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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“Pop-up cycle lanes have been a popular addition to city centre streets across the world, particularly in response to the pandemic. I am pleased to say that I have published the full report of the review of cycle lanes, and I have listened to all of the feedback. That is why I am taking forward measures to make further improvements to active and sustainable travel in that area. I will take forward legislation to introduce a bus lane along the Dublin Road that will improve public transport on the corridor, subject to consultation processes. Work has already begun to restore the second lane, which will be available to all traffic until the legislative process is completed. I remain committed to enhancing our active and sustainable travel facilities.”
“While we should do much more and invest much more in active travel, as Minister, I am pleased to say that, comparatively, we are investing record levels of money in active travel. Of course we need to do more. I am keen to work with the council. As a result of the COVID pandemic, we brought forward such initiatives in Derry as people-centred place shaping. I am keen to continue to work with local elected representatives and the council to roll out active travel opportunities, be they the Strathfoyle greenway, which I am investing in, or walking or cycling facilities. I am happy to do that.”
“I thank the Member for his question, but I am not the roads Minister. That is an outdated, old-fashioned understanding of the role of the Minister for Infrastructure. What I will say is that I am aware of the concerns — I have expressed this to the Member — about the construction of a new footway and cycleway scheme at Larne Road and the displacement of parking directly outside the school. The scheme forms part of a larger network of active travel schemes proposed for the Ballymena area. The Member will also know that my Department's officials have been engaging with the school principal and Translink to determine whether any adjustments can be made to bus stop and access arrangements at the school and will continue to monitor the impact of the scheme.”
“I expect that training to be delivered to around 35 engineers in this financial year. I understand people's frustrations at the pace of change, but we are moving from a very low starting point. I want to accelerate things as quickly as I can.”
“Two schemes are currently being developed for Ballymena, one of which is the construction of a dedicated cycle path at the Larne Road Link. That is expected to commence in the new year and will provide almost 550 metres of segregated cycle path, with some shared paths linking to it at either end. The second one is the footway/cycleway scheme on the Antrim Road, for which the planned design work is ongoing. <BR /> <BR />I understand the Member's point. I wish to move to the implementation of LTN 1/20 as quickly as possible. As a demonstration of that, we have put in place new blue-green teams in each of our Roads divisions and created 17 new posts, and those staff are being trained in LTN 1/20. Arrangements are also under way to ensure that as many roads engineers as required receive training.”
“I appreciate that this is a source of frustration for many, but the reality is that the delivery of schemes takes a number of years to develop, owing to consultation, design of services and the acquisition of land. <BR /> <BR />The challenge that we face in Northern Ireland is that we are moving from a situation in which there is little infrastructure to one in which we will have the best-quality infrastructure. It is not always possible to do that in one step. Although providing a wide shared facility in the short term can be a step in the right direction, I wish to move as quickly as possible to full implementation of LTN 1/20.”
“I have made clear my desire to change the way in which we use our roads and streets in order to ensure that they work for the whole community, residents and businesses alike. Providing safe routes that give people the freedom and confidence to walk, wheel and cycle as part of their everyday routine is an important way in which to achieve higher levels of active and sustainable transport and fewer car journeys. <BR /> <BR />LTN 1/20 emphasises that separated cycling space should be prioritised, and that is the kind of quality infrastructure that I want to see introduced. It also indicates:”
“Can the Member share with us where he would feel safer? As a customer, would he feel safer in an environment in which he knew that people were doubly vaccinated or had had a negative lateral flow test or previous positive PCR test, or would he feel safer and more confident and comfortable in a place in which none of those mitigations was in place?”
“On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Mr Frew has referred on a number of occasions to vaccine "coercion" and "discrimination". The options before us are multiple. One is proof of COVID vaccinations, but there is also lateral flow and PCR, so it is not accurate to continually refer to vaccine coercion and discrimination.”
