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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“The "millions of tons" that the Member refers to might be a wee bit of an exaggeration. I have a breakdown of the content of the spills that have gone into some of the waterways. We do not want any to go in; I want to make that very clear. I do not want anybody to be scapegoated. <BR /> <BR />There is work for us all in tackling the issue, and there is a responsibility on everybody. I will play my part in that. We are working collaboratively with NI Water and other Departments to ensure that we find solutions that are viable, make sense and are realistic in addressing what we are dealing with. Funding is, undoubtedly, a huge challenge, but we have to make the best of the funding that we have. That is what I am committed to doing.”
“However, as you know, legal proceedings started today on the appeal. <BR /> <BR />I will continue to look at what is available to me. I have outlined clearly what we are doing through the different avenues of work that are under way to try to tackle the issues. I have outlined exactly how much NI Water has been allocated in this financial year and what we have been able to do with that. I will continue to work with everybody to ensure that we find solutions and continue to make good progress on the issue.”
“The Member has chosen his words carefully, because he is fully aware of why there has been an underspend in capital in my Department. The issue with the A5 is completely beyond my control. I cannot spend money that I am not allowed to spend, and that is the reality of it. However, the Member will also be aware that, in the Minister's statement, he outlined a further allocation of almost £60 million back into my Department to deal with some of the issues that he has outlined. That money will be put to good use. Let me be clear: we continue to work extremely hard to deal with the issues that he has outlined. It is unfortunate and disappointing that we are in this position. I would love to have spent that money on the A5 and to have construction well under way. Unfortunately, that was not to be.”
“That is a major priority. I have been working with the Agriculture Minister on those serious issues. I have already outlined some of the steps that I am taking to offset that. You will be aware of the recent investigation by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP): I welcome that, because it gives us an opportunity to look at how we can do things differently. My Department will fully cooperate with the OEP on that. However, compliance is the Department of Agriculture's responsibility. As I have said, I am working collaboratively with the Minister and all stakeholders to see what we can do to address the issue at earliest possible stage.”
“The pilot project aims to retrofit 10,000 cubic metres of rainwater storage that will either divert or delay its entry into the combined sewerage network in order to increase capacity and, therefore, increase the system's capacity to handle storm conditions. As I have said before, such projects and other solutions mean that we can ensure that the water that comes through the system to be treated is water that needs to be treated and is not rainwater that is taking up capacity and using up resource. We are trying to be sensible and use the natural options available to us that will help to alleviate the pressure on the overall system.”
“As I suggested there, the aim of the pilot project is to make a robust case to transform the way in which rainwater is managed in towns and cities by managing rainwater naturally on the surface and slowing the flow into our rivers and pipe drainage system. Slowing that flow will help to reduce flood risks and improve water quality by reducing spills from combined sewers. I recently had the privilege of seeing how that is working in the Eglinton area of Derry. There is a pilot project in place there. We have seen in real life how that is slowing the flow. Hopefully, we will see positive impacts from that. <BR /> <BR />The initial focus of the pilot is in the Fortwilliam and Whitehouse catchments of Belfast, where specific surface water and sewerage issues have been identified.”
“That is why I am looking at all the options available to me, whether it is through securing additional funding with work through the Executive, the developer contributions options or the sustainable options for waste water treatment and drainage solutions. We can make a real difference. As well as working collaboratively with NI Water, there are solutions out there, and I am working with it to achieve that.”
“As the Member may be aware, that £2 billion shortfall is over a number of years. Given the overall Executive Budget, it would be unrealistic to say that that could be met. However, I am an optimist, and it is important that we look at what is available to us and how we can do that. That is why I have talked about some of the innovation that NI Water has already shown. <BR /> <BR />We have seen delays to the living with water programme for Belfast because of a 60% increase in the original cost. We have to manage and work through that and see how we can continue to deliver on all the issues. <BR /> <BR />I am under no illusions. I have said on many occasions that this is extremely challenging; there is no doubt about that.”
“I remain committed to working together and will continue to make the case for additional funding to expedite the delivery of those projects in Belfast.”
“<BR /> <BR />As I have said on many occasions, however, funding is not the only answer, and I have been encouraged by NI Water's delivery of faster and lower-cost solutions to how it manages waste water. I have advised NI Water to look at more options in that regard, and I look forward to the company using innovation to unlock waste water capacity and protecting the environment in other areas across the North. <BR /> <BR />Finally, in dealing with the very serious challenges in Belfast lough, it is vital that we continue to work collaboratively across government. My Department is working closely with the environmental regulator, officials in DAERA and DFC and other stakeholders as we seek to deliver solutions.”
“It is for the board of NI Water to prioritise the funding that it has been allocated to ensure the delivery of water and waste water services across the North. <BR /> <BR />Members will be familiar with my three-pronged approach, which I am progressing and delivering: securing more investment for waste water infrastructure from Executive colleagues; considering the approach to developer contributions; and bringing in legislation to provide for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). Additionally, my Department has secured £15 million in funding from the transformation fund that will implement a pilot project to help transform the way in which rainwater is managed in the Belfast area, and I am progressing further bids to the transformation fund for investment in waste water treatment.”
