Liz Kimmins
Newry and Armagh · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I do not know how it will have affected North Antrim specifically unless the Member is referring to something in particular. We all have a responsibility in climate change and what we do to try to mitigate its impacts.”
“As the Member rightly said, removal of the zero-detriment policy is for the AERA Minister, and I have engaged with the Minister on that, as well as on the removal of the statement of regulatory principles and intent. I recognise that removing that would have detrimental impact on future development.”
“In response, we recently developed and introduced new appraisal guidance, which represents a significant and deliberate shift in approach. Under the previous arrangements, schemes were largely determined by a monetised cost-benefit ratio threshold where, typically, projects that fell below a ratio of one did not progress.”
“A number of significant issues have led to that scenario. I assume that the Member is referring to waste water capacity. I have said that NI Water has suggested that it needs between £3·5 billion to £3·6 billion for the next price control period.”
“Recruitment is a key challenge faced by all Departments. In questions to the Minister of Health, my colleague from Newry and Armagh referred to the recruitment issue that recently impacted on Daisy Hill. The challenge is not unique to DFI. I want to put a focus on ensuring that we build our internal capacity and improve staffing levels.”
“The Executive and the Assembly agree that the Executive's Budget is not adequate, which is why we are in that negotiation. When it comes to the capital budget, we have to factor in a timeline for the legal challenge that we are going through. It is unlikely that we will get a decision from the court on this side of the summer recess.”
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“It is very evident that, at some point, there was a billboard.”
“As I have said, I am aware that the correspondence was issued, because it was issued by my Department.”
“I have not denied the existence of the billboard at any point. When we had the previous debate in the Chamber, I said that there was no Sinn Féin billboard. The same is true now. Those are the facts. I absolutely agree that the matter has highlighted the fact that some Members cherry-pick issues. We need to have a grown-up and sensible conversation about what is important to the people whom we represent, and about how we deal with the matter as a whole.”
“As I said, correspondence was issued from my Department, and, since then, the billboard has been removed. I do not know what more you want me to say about that.”
“I absolutely agree. Time and again, we show the people what is important to some in the Chamber. Certainly, that is not where my focus is, and I continue to ensure that we do the best for the people whom we represent.”
“I am not aware of dates or anything like that. I just know that, when I passed it, it had gone and there was a different billboard in place. There is nothing in place now. I cannot give you exact dates because I have no input into that.”
“Absolutely, for all of the reasons that have been widely discussed here, it is important that officials at operational level have the powers and the authority to take appropriate action and can do so in the right manner. That is why they have done what they have done without my input or engagement.”
“Well, that is the thing. Look, the Member can cast whatever aspersions he wants. I have laid out clearly the facts around the situation. I have laid out clearly what action my Department has taken in line with the procedures and processes that have been there for some time, and that is where it is.”
“As I have said very clearly, any correspondence that happened to date since that letter was issued in November states that the billboard that the Member refers to has since been removed. Where we are now is that we are talking about something that happened in the past. I do not know whether the Member across the Chamber thinks that I go around putting up billboards in my spare time: that is certainly not something that is important to me.”
“That is an allegation: you are insinuating that I paid somebody to advertise, which is quite a damning thing. If we are going to mess about and play at politics, let us get serious and get the facts right.”
“I have not been made aware of any direct assessment as to its legality or not in terms of me. I am aware that the issue has been raised in the House. I have given the answer on what has happened to date, what action officials have taken, where it is at now and the fact that there is no Sinn Féin billboard now and the issue has moved on. In fact, I am told that there is nothing there at present.”
“Absolutely, and this matter highlights the importance of that point. A consistent approach should be taken across all those issues. Week in, week out, we have debates about flags and bonfires: that is not what I want to talk about or what my constituents want me to talk about. They want me to talk about what we are doing to improve our roads, how we are upgrading the waste water infrastructure, what we are doing about our healthcare system and how we are improving education for our children. If we can cut out those debates and deal with the things that are important to the people whom we represent, we should do that.”
“The Member should let me finish. As I said in my previous answer, that was assessed, and the departmental officials deemed it a low risk. I can speak only to the information that is provided for me by the officials.”
“Absolutely not. As I have said clearly, that policy should be applied consistently across the board. If there are examples of it not being applied consistently and they are taking things down that do not meet the criteria that I have outlined, provide those examples and I will deal with them, because —”
“As I have said previously, we should all look at the planning legislation and follow it properly. Where enforcement action can be taken, the council can take it, as referenced by the Member who spoke previously.”
