We also have the development of the local development plans in councils. Now is an opportune moment to work in partnership with all the councils and local communities. In my Department, my walking and cycling champion is in close contact and engagement with all the councils, which is why we were able to advance the park-and-ride schemes, and we are working closely with them to realise active travel projects across Northern Ireland.”
“Just yesterday, I met the Finance, AERA and Economy Ministers to talk about the opportunities that we have across public transport, our waste water infrastructure — right across our public services — to advance that whole agenda, given our ambitious zero-carbon emissions targets and the importance of the pressing climate emergency facing all of us.”
“I thank the Member for his question. As I said in my initial response, we have tangibly and pragmatically moved this forward with the procurement of the three hydrogen buses. As you said, this is a commitment in 'New Decade, New Approach'. I am in very regular contact with the British Government to remind them of their commitments and the compelling need to honour those. <BR /> <BR />You are absolutely right about discussions with Executive colleagues: zero carbon is an ambition for the entire Executive.”
“I thank the Member for his question. In the regional transport plans, we are developing our road and public transport network. For me, that is an important component of decarbonisation. As the Member said, I have invested £30 million this year in low-emission and zero-emission buses. As I said, we have three hydrogen buses — the first in Ireland — to come online before the end of this year, along with the first hydrogen refuelling station. I am also keen to work with Translink so that we can see decarbonisation across our bus and rail network. I look forward to working with the Member and others to realise that.”
“The vehicles will include 80 battery electric buses and 20 hydrogen fuel cell buses. It is anticipated that the new buses will go into service in Belfast and Derry in spring 2022. <BR /> <BR />I assure the Member that I am ambitious and committed to delivering on the decarbonisation of public transport. I recognise that, collectively with my Executive colleagues and Assembly Members, we can deliver lasting change for our communities. However, to make the change that we desire, we need to invest in infrastructure now for the future. I recognise that investment in infrastructure is not an end in itself. It is about people and place. It is about unlocking our economic potential and protecting our valuable environment to transform and connect lives. It is about improving health and well-being for all our communities across the North.”
“Tackling the climate emergency is the single biggest global challenge that we face. As Infrastructure Minister, I have made addressing climate change one of my key priorities. I am focused on delivering clean public transport and active travel options to build connectivity, reduce emissions and promote health and well-being for all. <BR /> <BR />Earlier this year, I announced Translink's procurement of three hydrogen buses, which will see the first hydrogen buses and the first hydrogen refuelling station in Ireland. It is anticipated that those vehicles will go into service later this year. In addition, I have committed £55 million capital funding in line with the commitments in 'New Decade, New Approach' (NDNA) for the purchase of 100 zero-emission vehicles by Translink over the next two years.”
“Yes, I am committed to doing that. The park-and-ride schemes are at various stages. Some will move to land acquisition but a number of them are at the detailed design stage, and I have said to my officials that we should be maximising active travel. For me, it is the combination: we need to encourage people to walk and cycle to our bus stations, train stations and halts, but we must make sure that they have the space to safely secure their bicycles, so that will feature in the design.”
“I am committed to continuing it. Yes, it came in against the backdrop of COVID, but I would have been keen to progress it without that.”
“As the Member points out, by working with the Justice Minister, Women's Aid and others who are involved in this very important work, we introduced free transport for those who are fleeing domestic abuse. My understanding is that the uptake has been small, but, even if it helps one person leave an abusive relationship, it will very much have been worth it.”
“I encourage all of us, as elected representatives and as parents, to ensure that our children have face coverings, because that will keep them and other passengers safe.”
“I thank the Member for her question. That is why I moved to make face coverings mandatory on the public transport network. Obviously, there are clear exemption categories, but it is mandatory for those aged 13 and above. I understand that a different approach has been taken on school transport, and I did engage with the Education Minister. To my mind, it would have been more beneficial to have uniformity in approach. Translink is engaging with schools so that we are encouraging our young people and making it clear to them that, when they are on the public transport network, they must wear a face covering, but we are strongly encouraging them to do that when they are on school transport as well.”
