Keith Buchanan
Mid Ulster · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Minister, we watched a gentleman having his head nearly removed on the street. That is a problem, whether you think so or not. I referred to it as being like something that I witnessed in the slaughterhouse in my previous job. We have to address it. I am not radical; I am just a normal MLA who talks to normal people in the street.”
“It is always a privilege to celebrate sporting success in mid-Ulster. Today, we congratulate Nigel Davidson, a proud Cookstown businessman, on his outstanding achievement at the Hyrox world championships in Stockholm. To see him compete and succeed on the world stage is an achievement that makes all of us in Cookstown incredibly proud.”
“Minister, I was contacted on Friday by a lady whose brother was in Muckamore — a lady who did not tell her story. Now the report has come out and sparked a degree of need for her to speak. I use the word "need", but that is maybe not the best word. What can that lady do now?”
“I thank the Minister for that answer. We are starting to see the impact of investment into local communities through funds from the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Arts Council. In the past, Sinn Féin has been critical about your priorities, complaining recently that consistent funding for Ulster Scots and bands was for "vanity projects".”
“Last Friday, I had the privilege of walking alongside the Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland, his dedicated team and veterans as they completed a six-day journey: the Somme 110 walk. The final day coincided with the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Battle of the Somme is not just a story from the past but one that lives on in families, regiments and the hearts of those who continue to serve. It stands as a stark reminder of the sacrifice, suffering and bravery of those who fell and fought. Those men faced unimaginable conditions so that others might know freedom.”
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“Indeed, my wife's cousin was tragically killed in the mid-1980s on the same road in very similar circumstances, so it brought it home to us. <BR /> <BR />I urge the Minister to work with all other relevant Departments and organisations to ensure that our children, who are the next generation —”
“<BR /> <BR />The whole of the mid-Ulster community was shaken by the tragic death of Caitlin-Rose McMullan. Her loss is not just a statistic but a heartbreak that ripples through her family, her friends, her school and every parent who hears her story. The grief for a loved one carries a stark reminder of why the issue matters. When a parent sends their child to school in the morning, the natural expectation is that they will come home safely. Sadly, that expectation was shattered not just for the family of Caitlin-Rose but for other families in mid-Ulster who have lost children in fatal accidents when getting off the school bus. It is our responsibility to ensure that no other family has to endure the pain.”
“Obviously, that is near school estates, not out in the countryside or on rural roads. <BR /> <BR />The motion and the amendments fundamentally want to achieve the same thing: the safety of our children. Other jurisdictions have acted. In the United States and Canada, passing a stopped school bus is a serious offence, and, in other parts of Europe, stricter laws, awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement have made a difference. <BR /> <BR />In March 2025, my colleague Deborah Erskine, Chair of the Infrastructure Committee, and her Committee colleagues wrote to the Minister to scope out options to further safeguard children. We acknowledge that that requires collaboration. The Committee also agreed to write to Translink and the Education Authority.”
“Rules 208 and 209 of the UK Highway Code, under "Near schools", state:”
“Each incident is a stark reminder that safer driving is not just a personal responsibility but a social duty. We need enhanced road safety education, increased penalties for dangerous driving and better infrastructure to protect vulnerable road users. We must work collectively to ensure that every journey is a safe one, whether we are drivers, pedestrians, cyclists or public transport users. The responsibility for reducing road traffic collisions belongs to us all. It is our collective responsibility, along with parents, the PSNI, transport providers and all drivers, to ensure that every child or adult who steps on to a bus in the morning returns safely home in the afternoon. <BR /> <BR />As already highlighted today, there is no law in Northern Ireland that requires drivers to stop or prevents the overtaking of a school bus.”
“The matter before us is emotive. It is important to safeguard children travelling to and from school on Education Authority-provided transport and public transport. The latest figures, from 2022-23, highlight the fact that a significant number of children rely on bus transport: 42% of post-primary students and 7% of primary-school children. That underscores the importance of having a robust, well-monitored system that not only provides efficient transportation but prioritises the protection and welfare of our children, no matter how they travel to and from school. <BR /> <BR />The devastation caused by road traffic accidents is not just reflected in statistics; it is felt in the lives lost, families shattered and communities mourning loved ones.”
“Minister, in your statement, you refer to a community infrastructure grant. I welcome your commitment to that grant and to community halls in general. Is there an indicative budget for the grant and a timeline for when we can expect applications to open?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. Minister, do you agree that it is time for that to be a more permanent, recurring fund year-on-year?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, what more could be done, for instance, through the media, to educate people about wildfires? I am talking not only about young people, because older people are doing it, as well. What more could be done to educate people about what happens when they do those stupid acts?”
