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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Every one of 2,530 lines we hold for Liz Kimmins, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 12 of 51.
“I thank the Member for his question. As he said, I met the residents, and I heard clearly their concerns. We saw the significance of the problem. As you will know, officials commissioned an assessment of alternative routes for HGV traffic to inform the relative merits of a weight limit proposal, particularly regarding the impacts on road safety in the village and the surrounding road network. The report was completed in December just past. Officials are considering the detail before determining the next steps, after which it will come to me. We will keep Members updated as that progresses.”
“That is why I have established the safer routes to school programme, which looks at educational, behavioural and, where appropriate, infrastructural improvements, as well as exploring legislative options that could further strengthen safety. Officials are engaging widely on that and are building the evidence to guide the next steps. Street lighting will be looked at as part of that.”
“<BR /> <BR />While school bus stops are not specifically considered as part of those criteria, the policy ensures that the limited resources available for the provision of street lighting are directed to those areas where they can provide maximum benefit to the public, particularly where road or infrastructure safety is a concern. That includes where bus stops are located in rural communities. It also serves to balance the demand for more rural street lighting with the unwelcome effects of increased urbanisation in the countryside, the environmental impact of night-sky light pollution on people, wildlife and flora, and the financial costs of providing and maintaining additional public lighting installations. <BR /> <BR />As I said earlier, the safety of our children as they travel to and from school is a priority for me.”
“My Department’s policy for the provision of street lighting is detailed in policy and procedure guide E072. In urban areas, my Department’s policy is to provide street lighting on all adopted roads and footways, with the exception of those pathways that serve only the rear of properties. That means that the majority of roadside school bus stops in urban locations are located in areas where street lighting is provided. In rural areas, my Department uses two main criteria when considering the provision of street lighting. Those relate to the density of development along a road, including public buildings with significant night-time use or where lighting is likely to help at sites that have a significant history of night-time collisions.”
“I have ring-fenced £5·9 million of funding this year to maintain progression on phase 3 of the track improvement between Coleraine and Derry. Those improvements will see 20 miles of track renewals, allowing track speeds to increase and leading to improved journey times.”
“Absolutely. It can be frustrating when things take as long as they sometimes do, particularly when they are in our own areas. We are seeing this case move forward, however. As I said, it is subject to planning approval timescales and prioritisation within Translink's overall capital programme, but I am happy to continue to engage with the Member — that could be through Translink, as well — to keep him updated on where that is at. I recognise the importance of that project, particularly as more people want to use our rail links and other public transport, and the availability of park-and-ride facilities is central to their doing so.”
“I can confirm that the business case to provide a new park-and-ride facility at Bellarena station with 214 new car parking spaces, including 10 new disabled parking spaces, has been authorised, with expenditure of up to £3·8 million having been approved. The delivery schedule is under review and is subject to planning approval timescales and prioritisation within Translink’s overall capital programme.”
“Potholes are undesirable on any road. They present a major disadvantage for anybody who uses the roads. We are keen to see any defects in our roads repaired at the earliest possible stage. We work closely with the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) and other organisations that represent people with disabilities. In fact, I met RNIB representatives just last week. We work closely with such organisations and take into consideration all the issues that they raise. <BR /> <BR />I am doing everything in my power to deal with the current condition of our roads and to build in sustainability for the future. I am not doing that just for motorists but for all road users. As I have said before, people are central to every aspect of the work of my Department and are my focus in everything that I do.”
“The Member will know of the "fatal five" causes of road traffic collisions. Those are the key areas for road safety. I take nothing away from the deterioration that we have seen on our roads. The Member also knows that I have been working extremely hard, not just in my Department but with Executive colleagues, to get additional investment to deal with the significant deterioration that we have seen. I will continue to do so.”
“As the Member is aware, I have repeatedly reiterated my commitment to the school bus legislation to which he referred. I have been working across Departments and with other Ministers on a package of measures to enhance the safety on routes to schools, and school bus safety legislation is part of that. That work is ongoing. As the Member will appreciate, legislation takes time. I am keen to see it being introduced at the earliest possible stage. The Member will also know that I have previously stated that we were looking to see whether we could amend existing legislation to move us forward on the issue much more quickly. I will be very clear on this: I have a team of officials working hard on the matter, I am committed to it, and I am determined to see the legislation introduced at the earliest possible stage.”
“It is a good opportunity for the public to have their say so that we can inform our policy.”