“It is not usual to flash an app on your phone in order to go for a Christmas pint with your mates; we all know that. It is not normal, however, to have our hospitals overrun with patients struggling to get a breath, to have daily deaths from a cruel airborne virus or to ask schools, hospitality settings and other places to close. We need to do all that we can to keep each other safe and to keep our society open. This is an extraordinary time, and it calls for an extraordinary response.”
“Will you say that you did so by getting vaccinated, following the public health guidelines and wearing your face covering indoors, or will it have been by striking faux indignation and joining those at City Hall and online who claimed to know better? COVID has robbed us of the old normality for now. We are in an emergency situation: a situation in which we do not have the luxury of accommodating every individual point of view or spending months debating a new policy. Of course it is not natural to show a vaccine certificate, a lateral flow result or a PCR result to have a meal in a restaurant. I know that. We all know that.”
“<BR />To the people of Northern Ireland, I say this: even if you think that it is a hassle to download the vaccine certificate, please do it. Even if you regard it as a pain to show that certificate to gain entry to a pub or licensed restaurant, please do it. We are not a collection of individuals. We are a society. We are a community. Get your vaccine and your certificate for your own benefit, for the well-being of others and for society as a whole. Let us look out for one another. <BR /> <BR />When the pandemic is finally behind us, what role will you say you played in helping society deal with it?”
“We need more people to be vaccinated in order to slow down the spread. That is what science tells us. In fact, that is what common sense tells us. It is not a big imposition to ask people to show their vaccine certification, a lateral flow result or a PCR result. It is far from an attack on their civil liberties. It gives all of us the confidence to know that everything that can be done at that gathering is being done to help protect us from catching COVID and passing it on to others. Vaccinations, booster jabs, a negative lateral flow or a positive PCR, alongside good hand hygiene, the use of face coverings, social distancing and good ventilation, give us the best chance of protecting lives and livelihoods and keeping our society open. Is that not what we all want?”
“<BR /> <BR />Imagine being a front-line worker in a hospital, looking to the DUP for support or guidance and listening to some of the contributions that we will no doubt hear again today. Our healthcare workers deserve better than that. We all do. COVID is not a party political tactic. It is not something to use to undermine an opponent, to grab a headline or to try to win votes. It is literally life and death. <BR /> <BR />We in the SDLP have a political philosophy that has worked well down the years: if Sammy Wilson is for something, we are against it, and if Sammy is opposed to a decision, it is generally a good idea. COVID certification is a good idea. Following the announcement that the measure was being introduced, some 10,000 people came forward and got their first vaccination dose. That was not coincidence.”
“Sammy Wilson even took time out to try to be funny about the situation. To Sammy Wilson, I, very clearly, say this: it is not funny. COVID is not funny. The pressure on our health workers is not funny, and the families of all those who have died with COVID are not laughing. Sammy Wilson is totally wrong on COVID, but he has at least been consistently wrong. In the Executive, the DUP has been all over the place. One week, it is taking the advice of the health experts; the next week, it is taking the advice of online keyboard warriors. One day, Jeffrey Donaldson is open to the idea of certification; the next, Paul Givan leads his Ministers in voting against it.”
“In politics, courageous leadership is required. Difficult decisions must be taken. Leaders must lead and not seek to be popular. That is especially the case in the midst of a public health crisis. In truth, however, that leadership has been sorely lacking at critical junctures. We should have acted several months ago to introduce this mitigation rather than leave it until the mouth of Christmas, but the SDLP's proposal was voted down by the DUP, Sinn Féin and the Ulster Unionist Party, and, once again, the Executive have been too slow to act. Furthermore, quite shockingly, some in the DUP have repeatedly acted to undermine the public health advice, even going so far as to vote against the wearing of face coverings in England. It is an issue that did not apply to their constituents, yet they went out of their way to vote against it.”