“I can, however, advise that DFI continues to do all that it can by following strictly the health advice and also doing what it can to minimise disruption to the public. My senior team is meeting regularly to discuss and plan for our response and our recovery from COVID-19. With infection rates increasing, we all have to be prepared. I am confident that my Department is focused on progressing the restoration of services while maintaining a firm focus on responding to COVID-19, with contingency planning in place should we face a second wave. I ask Members and the wider public to remain on their guard and to work together by washing our hands, keeping to social distancing and following the advice of the Health Minister to keep one another safe.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Like all Members, I am deeply concerned at the increased levels of COVID-19 in our community, and, as Member of the Assembly and a member of the Executive, I will always put the health and safety of our population first. Every day is challenging for all of us, with rule changes, changes to services and changes to family life, and I know that people want clarity and a clear plan. <BR /> <BR />While my Department has put in place a clear plan for our services, I have to be honest with the public and say that nothing is sure with this virus and no one can say with certainty that services will not be affected if there are future restrictions.”
“I have been assured that the efficiency savings of £20 million this time round will not impact on services. I have to also point out that, if further savings and cuts are required, it will impact on services. That is why I was pleased, previously, to secure a commitment from the Executive that we are committed to having a publicly owned public transport network. The issue for us is this: if we believe that we should have a publicly owned public transport network that operates on need, not profit, which is particularly important to our rural communities, we absolutely have to fund it.”
“<BR /> <BR />In respect of the position facing my Department, it is hugely concerning, but I will continue to work with the Finance Minister and Executive colleagues to try to secure the resources that we need to do our job and be able to deliver critical public services, particularly our public transport and Northern Ireland Water.”
“I thank the Member for her question in which she referred to the efficiency savings and potential — well, likely — redundancies at Translink. COVID-19 continues to have a major impact on passenger numbers and has seen Translink face a significant decline in income. There have been allocations from the Executive for Translink. That is very welcome and is recognition of the fact that it is a critical public service. I have a bid in currently. <BR /> <BR />It is concerning that the savings will lead to redundancies. While it is an operational matter for Translink and the accounting officer, I have asked that, where possible, we explore the voluntary redundancy aspect. It is a hugely challenging time.”
“My officials are aware of the 10 River Road issue and have advised that a financially viable flood alleviation scheme at 10 River Road to reduce flood impacts is unlikely. However, the Department suggested that the owner consider the homeowner flood protection grant scheme, and I confirm that we have received the application from the homeowner and are keen to work with them. <BR /> <BR />In respect of Broagh — I hope that my pronunciation of that is right — the project team involved with the ongoing construction of the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson scheme has commissioned its consultant to investigate the incident and seek to determine the cause of the flooding. At that stage, the team will consider what mitigation measures might be appropriate. That process is likely to take two months. I am happy to keep the Member fully updated.”
“I thank the Member for his question, and I am aware that he has been raising the issue for some time on behalf of his constituents. The measures being undertaken on the designated stretches of the Moyola river include the inspection and repair of the existing flood defences. That work involves the removal of heavy vegetation, treatment of invasive species, and repair and reinstatement of the existing earth and flood defences. Sections of the Moyola river are maintained every year, and that watercourse maintenance work includes the removal of channel silt and aquatic weed growth and of obstructions from the channel that restrict the free flow of water. The maintenance may also include upgrade or replacement, if necessary, of flap valves.”
“In addition, we are exploring extending into the evening the hours when practical driving tests can be carried out, and the possibility of carrying out tests on a Sunday. However, as I am sure that the Member will appreciate, we need to make sure that there are proper driving conditions against which to assess the candidates.”
“The Member will be aware that we have reinstated a number of practical driving tests for different vehicles. We are working through priority workers and those who had their tests cancelled. I think that that is a fair and balanced approach. We have recruited two new vehicle examiners. Their training will take 10 days, so they are due to start in 10 days. We are also in the process of recruiting an additional 12 temporary vehicle examiners in the next few weeks. The purpose of that is that, at present, we have 40 dual role examiners who can carry out both practical driving tests and vehicle examinations. By bringing in the additional vehicle examiner capacity, we will be freeing up those people to carry out practical driving tests.”
“We are putting in a number of measures to increase our capacity and to redirect those who are calling the centre but for whom that is not the best number for them to get the help that they actually need.”
“I thank the Member for his question. It is building capacity. That is why I said that, in Capita, we are increasing the number of hours that the service is available. Its hours will be extended and we will have additional staff answering. One of the other challenges is that a number of people are calling the call centre with additional queries, which is putting pressure on the system. That is why we are now putting in the automated service to better direct people to where they need to go for help. We are also doing what we can to lift capacity and pressures off the system by engaging directly with our hauliers, for example, so that they do not have to go through the call-booking system.”