“As Members will be aware, in January, I launched the consultation on the speed limit review. Evidence shows that excessive speed remains one of the most significant factors in the severity of collisions and in fatalities on our roads. Options being considered include the further introduction of 20 mph speed limits; a reduction of speed limits on rural single and dual carriageway roads; and an increase in HGV speed limits to align with other regions. Lower speed limits are proven to reduce fatalities and injuries, protect vulnerable road users and create healthier communities. I encourage everyone to read the review and share their thoughts via the consultation online. The consultation takes account of the many issues that we hear about, particularly speeding outside schools and speeding on rural roads.”
“<BR /> <BR />My Department will continue the valuable work that is already under way, including the active travel delivery plan, road safety messaging via traditional and social media platforms and the speed limit review. We have built strong working relationships with our partners through the road safety strategic forum, and that work will continue as we face our road safety issues together.”
“<BR /> <BR />Alongside our road safety partners, we focus on priority areas including, among others, policy and legislation; enforcement; communication and awareness; and active travel. You will be aware that, two weeks ago, I announced one of the key actions of the plan, which is the introduction of graduated driver licensing for later this year. Other key actions are the introduction of a lower legal alcohol limit; examining options for increasing speeding fines; and the development of new scheme proposals on the regional strategic transport network, targeting routes with the highest collision rates where engineering-based solutions would mitigate risks.”
“Road safety is one of my key priorities. On 27 January this year, I launched my Department’s latest road safety action plan to 2027, which supports the ongoing work of the road safety strategy. That action plan was developed in collaboration with a wide range of road safety partners, including other Departments and blue-light organisations. The resulting action plan outlines specific steps and initiatives to be progressed until the end of March 2027, which will contribute to the aim of reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads. The plan includes a number of strategic interventions that are acknowledged to be long-term policy developments and actions that will contribute to the strategic aims of safe roads, safe vehicles and safe people.”
“Any grant will be paid directly to the scheme's appointed building surveyor and contractor. More information is available on the website, should people wish to avail themselves of it. The scheme gives an added layer of support and confidence to homeowners. As we see more flooding events, it is becoming evident that it is harder to build our way out of it. What we can do is build in supports, and that is the role of the scheme. I encourage anybody who has been impacted by flooding to their domestic property to look into the scheme and see whether they are eligible.”
“The homeowner flood protection grant scheme was initiated because we recognise that flooding is a growing issue. The scheme remains open to new applications. It covers 90% of the cost of installing flood protection measures to a home up to a maximum of £13,700 of the total survey and estimated installation costs. The homeowner is required to contribute 10% of the survey and installation costs and to any additional costs that may be incurred above the £13,700 limit. I uplifted that limit last year in recognition of the growing issues and the fact that costs had increased but the grant had not been uplifted for a number of years. <BR /> <BR />Homeowners are required to make an initial payment of £50 towards the cost of the specialist survey. That will subsequently be deducted from the 10% contribution that is paid prior to installation.”
“I laid out clearly to the residents whom I spoke to that day that there is a long-term plan. We will work through that at pace, but there are also things that we need to do in the interim. I spoke about how we reviewed the most recent operational response and upgraded it. We hope that we will be even more ready next time, because I recognise the concerns that came from the most recent occasion. Hopefully, we can build in an extra layer of support through the regional community resilience group. I am happy to meet with you to discuss that in the near future.”
“I will do my best to answer them. I have experience of flooding in my area, and I know how devastating it is. That is not to underestimate in any way the flooding in the Riverside area. I know that it is horrendous. The anxiety that comes in the aftermath is worse, because people anticipate the potential for flooding to happen every time that there is heavy rain. That is really important, and I factor that into everything that we do. That is why I asked officials to attend that most recent meeting, because it is important that we get ahead of it in the future. I appreciate the frustrations around capital schemes, because they take time. As I said in my previous answer, where there is a possibility of speeding them up, we will absolutely do that. <BR /> <BR />However, there are things that we can be doing in the interim.”
“As we look at climate change, climate change policy and how those things impact on planning, we will continually feed into that. I am happy to have a discussion with the Member if he has further questions on that. However, I recognise the concerns of the community there as well.”
“As the Member will know, that issue was brought to my attention while I was on-site two weeks ago. While planning is the responsibility of the council, my Department is a statutory consultee as part of the process and looks at every application on its merit. That information is extremely important.”
“That is not my Department stepping away from its responsibilities; rather, it is an extra layer of support proposed for those impacted by flood events.”