“Again today, we all heard the Minister of Health setting out the evidential basis for the mitigations and public health guidance that we have in place. I will not repeat that, but I challenge those in the DUP, including their Ministers, some Back-Benchers and its Westminster wing, who continue to claim that there is no evidential base. Around the Executive table, its Ministers have heard from the scientific and health experts; DUP MLAs on the Health Committee have heard from the science and health experts; and we have all heard again from the Health Minister in the Chamber today. The evidence and the benefits are clear. It is also clear that those who choose not to accept them do so for ideological reasons. To date, those people have yet to bring forward an alternative plan. That is downright irresponsible.”
“Nearly two years into the COVID pandemic, we still face many uncertainties, questions and big decisions about how to best protect lives and livelihoods. The one constant over the entire period has been the unwilting determination, dedication, commitment and bravery of our front-line healthcare workers. At the outset of my contribution, I acknowledge that and remind and reassure our NHS staff, care home workers and care providers that our appreciation for what they are doing is everlasting. It was never just a minute's handclap on a Thursday night as far as the SDLP is concerned, and I want to thank them. <BR /> <BR />We are here to debate the current COVID regulations, which include the introduction of COVID certification in certain hospitality settings.”
“As Members will be aware, my Department has suffered budgetary constraints, and I have inherited significant financial challenges. However, working with all parties across the Assembly and the Executive, I am committed to exploring what is possible to improve community connectivity and enhance lives. I will give careful consideration to a Moira bypass as we complete the work on our transport plans in conjunction with the councils. <BR /> <BR />I thank Members for raising this important issue and for the nature of the debate. I recognise that this has been a long-standing problem, and I recognise the frustration among the local community, commuters and elected representatives. I look forward to working with them and their colleagues on the council as we develop the strategic transport plans.”
“The BMTP will be developed alongside the council's local development plans, reflecting its growth, ambitions and policy objectives, and it is expected that it will be published towards the end of 2023. My officials will work closely alongside the council as that work progresses. That will provide for a holistic consideration of which transport solutions can best deliver our desired outcomes, including reduced carbon emissions and the creation of high-quality urban spaces that benefit communities. <BR /> <BR />I assure the representatives of Lagan Valley and those of Upper Bann, who have also made several representations on the matter, that I will look closely at all options to improve our transport networks in order to increase their resilience, sustainability and benefit to communities.”
“Members may be aware that, in June this year, I published 'Planning for the Future of Transport', which sets out the central role that transport plans will play in supporting the improved planning, management and development of the transport network here over the next 10 to 15 years. The Department has initiated work on a new suite of transport plans, setting out new transport infrastructure proposals for delivery until 2035. That includes the Belfast metropolitan transport plan, which will address future plans for roads, public transport and active travel in the five councils of the Belfast metropolitan area, including Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. The plan will include detailed scheme testing, and a Moira bypass and other potential public transport solutions will be tested as part of that process.”
“Eastern division has also received requests to signalise the M1 westbound off slip at its junction with the Moira roundabout. However, due to the existing queuing from the village, providing traffic signals could result in traffic with a green signal having limited scope to progress due to congestion downstream. That could lead to further frustration among drivers. However, I assure the representatives of Lagan Valley that that location will continue to be monitored. <BR /> <BR />If that is the case in looking to see what measures we can introduce and we recognise that that is not the solution, we need to look for other solutions.”
“The park-and-ride facility is a positive move forward, but, in truth, it is only a part of the solution, because there will still be a requirement for traffic to travel through the village to get to the train station. <BR /> <BR />Mr Givan asked what my Department is doing to address the issues. In recent years, the Department has taken steps to mitigate the effects of through traffic on the village and improve road safety. We will continue to monitor the situation and make changes, should that be shown to help ease congestion, for example through the signal timings of the Main Street/Meeting Street junction. The road layout, particularly in the centre of the village, limits what can be done to reduce congestion levels.”