“Yes, absolutely, and rightly so. As I have outlined, the health and safety approach that my officials followed in this case applies to everything. I have reiterated time and again the process that is in place. Officials have rightly taken action at an operational level; that should be impartial and be taken following the proper procedures that are in place.”
“As the Member rightly said, councils have primary responsibility for planning enforcement in their area and are therefore best placed to determine whether enforcement action is appropriate under the Planning Act 2011, which provides a wide range of planning enforcement powers. If the council considers that there has been a breach of planning control, it may take enforcement action. If an investigation is under way, let us see the outcome of that.”
“My first question to the Member is whether this is just about republicans. That is certainly the tone of the question. I have said and will reiterate that the matter highlights the need to look at proper regulation of how we manage all those things. Not so long ago, we were talking about illegal bonfires with hate messages and sectarian messages on them. Let us have the conversation, if that is what we are talking about. It seems that it is all going in one direction. <BR /> <BR />I have stated categorically that the billboard that was previously mentioned is no longer in place. I cannot talk about something that is in the past; it has gone. We are talking about the present, so let us look at the facts.”
“I have not received any correspondence about any billboard or about who does or does not own it. Nothing has been sent to me. I do not know whether Justin wants to try to break the record for how many times someone can say "illegal Sinn Féin billboard" in one contribution, but he has clearly not driven past it, because my understanding is that no billboard is in place at this time and has not been. <BR /> <BR />When a motion on the matter was debated in the Chamber, I said very clearly that whatever was there has been removed. There was a different billboard — a community billboard — there at Christmastime, which was about an issue that is very important to the people of Newry and Armagh and to people across the globe. I can speak only to the information that I have and to my understanding of the situation.”
“— all of that, but this issue has highlighted the need for a proper discussion to be had about regulation and how to deal with such matters appropriately.”
“I am not interested in getting into rows about flags, emblems and”
“As I have said, although I have not been down there in the past few days, my understanding is that no billboard is in place at the minute. I think, however, that the issue has highlighted the fact that there is a need for proper discussion to be had about regulation, because we have seen that that is an issue across the board, be it with advertising, flags or all the other things about which we have regular debates.”
“As I stated in my previous answer, the two emails from November 2025 were sent to two of my party colleagues, who are elected representatives, in their capacity as elected representatives. They were sent by departmental officials in the local section office. Any correspondence that was sent in 2023 was sent at a time when the Assembly was down, so I was not the Minister. Indeed, no Minister was in place. I therefore cannot speak to that or to any discussions that happened, because I was not involved in those discussions, if there were any. It is impossible for me to answer a question to which I do not know the answer.”
“Absolutely. I allow all Members to have their say, so I think that it is rude for people to try to shout over someone. As I said in the debate that we had on the issue previously, the people out there want us to deliver on the issues that are important to them, and that is what I intend to do. We are having a debate today on the condition of our roads, and I am outlining the work that I have been doing to deliver for people. I will continue to focus on issues that are important to people.”
“That is a fact. The correspondence that he mentioned was sent by departmental officials in November. As I said in my answer, the billboard that was there at the time was subsequently removed.”
“Absolutely not. If the Member had got his timeline correct, he would know that, when we had that debate, there was no Sinn Féin billboard in place. He knows that.”
“It is my understanding that, after the letters were sent, the billboard was removed. Another billboard was erected that is not a Sinn Féin billboard, and I understand that there is currently no billboard at the Egyptian Arch. <BR /> <BR />In respect of the Member's question, therefore, I have not declared a conflict of interest, as it was an operational matter that was dealt with by officials in line with their discretionary powers and in an impartial manner.”
“<BR /> <BR />The billboard was considered to pose a low risk to road safety, because it is set back from the road on an embankment. It did not obstruct sight lines and was within a 30 mph speed limit zone. The Department holds no information about the ownership of the billboard; however, officials were aware that posters displaying the Sinn Féin party logo had been displayed on the billboard in the past as well as on other billboards. As the Member is aware, my Department wrote to some Sinn Féin elected representatives in Newry about the removal of unauthorised advertisements. It was routine operational correspondence that was undertaken by my officials; as my Department's remit is extensive and a large volume of correspondence is issued and received daily, I did not issue it myself.”