“<BR /> <BR />I wish to advise that, as I said they would be when I visited two weeks ago, the operational protocols at Riverside were reviewed and updated with immediate effect to ensure strengthened operational readiness. Across the wider Antrim area, as co-chair of the regional community groups, we plan to convene a regional community resilience group (RCRG) meeting with multi-agency partners in the coming weeks. At that session, we will share the lessons learned from the recent flooding event. It is anticipated that that will also provide an opportunity to expand the group’s membership to include representatives from the areas most affected. The work of the RCRG helps to build resilience in communities.”
“<BR /> <BR />In the immediate aftermath of the recent flooding, I visited Riverside, Antrim, where I met affected residents to listen to their concerns. Flooding of homes and businesses is absolutely devastating and distressing for those impacted, and, that day, I gave a commitment that we would do all that we can to manage it as best we can. Staff from Rivers and Roads teams also attended an urgent meeting with Riverside and Massereene Street residents last Wednesday. My understanding is that the session was constructive and robust. Officials provided an update on the Department’s immediate actions and longer-term plans for Antrim.”
“, I will answer questions 3 and 14 together. <BR /> <BR />My Department’s Rivers directorate continues to progress a feasibility study to assess the river flood risk to properties in the Antrim area of potential significant flood risk. That work will identify whether there are any viable schemes to reduce the impacts of river flooding in the area, including at Riverside/Massereene Street, Meadowside, Muckamore and Dunadry. Ongoing work includes information gathering, progressing with updating the supporting hydrological analyses for the Sixmilewater river and early optioneering. It is anticipated that the feasibility study should be complete in summer 2026, as Members will be aware. Any opportunities to accelerate work on that study will be taken.”
“With your permission a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle”
“As you know, I have said that it has been approved. I can write to the Member on where progress is. You know that we are moving into a new financial year and are continually looking at the list to see where the priorities are. I do not have the information to hand, but I am happy to come back to you in writing.”
“<BR /> <BR />In response, I reinstated pedestrian and motorcycle safety campaigns and an anti-drink-driving campaign. I launched the new anti-drug-driving campaign on 20 November, and I have reinstated the anti-speeding and careless driving campaigns, which are currently on air. Two further new campaigns, on anti-speeding and driver behaviour, will air early this year; a rural roads campaign called 'The Signs' ran on social media in the autumn; and a new radio edit on bus safety aired on 17 November. Our media plan is still being finalised as we continue to monitor emerging road safety issues. I have been striving to identify where there are gaps and how we can continually find ways to enhance road safety and make people more mindful of it.”
“The Member will know that I have been able to reinstate the road safety advertising budget. This year, I approved an allocation of almost £2 million for road safety promotion for this financial year, which represents an increase of over £1·5 million. In addition to that, my Department's Road Safety Partnership has allocated £500,000 in sponsorship, bringing the total budget to £2·446 million — almost £2·5 million. The priorities that our campaigns focus on are based on PSNI evidence from killed and seriously injured (KSI) statistics, with key causation factors being careless driving, drink-driving, drug-driving and speeding. Vulnerable road users, pedestrians, children, older adults and motorcyclists remain disproportionately affected.”
“The difficulty for us has been that the SIDs are not traffic signs, because they just tell the driver what is already on their speedometer. For me, it is a reminder to be more mindful of your speed. I have seen them in my area, and I recognise that they bring road safety benefits. It is about trying to change driver behaviour, which goes back to what we have talked about on numerous occasions in the Chamber and in the Infrastructure Committee. <BR /> <BR />I am happy to continue to work with PCSPs and others on the issue. However, as the Member will know, a review of speed limits is under way. There is scope to look at more permanent 20 mph zones, because we have seen the benefits of those across the water. They definitely improve road safety, particularly outside schools.”
“Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and I am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users. I recognise that speed indicator devices (SIDs) offer some road safety benefits and are normally provided by groups such as local policing and community safety partnerships (PCSPs), which can be contacted for information on their future provision and support. My Department will continue to work with policing and community safety partnerships to facilitate the safe installation of the devices.”
“It is probably more obvious to the likes of you and me because we are aware of the differences. I am happy to take on board any feedback on how we can maximise that information.”
“The councils made some changes over the Christmas period, and there was a bit of confusion. That can be hard to manage, because we are trying to get our message across about the areas that are specific to my Department, while the councils are trying to get their message out. We want it to benefit as many people as possible. We have been putting the message out consistently through our channels, but, if there are other ways of doing that, I am happy to take them on board in order to see how we can better publicise the message and maximise the information to people. When it was first introduced, a lot of people contacted the Department and my constituency office for information. My office is on one of those streets, so we sometimes get traffic wardens directing them to us. I appreciate that it can be a wee bit complicated.”