“While bypasses can improve the urban environment of our town centres and journey-time reliability on the road network, we need to focus on greater use of public transport and investment in public transport and active travel to enable more of us to make our journeys by sustainable means. <BR /> <BR />That is why, in February of this year, as Members have mentioned, I was delighted to announce a plan for over 400 new park-and-ride spaces close to Moira train station that will provide cleaner, greener, sustainable transport for locals. I am aware of requests for better street lighting along Station Road. While the requests do not meet current policy, we are, within the blue-green fund, doing what we can on the issue. I am conscious that there is a case to be made. I recognise, however, the point that Mr Butler made.”
“I thank the Member for Lagan Valley Mr Butler for instigating the debate on a bypass for Moira. I have listened with interest to the comments and issues raised by Members. I have had the privilege of being in the village, and it is absolutely beautiful. There are, undoubtedly, traffic congestion problems at peak times, owing to the high volume of vehicles passing along the A3. I fully acknowledge the frustration of commuters and those in the Moira community who are impacted by that. <BR /> <BR />It is important to recognise, however, that, as well as exploring engineering solutions to the congestion in many towns across Northern Ireland, we need to work to reduce dependency on the private car for the vast majority of trips. I recognise that that presents additional challenges to those who live in our rural communities.”
“I confirm that the meeting proceeded because the papers and agenda were signed off by both the First Minister and the deputy First Minister.”
“On a weekly basis in the House, we debate with unanimity the importance of tackling the climate emergency. That will require resources and difficult decisions. This is where the rubber hits the road. If we are serious about doing that, we will need to provide the necessary funding to organisations to drive that agenda forward.”
“The action plan is a demonstration of the recognition of the importance of the issue and how seriously it is taken by Waterways Ireland. It needs credit for that. It is also critical when it comes to managing water levels where there is no natural water resource. That has proved to be challenging at times. As a result of climate action, particular challenges are being experienced on our blueways, and we absolutely need to rise to the challenge of that. <BR /> <BR />The climate action plan has not been set. It has not been completed; it is out for consultation. That consultation process will inform the plan, and, when it comes back and is brought forward to the NSMC, we will expect to see details of the funding requirements that need to be assigned accordingly. Of course it will be challenging.”
“As the Member points out, funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund has been secured for that, and the aim of the project is to increase accessibility to the sites; increase awareness and understanding of the history and heritage of the great island monasteries; create visitor experiences and journeys along the trail; increase community engagement and volunteering activities associated with the sites of the trail; and promote awareness and use of the trail as a recreational and cultural tourism destination. The project will deliver multiple benefits, and I am delighted to see it progress.”
“There are 36 sites of spiritual and ecclesiastical significance on and along Lough Erne. Those sites were nominated for UNESCO world heritage site designation in 1987. Waterways Ireland is working with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership to develop a pilgrimage trail, which will initially involve 10 sites.”
“It remains a clear commitment in the Stormont House Agreement, the Fresh Start Agreement and in New Decade, New Approach. I am very keen, funding permitting, to see that progressed.”
“Phase 1 of the Ulster canal is complete and now open for navigation. The phase 2 restoration of the stretch from Clones to Clonfad is under way. The creative design is complete, and there are plans to develop a vision for the canal in Clones, including an architectural feature that links the canal to the cultural history of the town. For phase 3, preliminary work on the restoration of the stretch from Castle Saunderson to Clonfad will commence before phase 2 is complete. Of course, all three phases of the project have been funded by the Irish Government. <BR /> <BR />Waterways Ireland has NSMC approval to explore the potential restoration of the stretch of the Ulster canal from Clones to Lough Neagh.”
“In short, no. Under the legislation governing Waterways Ireland and the NSMC, any disposal has to come to the Council for approval. I am happy to provide the Member with an extensive list of what was agreed at that particular meeting. <BR /> <BR />The work at the headquarters was to address health and safety concerns. Work has been accelerated. In order to be compliant with COVID regulations and public health advice, staff are working from home where possible, so that has vacated the building to allow the required works to be taken forward. That is the explanation for the accelerated works. I reassure people that the work that is ongoing at the HQ is to address health and safety issues.”