“When assessing the risks associated with billboards, the Department evaluates various factors related to road safety, including potential obstructions to vehicles and pedestrians, impairment of sight lines and the likelihood of an errant vehicle colliding with the structure. In cases where unauthorised signage presents a clear safety hazard, its removal will be prioritised. However, when no immediate danger is identified, officials will collaborate closely with key stakeholders to determine an appropriate resolution. Hoardings are typically subject to a planning application, and any breaches of planning regulations are generally addressed under planning legislation, which, in most cases, falls within the jurisdiction of the relevant council.”
“The billboard that was adjacent to the Egyptian Arch was mounted on five posts, some of which appeared to be situated on my Department's land. The other posts were on privately owned land. The unauthorised erection of advertising signs within the boundaries of the public road is an offence under article 87 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993. That article gives my Department discretionary powers to seek to have an advertisement removed or to remove it if considered necessary. Given my Department's ongoing resource limitations, priority is given to the removal of advertising where there is a clear road safety risk.”
“to Abbey Grammar and everybody who was involved. We wish them all the very best as they go forward to the Hogan Cup.”
“In a poignant tribute, the team dedicated their win to the late Jody Gormley. They held him in such high esteem and recognised him in their matches, and he undoubtedly inspired this great win for the team, which was a win for our whole area. Maith sibh”
“to Abbey Grammar in Newry on a superb win in the MacRory Cup final replay last Friday night in the Athletic Grounds. It certainly lifted the spirits of everybody across Newry, south Armagh and south Down, particularly the clubs of the boys who participated in what was a fantastic game and a fantastic win: the pride of Dromintee, Cullyhanna, Crossmaglen, Newry Shamrocks, Saval and many more clubs across our council district. The win that we saw on Friday night, which is the first in over 20 years, will be celebrated for a long, long time. It has certainly made our community immensely proud of the boys, their coaches and teachers and the whole community, all of whom are delighted for them.”
“As the Member will know, we will allocate it to the different divisions, which will then make decisions based on prioritisation. I have been engaging closely with officials. I know that there are roads that, potentially, would not receive the same priority if you were looking just at the traffic volume on them. However, there are roads that are in a really bad state and have deteriorated rapidly, and I have asked that, where possible, those are prioritised. We also have to be mindful of what capacity is available not just internally in the Department but for external contractors. I have asked officials to explore the area thoroughly with our staff and the external contractors to ensure that there is a fair spread across the North.”
“<BR /> <BR />When we look at the experience of some of those who came through the trainee planner programme in the past, the opportunities that it presents and how it helps to improve retention in our system, we see that it has been really effective. I look forward to seeing how the new group of trainees gets on. The programme will bring so much to our planning system. Hopefully, it also shows my commitment to doing everything that we can in the Department, working in partnership with councils and others, to deliver a more efficient and effective service.”
“The current phase of the planning improvement programme is focused on key areas of the process, including through changes to secondary legislation; measures to improve the speed and efficiency of local development planning production; strengthening the planning workforce; improving the statutory consultee process; working with NILGA to support elected members in their important decision-making role; and the development and delivery of the independent inspectors project to provide assistance and support to the work of the Planning Appeals Commission. Whilst good progress has been made, it is important to recognise that it will take time for many of the measures and initiatives to bed in and to realise sustainable improvement in system performance.”
“It affects us all, across the 11 council areas. I am acutely aware of the importance of having an efficient and effective planning system. It plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of sustainable economic development and investment across the North. <BR /> <BR />My officials continue to work in collaboration with local government and key stakeholders to improve system performance through the planning improvement agenda that I have mentioned.”
“Officials have developed a learning-and-development programme for trainees to ensure that they are provided with sufficient breadth and depth of experience; are provided with an opportunity for competency development and practical application of skills; and are given progressive responsibility for work-based activities and sufficient reflective practice to gain key knowledge, skills and experience in planning. <BR /> <BR />The trainee planner programme is one of a number of positive steps that I am taking to address issues with recruitment and retention in the system. It is key to ensuring that our planning system is well resourced and able to continue to attract new people and, thereby, support succession planning.”
“In response to some of the issues with our planning process that have been identified since it transferred to councils 10 years ago, officials have been doing a lot of work around planning improvement, including with participating councils and Belfast Met to enable trainees to study for a foundation degree in property, housing and planning over a three-year period. The trainees will be fully funded by their host organisations and given day release to attend college. Six trainees took up post in my Department at the end of January following a service-wide trawl. It has given existing civil servants a unique opportunity to become professional planners. The four participating councils ran their own external recruitment campaigns and have appointed a total of five trainees.”