“The issue comes up time and time again. We have probably all had tickets or letters from some of those companies. I appreciate the anxiety and stress that that causes. A lot of older people come to my office with concerns about that. Those are private companies that do not fall under my Department's remit, but I am happy to engage further if there is any discussion to be had or on how we can continually raise that issue. My constituency office has referred people to the Consumer Council and other advice agencies that can better support people. It is a difficult issue to address, because it does not fall under my Department's remit.”
“<BR /> <BR />From a comms perspective, we have been using our social media channels to feed that out, and we have been engaging with the local business improvement districts and others to encourage them to get that message out. Where people have got a fine, they can appeal it if they are within the parameters that have been implemented, and they are entitled to get that overturned. If there are any particular issues that the Member wishes to raise with me in relation to that, please feel free to feed that in, because it is important that we are aware of all the nuances to it. I appreciate that it is probably not the simplest approach, but in order to do it in the timescale that I needed to do it in, that was the best way forward.”
“As the Member will know, I have been talking about that for some time, and we have been trying to work out the best way possible to introduce, particularly over the festive period, something that would enhance opportunities for people when they are in town centres. As my constituency is included, I was very aware of the impact of that. I appreciate that there have probably been some teething problems as people start to get to grips with it. The current pilot has been extended for a further six months to give us more time to look at what is working well and what is not working so well to inform better what I do in the longer term. There are conflicting views as to the best approach, so it is important that we give that opportunity.”
“My officials have been engaging with relevant stakeholders around that initiative, and, while initial feedback has generally been positive, I decided to extend the pilot to gain further insights and valuable feedback from local traders and businesses in Lisburn and Newry. The data will help to guide my future intentions and long-term plans for on-street parking in controlled parking zones to ensure that it meets the needs of local businesses and communities. I encourage all visitors to Newry and Lisburn to park responsibly to ensure that we have safer streets, better access for disabled people, support for local businesses and a transport system that works for everyone.”
“Therefore, as he will be aware, over the festive period, I introduced a pilot initiative in Lisburn and Newry, providing an hour’s grace period for people parking in on-street parking spaces in controlled parking zones. That provides the public with up to one hour to return to their vehicles following the expiry of their paid parking event without the risk of receiving a penalty charge notice. Providing that hour’s grace period for parking sessions gives shoppers and traders that boost and offers greater flexibility for visitors while balancing the need to maintain an effective flow of traffic into the city centres.”
“As the Member will be aware, Newry, Lisburn and Belfast are the only areas where any form of charging for on-street parking exists. Other areas do not charge for parking but have limited waiting restrictions in place, limiting parking to one hour within a two-hour period. Controlled parking zones were put in place to manage demand for parking in an appropriate way, deterring all-day parking and improving customer access to businesses by ensuring the ongoing turnover of parking spaces. However, as the Member will know, I have been listening to traders, and I understand the need to encourage people to spend more time in our town centres without worrying about parking deadlines.”
“I will continue to work alongside all my Executive colleagues to get additional investment so that we can be more prepared in the future and deal with the issues that have arisen. I am grateful to Members for the conciliatory tone of the debate, and I look forward to working with you all going forward.”
“Flood protection measures, which Harry Harvey mentioned, and gully cleaning form part of our ongoing work on flood management and of our routine maintenance to try to get ahead of some things as best we can. <BR /> <BR />Members will know that the feasibility of a bridge has been looked at. Like anything, we can keep that under review. A significant cost has been suggested: I think that the figure is in and around £300 million and potentially more. When we look at the likes of Narrow Water bridge, however, we see that not all such things remain a pipe dream. If there is good support and a strong economic case for it, why not? I am happy to keep that under review, albeit it is budget-dependent. <BR /> <BR />I thank Ms Armstrong for bringing the Adjournment debate to the House and all the Members who contributed to it.”
“No, I am nearly done. <BR /> <BR />There have been several requests to install a crash barrier. There is, however, also the desire to keep the open nature of the vista from the road over Strangford lough. <BR /> <BR />We can clearly see the competing issues that we have, and a range of bodies is involved. Members mentioned the coastal forum, and I was pleased that we were able to reinstate its meetings just before Christmas. Minister Muir and I co-chaired the meeting of the forum just before Christmas, and I look forward to its work programme continuing. <BR /> <BR />Very quickly, I will address a few other points. I am happy to respond in writing on anything that I have not been able to cover in detail.”