“It was not raised at the meeting. Waterways Ireland has a specific remit for a set number of our navigations, and Lough Neagh is not one of those. Separate from that, I have been engaging with the Minister responsible for the environment because I have received correspondence from elected members about the Lough Neagh Partnership. That correspondence is ongoing.”
“That was not discussed at the NSMC, but I will talk briefly about the climate action plan, and then I will address the second part of the Member's question. <BR /> <BR />The climate action plan is really ambitious. I pay tribute to Waterways Ireland for showing such leadership in it. The plan has seven key objectives, and it is out for public consultation. I take the opportunity to encourage Members and their parties to respond to that consultation. <BR /> <BR />The Department works with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) on matters to do with the sewage situation, but I am happy to provide specific responses for any particular concerns that the Member might have.”
“We have seen that increase sustained, and it is expected to be sustained right into next year, so it is only right that we work with partners right across the board to maximise the opportunities from our blueways for the tourism industry and local communities alike.”
“There was no specific discussion on that. However, from my ongoing engagement with Waterways Ireland, I know that it is aware of the need to have partnership working and is engaged in that. <BR /> <BR />As the Member rightly identified, our blueways are one of our sets of outstanding natural assets. We should maximise their promotion for the benefit of not only our visitors but locals. Members will know from previous statements that I have made in the House after NSMC meetings that we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people staying at home to holiday and going out to enjoy the recreational activities around our blueways.”
“I do not have that detailed information at hand on the water levels. However, I am happy to respond to the Member in writing.”
“Waterways Ireland has, historically, been the beneficiary of EU funding and anticipates that future EU funding opportunities to develop infrastructure and to promote recreational use in the North may either become limited or cease. Whilst any loss of funding could, potentially, be replaced, at least in part, by the UK Government or other EU funding streams, such as PEACE PLUS, challenges will still remain with regard to funding for the future development of infrastructural projects.”
“There was no outcome that impacted solely on Waterways Ireland. However, there are some that will impact on the organisation going forward. EU directives no longer apply to the UK. That may lead to an incremental divergence in legislation with the passage of time. The UK no longer has to comply with EU procurement directives. In the short term following the exit, UK rules are likely to remain the same. However, they may change in the medium term. The additional procurement regime will bring additional administration. Waterways Ireland has considered the implication of the need to migrate to a new tender advertising portal and platform. <BR /> <BR />EU funding will no longer be available in the North, with the exception of PEACE PLUS, which the EU has committed to continue allocating.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Ulster canal greenway was discussed. Waterways Ireland, in collaboration with Monaghan County Council, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and East Border Region Ltd, took the lead, as the Member will know, in submitting an application for INTERREG funding for the project. The application was successful, and €4·95 million was allocated towards the cost of the greenway from Smithborough in County Monaghan to Middletown in County Armagh. My understanding is that increased construction costs have led to a shortfall in the funding for the project, but the Special EU Programmes Body is reviewing the project in light of that. We await the outcome of that review to see how the project will proceed.”
“<BR /> <BR />We approved the making of the Lough Erne (Navigation) Order 2021 in accordance with paragraph 4(5) of schedule 4 to the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, and we noted the planned implementation of the said order in advance of the 2022 season. We also consented to a number of property disposals. <BR /> <BR />The North/South Ministerial Council agreed to hold its next inland waterways meeting in early 2022.”
“<BR /> <BR />We also noted the progress achieved in the restoration of the Ulster canal, including the ongoing work on phase 2 of the restoration from Clones to Clonfad, the plans for phase 3 of the restoration from Castle Saunderson to Clonfad, and the plans for the development of the Ulster canal greenway. <BR /> <BR />We noted the Waterways Ireland annual report and accounts 2019, which have been signed off by both Comptrollers and Auditors General and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Assembly. We also noted that the Waterways Ireland annual report and accounts 2020 have been submitted to both Comptrollers and Auditors General. The Council noted that the Waterways Ireland business plan 2022 is being prepared.”