“I share the Member's view. We have the importance of securing the supply of energy but also, as the Member has pointed out, the importance of ensuring that it is affordable to people. We are keen to do what we can to ensure that we have security of supply but also to bring down prices. It is very important too that, where we can, we maximise the opportunities to increase the provision of renewable energies.”
“I have not had any discussions with officials on that matter, but I am keen to raise it with them later on.”
“I have, therefore, written to Conor Murphy, Minister of Finance, to seek an urgent meeting to discuss Galliagh Shore and other private development sites with inadequate private sewerage infrastructure, as well as the funding shortfall facing Northern Ireland Water which is inhibiting it from being able to meet its statutory obligations. My hope is that, working together, a solution can be found to those issues.”
“This is, undoubtedly, an extremely distressing situation for residents of Galliagh Shore. This is, as, I know, the Member is aware, a very complex issue in a private development, where a developer has not entered into an agreement with Northern Ireland Water to adopt the sewers in the development. The developer has subsequently gone into liquidation, and the sewerage infrastructure is overflowing and causing pollution. While the matter is not of the residents' making, neither my Department nor Northern Ireland Water has legal responsibility for addressing the issue. However, I am sensitive to the residents' extreme distress.”
“<BR /> <BR />To further alleviate pressure on the Capita call centre, the DVA will continue to engage directly with the haulage industry, particularly operators with large fleets, to facilitate bookings at local test centres, where possible. Members should encourage their constituents to check the status of their vehicle online. They should go to — if I remember it correctly — www.gov.uk/check-mot-status to see the status of their vehicle. A number of vehicles have been given temporary exemption certificates and have no need to go for an MOT, so I encourage Members to direct their constituents to that website.”
“That has been an issue. We have seen a huge increase in the number of calls to the booking centre. Currently, vehicle test bookings can be made only through the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) call centre. Customers have been experiencing difficulties in getting through, and, for that, I apologise. To mitigate the issue and the general high volume of calls being handled by call agents, the DVA is introducing a call-messaging service to redirect calls to nidirect. Capita has also agreed in principle to extend its opening hours by an additional two hours from 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm from Monday through to Wednesday to provide additional capacity. Those measures are to be implemented from Wednesday 23 September.”
“The Member will know that I advised the Committee that I was keen to explore that. I have asked my officials to move to a call for evidence. We hope that that will be completed by the end of this year, after which I will be able to take stock and decide on next steps.”
“I thank the Member for his kind words. This was not an issue that was particularly on my radar until I took up this post, but you very kindly and very actively made sure that it was on my radar; I thank you for that. You showed me up close the great work of the historical vehicle community, particularly the work that it does for charities. It does so without seeking recognition, but we have a responsibility to acknowledge and recognise the many groups and communities across Northern Ireland that make a huge contribution quietly but hugely effectively.”
“He has been an active campaigner on the issue on behalf of the vintage vehicle community. I hope that this news and this success make him happy.”
“I announced on 2 July that I intended to introduce the exemption of vehicles of historic interest from periodic roadworthiness testing in Northern Ireland. The exemption will align Northern Ireland legislation with that in GB and will apply to vehicles that were first registered at least 40 years ago, are no longer in production and have not been significantly modified. The exemption will not apply to vehicles that are still in public service. <BR /> <BR />I advise the Member that the draft regulations required to introduce the exemption recently received legal clearance and were laid in the Assembly on 18 September 2020. They are subject to the Assembly's statutory period that applies under the negative resolution procedure. It is anticipated that they will come into force on 12 October. I know how passionate the Member is.”
“While finances are always tight, it is not always is a question of "either/or". Even if I were not the Minister for Infrastructure, I would say that infrastructure and investment in it are a catalyst for change. They are an economic driver and critical tools for tackling the climate emergency. That is being demonstrated by Governments across the world. The A5 is an Executive flagship project and is referenced in 'New Decade, New Approach', so it is very much a firm commitment of the Executive.”
“I want to extend to our party colleague Daniel our best wishes. No doubt, if he were here, he would very much ask that question. It is a hobby horse of his. <BR /> <BR />As I said, the public inquiry was held earlier this year, and it concluded in March. My Department received the interim report on 2 September. It raised issues that are being carefully considered by officials. We are also taking legal advice on that. I hope to be in a position very soon to update the House on the next steps.”