“Will the developer contribution, if it happens and depending on its size, be passed on to "already hard-pressed families" when they purchase a new home? We await the outcome of the consultation. I would appreciate it if the Minister could cover those points in her closing remarks.”
“Can the Minister tell us, when responding to the debate, what the Department's thoughts are on that and on what the figure could be? The Sinn Féin amendment states:”
“That works out at £11,500 per connection. We have two figures for the cost per connection: £8,500 and £11,500. The note further states that there is:”
“Around half of those have been modelled using NIEA criteria, and 39% have been assessed as unsatisfactory. The spills not only harm the environment but highlight the urgent need for strategic investment in the sewerage network. Without investment, the problem will only worsen as population and development demands grow. <BR /> <BR />I will turn to developer contributions. As I mentioned previously, the £19·5 million for 2,300 properties announced back in December equates to approximately £8,500 per property. An explanatory note on the current consultation on developer contributions indicates that £84 million:”
“That is not good enough. <BR /> <BR />The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) told the Infrastructure Committee that roughly a quarter of the pollution incidents that specifically relate to water quality are a result of waste water treatment by NI Water. That is damming and, no doubt, has had a major impact on water quality and contributed to the recent issues in our loughs. <BR /> <BR />Storm overflows were introduced as a workaround for Northern Ireland's ageing sewerage system, but they have become a major issue. Recent drainage modelling shows that many overflows spill far more often than the standards deem to be acceptable. That is due to underinvestment and the lack of new infrastructure to manage waste water properly. As of February 2025, NI Water had 2,440 storm overflows.”
“<BR /> <BR />Recent efforts, such as securing funding of £19·5 million for 2,300 new property connections, show some progress. However, the scale of underinvestment, which is estimated at £3 billion, requires bold leadership and collaboration. The Minister must outline a comprehensive plan to modernise water infrastructure and ensure its alignment with housing and economic goals. NI Water's Sara Venning told the Infrastructure Committee:”
“<BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland Water has warned that chronic underfunding is restricting new housing, schools and businesses in over 100 towns and cities. Without proper drainage systems, construction projects cannot move forward. It is clear that frustration is mounting over the lack of decisive action. While funding constraints are a reality, leadership is required to set priorities and find innovative solutions even in difficult circumstances. Ultimately, the responsibility to prioritise and address infrastructure issues lies with the Minister and her Department. The Minister must take ownership and provide a transparent road map for tackling underinvestment to ensure better alignment with the broader economic and housing goals. Without a clear strategy, Northern Ireland's economic growth and housing development will continue to suffer.”
“In previous debates, we have highlighted the need to ensure that NI Water fix the problems in different areas so that everyone can get the service that they require. However, not much has been achieved yet, with people, developers and businesses still restricted in what they can develop or grow. Many places in Northern Ireland have old pipes and sewerage systems that need to be fixed or replaced. Some towns are struggling because they have inadequate sewerage systems. Northern Ireland's water and sewerage infrastructure crisis is holding back economic growth and housing development. Around 19,000 new homes are stalled due to the waste water capacity issues, and experts have said that, even with immediate investment, fixing the problem could take a decade.”
“Minister, I have never visited the Middletown Centre. As Minister, what impressed you from your visit? Can you provide further information on the work that it is doing now and that it is planning for the future?”
“I thank the Minister for his comprehensive response. What other options are open to the Committee for scrutinising the Bill?”
“I commend Killyman District on its fundraising event, "Killyman Does Strictly", on Friday and Saturday night. I am hard to impress — in fact, I am very hard to impress — but, on Saturday night, I was certainly impressed. The dancers were excellent, as was the planning, and a considerable amount of money was raised for the Killyman project and for the Air Ambulance. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I will say that there were moves on the dance floor that I had seen before, moves on the dance floor that I had not seen before and moves on the dance floor that I do not want to see again.”
“I have therefore written to councils to ask how many fines are issued each year and how much is spent on cleaning up litter and fly-tipped waste. <BR /> <BR />Some people, of all ages, seem to disregard totally the place in which they live. Throwing litter out of the car window or on to the street is a disgusting attitude to have. Littering and fly-tipping also affects the quality of life in our communities, making public spaces less enjoyable and safe. Littering and fly-tipping is a problem that requires a collective effort. By taking responsibility and making conscious choices, we can reduce litter and protect our environment. Let us work together to keep Northern Ireland beautiful and to ensure a cleaner, healthier future for all.”
“At a local level, I try to instil in a group of young people in my community the need to take their rubbish home. I bring them out to do litter picks along the country roads that surround my area. <BR /> <BR />Litter not only mars the beauty of our landscape but poses serious environmental hazards. It can block drains, pollute rivers and eventually end up in the sea, harming marine life. Broken glass and other hazardous waste can cause injuries to people and animals. Cleaning up litter is costly. Councils and volunteers spend significant resources on litter collection and disposal. The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 has extended enforcement powers to councils that allow them to take action against businesses and individuals who contribute to littering.”