“The sea defences immediately adjacent to the carriageway are often maintained as part of the road network, which is why repair costs come out of the structural maintenance budget, and are frequently an integral part of the road structure. That tends not to be the case where the sea defences form part of other structures such as a harbour. Where erosion threatens the road structure, DFI will monitor the threat and seek the most appropriate remedy in partnership with other bodies. The carriageway not only functions as a means of access that is vital for economic, social and educational activity but facilitates critical infrastructure such as our water, sewers, power and telecommunications. Managed retreat, particularly for A-class roads such as the A20, is therefore not deemed appropriate.”
“In addition, there are areas of rock armour separated from the carriageway by a verge, although that verge tends to be significantly wider at such locations. <BR /> <BR />As I said, numerous reactive repairs have been carried out to coastal defences in recent years following the ongoing damage that has been caused, primarily during the storms that we have mentioned. That spend equates to about £173,700 over the past five years. After storm Bram, however, we identified approximately £650,000 worth of damage to the coastal defences in the County Down area. The cost of repairs and clean-up is expected to be in the region of £650,000.”
“Any longer-term repairs come out of the structural maintenance budget, which covers overall roads maintenance. <BR /> <BR />My Department is responsible for maintaining the road/sea line boundary with Strangford lough, including the supporting element for the road, which is the retaining-type structures. The current arrangements for the boundary between the carriageway and the sea along the A20 are varied. The main feature is a masonry sea wall, separated from the carriageway by a narrow grass verge, typically ranging in width from about half a metre to a metre. The boundary is largely a masonry wall, ranging in height from 0·3 metres to 0·7 metres. On occasion, as Members will be aware, storm damage has led to rock armour being placed behind the wall in the more exposed areas.”
“There is always ongoing work to decide when the best time to do that is, and, as I said, we are constantly reviewing messaging after every event to ensure that we improve and enhance our response. <BR /> <BR />Following recent storms, there have been numerous reports of flooding, fallen trees and other obstructions that our out-of-hours contractor will help address. We have seen recently where issues have been quickly resolved. In addition, inspections of coastal defences have been undertaken, and, where damage was caused, emergency repairs have been done where possible, with other localised repairs programmed for the future. <BR /> <BR />I will go into a wee bit more detail on that, because I know that Members are keen to hear what we have done and what we plan to do. As with everything, a lot of it can be budget-dependent.”
“As I said, we are the lead Department for the strategic coordination of the overall emergency response to storm impacts on roads as well as the response to significant flooding, which is why that multi-agency response is so important and why pre-planned arrangements for a more coordinated response to severe weather warnings are critical. Once we receive a weather warning, officials in my Department assess the likely impact of the forecast conditions and take whatever steps they can to ensure that resources are in place to respond to incidents as quickly and as safely as possible. At times, my Department's response may involve working alongside multi-agency partners to maximise staff capacity to deal with all the potential impacts in advance and as we experience them. As I mentioned, we will get the messaging out as best we can.”
“Regular coordination meetings are held, particularly during storm events, in order to update partners and work alongside our partners, including the blue-light services, the Education Authority, Translink and councils. Those meetings are chaired by the PSNI in instances that have been assessed as "risk to life".”
“<BR /> <BR />Roads are closed in emergencies by the PSNI under article 32 powers on preventing danger to or from traffic or warning of an obstruction. The PSNI will place or direct the placement of signs to instruct traffic initially on-site. My Department's powers in relation to road closures extend to closures in a non-emergency capacity. However, we will also commit resources in support of PSNI closures, such as the closure of roads due to a road traffic collision or to provide a more robust closure in order to fully protect the travelling public. The Department also uses the TrafficWatchNI website, social media and variable-message signage to communicate closures, as far in advance as we can, to the travelling public. Traffic information and CCTV monitoring technology is used to assist in the management of any traffic disruption.”
“As we all know, the road runs parallel to the shoreline at Strangford lough for a significant length. While that gives it a rich and beautiful character, it makes it particularly susceptible to the impact of storms, which we have seen manifested recently during and after storm Bram in December and, last week, when storm Chandra hit. <BR /> <BR />I am very aware of the impacts of storms on road users on the A20 and on our coastal roads — on all roads — across council areas. We routinely review our response to storm events, and I am keen to take forward any actions for improvement that are within my Department's remit. A number of Members talked about the importance of closing the A20 in a managed way. It is important to outline the processes involved in that.”