“I assure the Member that I will always do what I can to maximise funding. We live in difficult financial times, and, certainly, I will not be found wanting in working with anyone in any political party across this island to ensure that we can deliver improvements and enhance the life of all our citizens.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Irish Government reaffirmed their commitment of £75 million to the project in 'New Decade, New Approach'. The importance of the A5 was also discussed at the recent North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meeting. I very much welcome that commitment. I have had initial discussions with the Irish Transport Minister, Minister Ryan, and will meet him again later this month. I look forward to further discussion on how we can work together in partnership to deliver on this much-needed project for citizens across our island.”
“I am committed to tackling regional imbalance, connecting communities and improving road safety. There are so many communities, particularly in rural parts west of the Bann, that can benefit from investment in the A5 project. The A5 is also a commitment of the Executive and of the Irish and British Governments and is specifically referenced in 'New Decade, New Approach'. I am determined to deliver progress. A public inquiry for the project concluded in March 2020, and my officials received an interim report from the commissioner on 2 September. Officials are considering the issues raised and recommendations made in the report in addition to taking legal advice before I decide on the next steps for this very important scheme.”
“I appreciate that it was a positive announcement but understand that it will be met with disappointment by others who have not seen the advancement of schemes in their area. I am caught in a bind in terms of the need to get capital money spent quickly. We reached out to all councils. I was clear to emphasise that this is just the first step. I cannot pre-empt what allocations might be made to my Department, but I am committed to enhancing the blue/green fund and doing what we can to enhance our greenway experience across Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with the Member and, hopefully, seeing progress in his constituency.”
“I am also keen to see what we can do to assist those who cannot afford to get a bicycle through the blue/green fund and my walking and cycling champion.”
“I have asked my officials to consider that. We are considering ways in which it might be possible to make bicycles more easily available to those not in employment or unable to avail themselves of the current schemes. I am looking in particular at schoolchildren to see what we can do there. <BR /> <BR />The Cycle to Work scheme is available for employers throughout Northern Ireland. It is a salary sacrifice scheme operating between individual employers and HMRC. It helps employees to get access to a bicycle with significant savings. There is a Northern Ireland Civil Service scheme, and many other employers have their own schemes. I would be keen to do what we can to maximise the schemes that exist.”
“It is regrettable that the scheme does not address that reality. <BR /> <BR />I have asked my officials to monitor closely the progress of the scheme to determine its effectiveness, the value for money and the benefits that might accrue to Northern Ireland were such a scheme to be introduced here. I am mindful, however, that a similar scheme in Northern Ireland could cost around £700,000, and, unfortunately, given the resource budget allocated to my Department and the significant pressures as a result, the scheme would be currently unaffordable without additional funding being provided to the Department for Infrastructure”
“I am aware of the Department for Transport's Fix your Bike voucher scheme in England. I understand that the scheme was introduced at the end of June this year. The aim of the scheme is to encourage more people to embrace cycling, boost the number of commuting and leisure trips and reduce the number of short journeys made by private cars. As the Member indicates in his question, however, the scheme is aimed at providing assistance for bicycle repair or refurbishment. In effect, the vouchers provide a grant of up to £50 towards the repair and servicing of bicycles to encourage owners to start using their old bikes again. It does not provide any assistance, though, for people who do not own a bicycle to purchase one. For many, the fact that they cannot afford a bicycle is the real barrier to cycling.”
“In short, I do. One of the difficulties, as the Chair of the Committee pointed out, is that no one Department has overall responsibility for that area. That does not mean that we should not be ambitious and try to work together. That is why I am supportive of the collaborative approach being taken forward by the coastal forum. I will continue to do what I can to support it.”
“I am, therefore, keen to do what we can to progress that and to take the ideas of Members and others.”
“I am. I believe that we should not be reinventing the wheel and that we should be learning from best practice, globally. I am also supportive of the approach that the Member has outlined. We need to be building resilience, and we need to look at our natural environment as an aid and protection against flooding. We also need to recognise that we are in a climate emergency. We need to do everything that we can to address that. On a small scale, I have set aside £20 million for the blue/green fund. I have also been keen to see if we can pilot sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) with housing associations, for example, so that we are embedding resilience and climate action in the development and design of housing schemes, and at the centre of our communities.”