“While many important issues are discussed in this place, there is a pressing issue that affects our environment and our communities: littering and fly-tipping. The charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful is inspiring people to create a cleaner, greener and more sustainable community. Through behavioural change campaigns and education on local, national and global environmental issues, we are improving the quality of people's lives, the places in which they live and the places that they love. <BR /> <BR />Despite efforts to keep our streets clean, litter remains a significant problem. The most common types of litter include cigarette-related waste, confectionery wrappers, drinks containers and hot food containers. The total average spend on street cleansing in Northern Ireland in 2014-15 was £40 million.”
“The Minister has more or less covered my question. I take it that the Minister will agree that the fleadh should have representation from the wide range of culture and music that exists across Northern Ireland.”
“How successful and impactful has the Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) scheme been?”
“We see a lot of waste along our roadsides — crisps packets, food waste, cartons etc. What can the Minister do, along with councils, to address the issue? It is getting worse year after year, and we see no resolution.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Minister, have the terms of reference been agreed, and is there a team or individual in your Department responsible for overseeing this?”
“Following the recent accident near Castledawson, when Caitlin-Rose McMullan tragically lost her life, what are the Minister's thoughts on changing the law to stop vehicles overtaking stopped or parked buses that are letting children on or off?”
“I thank the First Minister for her answer. What is her assessment of how the fund is distributed to the relevant groups? Based on their outputs, how is it assessed?”
“On that note, it has been a few weeks since the last outbreak of bird flu, so are you content that biosecurity is still tight enough on farms, considering that time can create a bit of relaxation?”
“Minister, I spoke to a farmer in Mid Ulster about bird flu, and he was highly complimentary about the way that the Department handled it. It was a big loss to him personally, but he was very complimentary about the way that it was dealt with.”
“The Minister's predecessor reduced verge cutting that improves sight lines on roads etc to improve biodiversity. It was classified as No Mow May. Miles and miles of hedgerows have been removed along the A5, and I would call that "Devastation in December". What is biodiversity best practice across the transport sector?”
“She spoke about the A6 improvement, talked about the Dublin-Londonderry journey times via the A5 and the work on that. I think that I have got this right: she said that the publication of the draft north-west transport plan would be later this year.”
“She referred to the lack of infrastructure in the west more broadly. There is the north-west, and then, from my point of view in Mid Ulster, there is west. Then, there is the south-west. There is an issue with the lack of rail ambition and linking up the whole public network in the west more broadly, not just the north-west. Deborah talked about regional balance and touched on tourism, which impacts on the north-west as well as the south-west. There is also tourism in Mid Ulster, by the way. <BR /> <BR />Andrew McMurray referred to sustainable travel. It you watch his Facebook, you will have seen that he is a big advocate of that. He said that there was room for improvement in bus services. Andrew is a big advocate of active travel. <BR /> <BR />The Minister talked about her role being to provide building blocks to improve the north-west.”
“I am not against active travel, but it is about getting the balance right so that we do not do it to the detriment of roads. Peter also talked about backing plans with funding, and he made a comment about the public consultation on the Mobuoy site. <BR /> <BR />Deborah is from the west; I am sure that you are all aware of that”
“If I picked him up right, he said, "Our wains need trains": I do not disagree with that. Wains or adults, we all need trains. <BR /> <BR />Nicola Brogan referred to the 2035 transport plan as a step in the right direction. To be fair, she talked about the A5 upgrade, which is important to her. She talked about improving safety and travel times on that road. <BR /> <BR />Peter McReynolds talked about social and economic development. He talked about active travel infrastructure. A week or two ago, we had a debate about active travel. It is a question of how the Minister gets a balance so that active travel does not go too far. I will not quote my line on active travel, because I think that Members have all heard it. We should not go too far.”
“I will run through people's comments broadly, to give a quick overview. <BR /> <BR />At the start of the debate, Mark Durkan referred to the north-west being choked and strangled. That was interesting terminology. He talked about the Executive paying lip service only. He then talked about an increase in rail passengers and referred to a figure of, I think, 54%. He talked about the lack of rail service on a Sunday and compared that with the situation in other parts of Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Gary touched on the importance of tourism to the north-west. That area is lagging behind. He talked about the potential of getting additional finances for transport, which would increase tourism and help the whole area. He also talked about the north-west being included in the transport strategy.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I had better get going, because time seems to be short today.”
“Minister, you have said that your Department will not send out texts about the winter fuel payment, given that there are those who are trying to scam people of whatever age. Can you provide an update on how the roll-out of the winter fuel payment is going?”