“I absolutely agree. It is extremely disappointing that some Members chose to tell a blatant lie about what is happening with the Enniskillen bypass. Let me be categorically clear right now: there is no detriment or risk to the Enniskillen bypass. I am determined to see that delivered, but, as Minister, I have to be responsible and do all in my power to ensure that there are no delays and no negative implications for it. I have had to consider that across all of the major schemes. I have reiterated to the House — it is certainly my focus — that we must get to the other side of the appeal and then get on with the work that we set out to do.”
“It would be irresponsible for me to push ahead with something that could end up being legally challenged, which would result in delays and increasing costs. From my perspective and that of the Executive — it is an Executive-agreed scheme — it absolutely remains in the Department's plan, and we continue to push for it. This was one of the first schemes to be agreed by the Executive when they were restored in 2024. That is an important thing to remember in the time ahead. Certainly, the bypass remains firmly on my Department's plans.”
“Yes; absolutely. Nothing has changed in my plans to deliver the Enniskillen bypass. It is no different from any other major infrastructure project being progressed by my Department, all of which are now being considered in the light of the A5 judgement. As I said previously in the Chamber and in response to questions for written answer, I fully understand the benefits that infrastructure schemes bring to communities and the wider travelling public. However, I must also be mindful of the best use of the limited resources that we have in the Department and make appropriate judgements around that. <BR /> <BR />We have to await the Court of Appeal's ruling, because I respect the law and the fact that it could have an impact not just on the Enniskillen bypass but on all major road schemes.”
“It will be a valuable tool in ensuring that everybody who uses our roads does so safely.”
“Absolutely, and that is the cornerstone of why we have progressed this important initiative. In 2024, 164 young people were killed or seriously injured where a driver aged 17 to 23 was deemed responsible. That age group of drivers accounts for 24% of fatal or serious collisions, despite holding just 8% of driving licences. It is therefore vital that our licensing process should aim to create drivers and motorcyclists who are safe and not just technically competent to drive or to ride a motorcycle unsupervised. It is my view that GDL will better prepare learners for the practical test and the initial post-test driving period by helping them to understand how human factors, such as their attitude, behaviour and how they feel sometimes, can affect their driving style.”
“As the Member will know, I announced a start date for graduated driver licensing. We are preparing for its introduction on 1 October, and preparations continue at pace. The subordinate legislation necessary to support its introduction will be sent this week to the Infrastructure Committee for scrutiny, and the Department will soon launch a bespoke media campaign that will focus on the key messages of GDL, including the key risk factors that GDL aims to address. In addition, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) will engage directly with relevant stakeholders. It will engage with driving instructors and others on the specific practicalities of the GDL scheme in advance of its introduction on 1 October.”
“As the Member will know, the review of speed limits is out for consultation. The challenge with that road is that it is a main trunk road: the main route between Newry and Armagh, essentially. Obviously, there are turn-offs along the way. However, we are happy to look at whether there is the potential to have a right-turn pocket or other enhancements there. There is the potential to work with partners on that. We have stakeholders in the area, and I am keen to follow up. I know that there have been good discussions.”
“If there are enhancements or improvements that we can make, I am happy to look into them.”
“I thank the Member for raising the issue. It is in my constituency, and it is a road I travel frequently, including to Gosford Forest Park, so I recognise the significant concerns that the Member referred to. As he will know, it is probably not possible within the policy to reduce the speed limit, but I am happy for officials to review the assessment for a pedestrian crossing to see whether any changes are required to the original findings. I am also happy to speak to other partners, such as the council and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, as there have been previous discussions about potential measures along that route. I am happy to take that forward to see whether something additional can happen. I am aware of the number of fatalities that have occurred on that road, particularly in recent years.”
“Obviously, we have been trying to get further investment into the Department to deal with the most significant defects as they arise.”
“Approximately £7 million has been allocated in the Belfast region city deal to take forward environmental improvement work in Hillsborough, which is expected to start in March 2027. As part of that work, the council intends to install a pedestrian crossing in lower Main Street, with my Department taking forward a crossing outside Downshire Primary School as part of its 2026 programme. Although I recognise the need for resurfacing — it has been well discussed across the Chamber, particularly over the past couple of weeks — the progression of that work ahead of public realm works would not be the best use of resources, because obviously then we would have to come back and do that again. However, large-scale patching in the interim will be considered in the context of public realm work, so we can engage further on that.”