“<BR /> <BR />Major projects in the South include Barrow blueway construction; the Grand canal greenway construction; Shannon tourism master plan projects at Rooskey, Red Bridge and Athlone; work with our European partners on the GreenWIN project; embankment repairs and strengthening on the Royal and Grand canals; lock gate replacement programme across the Royal and Grand canals; fixed jetty refurbishment projects across the body’s navigations; the completion of the Ballyconnell to Bellaheady blueway trail on the Shannon-Erne; continuing restoration works on Fort Eliza at Banagher in County Offaly; the official reopening by Minister O’Brien and Minister of State Noonan of the Meelick weir and walkway on 24 September; ratification of the body’s first ever climate action plan, which stretches over 10 years and is ambitious in its scale and set of objectives; the launch of the WI digital archive by Minister of State Noonan in June 2021; and approval of the business case for the Lough Erne pilgrimage trail by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.”
“<BR /> <BR />We noted the progress achieved by Waterways Ireland (WI) since the last meeting of the Council in the inland waterways sector, including major projects in Northern Ireland such as the redevelopment of Bellanaleck quay and slipway; the refurbishment of Carnroe weir and Carnroe lock; the Lower Bann lock gate replacement programme; tender preparation work for dredging at Portna on the Lower Bann; refurbishment works at Enniskillen headquarters; and an accelerated asset inspection programme.”
“With your permission, Mr Speaker, in compliance with section 52 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, I wish to make a statement regarding the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) inland waterways meeting that was held in the North/South Ministerial Council joint secretariat headquarters in Armagh, and by videoconference, on 3 November 2021. <BR /> <BR />The Executive were represented by me as Minister for Infrastructure and by the Health Minister, Robin Swann. The Irish Government were represented by Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform. This statement has been agreed with Minister Swann, and I am making it on behalf of us both. Minister O’Brien chaired the meeting, and the following is a note of what was discussed.”
“The decarbonisation of road transport will mean behavioural change that will have an impact on everyone. I welcome the Committee's support in bringing those changes forward. I assure the Committee that I will consider the inquiry report and its recommendations carefully and that I am genuinely committed to working with the Committee and Members throughout the House, and with communities, in order to ensure that we make the positive progress that is required if we are to tackle the climate emergency.”
“That is in addition to providing financial support to enable the people of Rathlin to have access to e-bikes and a greener community car, because I want to do what I can to support the people of Rathlin in realising their ambition to be carbon-neutral. <BR /> <BR />Where possible, my Department will continue to facilitate demonstration projects of alternatively fuelled vehicles in Northern Ireland, and we will continue to liaise with other jurisdictions, including through the British-Irish Council transport working group, to learn from their pilot projects and trials, because that shared learning is very important.”
“In addition, my Department has purchased electric vehicles as part of a pilot project. That will allow us to assess the suitability of electric vehicles to meet operational needs, with a view to replacing other vehicles in our fleet with low-emission vehicles in the future. <BR /> <BR />The Department is also working to reduce diesel emissions from the Strangford ferry service entering the environment, and I have provided £1·36 million from the blue-green fund to assist community transport organisations to assess the feasibility of using electric vehicles for the services that they provide to communities across Northern Ireland.”
“As Members will know, to incentivise councils to apply, I have set aside £350,000 of match funding. My officials will work with the councils, so that 100% of their capital costs will be covered when they make a successful application. <BR /> <BR />I am supportive of the move by organisations to green their fleets, particularly in the public sector, because there is a responsibility to lead by example, but I recognise the current challenges with vehicles that are harder to decarbonise, including HGVs. Members will also know that I have encouraged Executive colleagues to lead by example by switching to electric ministerial vehicles. I made that choice when I took up my post. If the Executive were to do that, it would send a strong and positive message about our commitment to helping others to make the switch.”