“I echo the words of the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Minister Muir, in imploring all bird owners, be they commercial or domestic, to:”
“I am concerned about the rise of avian influenza in Mid Ulster. Last week, 64,000 birds were culled at a commercial poultry farm near Dungannon, and over the weekend, we learned that almost 16,000 birds will be culled at a site near Pomeroy. The spread of avian flu should be taken very seriously. The poultry industry in Northern Ireland is important. It generates over £600 million for the economy and employs a great number of people. If avian flu spreads further in Northern Ireland, it will impact not only on our economy but on the livelihoods of those who work in that industry. <BR /> <BR />I read that the Balmoral show organisers have announced that there will be no poultry competitions this year. That is the wise thing to do in the current circumstances.”
“<BR /> <BR />Years of underinvestment and budget constraints have meant that EA has had to prioritise school maintenance and development. I appreciate the Minister's efforts to improve the budget for the Department and the school estate. Maybe those who want the estate to improve, as we all do, could have a word with — he was referred to yesterday as "poacher turned gamekeeper", but I will give him his proper title, as that is probably more beneficial — the Finance Minister. It would be good if anybody who could would put pressure on the Finance Minister to provide the adequate budget that my colleague's Department deserves and needs.”
“<BR /> <BR />In September, the Minister visited schools in Mid Ulster, as previously referenced, including Kilronan School, Holy Family Primary School in Magherafelt, Rainey Endowed School in Magherafelt, Magherafelt High School and Cookstown High School. All the principals sent the same message, no doubt. They all had the opportunity to meet and talk to the Minister and advocate for their individual school's needs, as any school is entitled to do and, no doubt, does. Items highlighted at the time included problems related to mould, as was mentioned, roofs and secondary heating systems. They are generic: we could talk about the same issues in every school across NI. Indeed, some of those schools have been waiting for up to six years to get heating issues resolved once and for all.”
“The system to carry out simple tasks, such as changing a projector bulb, seems to be slow, cumbersome and costly. Indeed, I heard of an example of a projector bulb costing hundreds of pounds to replace, which just does not stand up. I am sure that you have all heard that example. <BR /> <BR />It is essential that a school maintains a safe learning environment when implementing essential maintenance tasks. The implementation of a new delivery model in this academic year, if possible, would be positive. It is important that the EA undertakes maintenance based on health and safety, statutory compliance and urgent repairs, and that it ensures that schools are safe for pupils and staff.”
“Thank you. The Member who spoke initially referred to those people doing the work "for buttons", and she is correct. People on a board of governors or parents want to see their little school develop and save money so that their Johnny or Mary will be looked after better. Yes, there is definitely an opportunity there. The Minister can maybe give us some indication of where the EA is going on that. <BR /> <BR />A more efficient and effective model for low-value maintenance work should lead to more efficient operations. There could be significant cost savings to school budgets if schools could outsource some of those works locally or if they could be carried out by a caretaker or maintenance team, if they exist, already employed by a school. It can be a frustration for a school that it cannot complete or source small jobs itself.”
“As the Member who spoke previously said, there are loads of people on school boards of governors or PTAs, for example, who could do that work. They are just not getting the green light or are somewhat concerned from an insurance point of view. Loads of people have loads of skills that could be availed of by the school community; we just need to give them their stripes to do it.”
“I thank my constituency colleague for bringing the topic to the Chamber for debate. <BR /> <BR />There are many challenges for the Education Authority regarding maintaining an ageing school estate and ongoing capital projects and enhancement programmes. Balancing the budget for major works and necessary maintenance can be tough. School governors and principals work tirelessly to ensure that schools are maintained as well as possible, but, sometimes, the procurement process can be problematic. Therefore, a simplification of the procurement of maintenance is necessary. The Member who spoke previously referred to that. <BR /> <BR />Will the Minister advise what the EA is going to do to give schools more flexibility on what I call small or low-value maintenance works?”
“Minister, I come back to the point that my colleague from Mid Ulster made about compensation. You touched on lost birds. What about litter removal? The houses will obviously need to be disinfected, which will involve a massive cost because the litter is, technically, contaminated. How far beyond the cost of the birds will the compensation go? There is a big clean-up cost just to leave the houses ready for restocking. Then there is egg production. The loss of 64,000 birds — we can all calculate this based on approximately one egg a day — means a massive amount of income lost to the farming sector and that farm business.”
“Minister, how much it will cost your Department? Has any indication come from the Executive that they will support your Department with those costs?”
“It was not an accident. It was not an argument outside an establishment. It was a committed and planned murder. Does the judiciary understand the impact of the ruling on the innocent victims across Northern Ireland? Those who were going about their daily lives — for example, my postman and my milkman — but were assassinated, and they did not deserve it.”