“I am clear that there needs to be investment in drainage and waste water treatment around Belfast lough. With regard to the necessary funding for those projects, I assure the Member that I have been working hard to deliver the most funding possible within the budget available to my Department. This year alone, NI Water has received over £500 million of public money, representing 23% of the opening resource and over 40% of the general capital budget allocated to my Department. At opening budget, NI Water was receiving 86% of what, it identified, it could deliver this year, and, when the additional £11 million capital funding that I was able to secure in June monitoring is taken into consideration, that increases to almost 90% of its ask, which is a significant level of investment in our water and waste water infrastructure.”
“I feel that the family have ensured that Robyn's legacy will ease the pain and the deep loss felt by many parents and families across all our communities and recognise that loss not just now or in the time ahead but for many years, as others have so eloquently articulated here. <BR /> <BR />I commend the Minister for showing such leadership, the Committee for its engagement and all the organisations that had an input into making and shaping the legislation. I take this moment to remember all those beautiful angels, who will now have a formal place, and everyone who has experienced a loss”
“<BR /> <BR />When I proposed the original motion on the issue in April 2024, which asked the Finance Minister to bring forward a baby loss certificate scheme in the North, I started the debate by remembering a little baby who is very precious to me, baby Robyn Purvis, who was sadly born sleeping in April 2023. Her passing and the impact that was felt by her parents and, indeed, the wider family motivated me to look at how we can make a difference for families like Robyn's across the North. <BR /> <BR />I will end my contribution to the debate by remembering baby Robyn and paying tribute to her amazing mummy, Jessica, who asked me what we could do here, because we had seen what happens in other jurisdictions.”
“I, too, welcome the passage of what, for me, is significant legislation. This will be a momentous day for the thousands of women across the North who have experienced the devastating loss of a baby at whatever stage of pregnancy. They will finally feel seen and heard, and we have acknowledged and recognised their loss as being as real as any loss in pregnancy. <BR /> <BR />I thank my Sinn Féin colleague Caoimhe Archibald, who instigated the legislation, and the now Finance Minister, John O'Dowd, for bringing it through. We cannot overstate its importance. As others have said today, it is a proper reflection of what we can do in this place. Despite the challenges and the political differences that we may have, we can work together and deliver really important legislation that will have an impact on people's lives.”
“Anything that I bring forward will inform future action plans to make sure that we continually narrow the gaps. That feeds into the broader piece around road safety advertising and campaigning to make sure that people realise that we all have a responsibility to play our part. As the House has heard me say before, over 95% of collisions are down to human error, so there are always things that we can do to ensure that, when we drive, we protect not just ourselves and the people with us but other road users, in line with anything else that we can do as a Department.”
“I thank the Member for his comments. I also thank him and his colleague for facilitating the meeting with Jaidyn's grandmother. I pay tribute to the Rice family for the commitment and strength that they are showing to ensure that Jaidyn's life will not have been lost in vain. They are channelling their grief into making our roads safer for all road users. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet Mrs Rice. <BR /> <BR />That ties into the Member's broader question. I am looking at everything that is available to me to see what we can do to make our roads safer. I mentioned the collaboration and shared working around reducing speed limits and having speed cameras on the roads. We discussed that as part of the engagement last week.”
“Anything that we can do collaboratively is good. As I said earlier, our roads do not stop at the border. You can see how we worked it out on the A5, and the various sections and the working group that has been set up to address that. There has to be collaboration on all schemes because we have to bring it to the point where we are fulfilling our responsibility and, likewise, where the roads meet. Where we have a joint or shared interest in something that serves our citizens right across the island, we will continue to work with the Southern Government.”
“There is a balance to be struck in all these things, including air connectivity and creating connectivity across the island, and other routes are already in use. Many people who are not using air connectivity are potentially driving up and down those routes, so if we are able to cut down on some of those emissions. However, with everything that we do, it does not mean that we absolutely eliminate; we have to look at things sensibly and try to create a balance with what else we are doing to reduce emissions while giving people a range of options.”
“I have had numerous engagements with the various committees and cross-border groups that are working on the A5/N2 project. The Member may be aware that work continues to address the Planning Appeals Commission recommendations for the remaining two sections of the scheme. Those recommendations will be subject to separate consultations and decisions in due course. The cross-border working group that has been established to reinforce collaboration on the continued development of the N2 from Clontibret to the border and phase 3 of the A5 from Ballygawley to the border is up and running. Both Administrations continue to collaborate closely on the A5/Donegal TEN-T project interface, including on the mitigation of impacts on the River Foyle floodplain. Regular meetings are taking place with Donegal County Council and the Office of Public Works.”
“As I said in a previous answer and in the statement, we are waiting on the outcome of the prioritisation, but we will be factoring that into any future budget discussions.”
“My officials are also engaged with all parties with regard to funding for the future stages of the project.”
“The Sligo-Enniskillen greenway project is in development, as the Member will know. An early design and route selection phase for the greenway, including the 18-kilometre northern section between Enniskillen and Belcoo, is being led by Leitrim County Council, with funding provided by the Department of Transport. The preferred corridor was published in October 2025, and an appraisal of route options to determine a preferred route within that corridor will now commence. My Department has issued a letter of offer for 50% of the funding, which is £126,000, to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to support geotechnical survey work to inform the design development process in the North. Subject to the completion of a procurement process, it is anticipated that works will commence in 2026.”
“Despite its not being explicitly linked to the statement, I am happy to answer the Member's question. As he is aware, there have been delays beyond my control that meant that we were not able to get the pedestrianisation started on the date on which we had hoped that we would. Those were important issues that we needed to address. I am happy that we have overcome those issues and have found a solution, but it has resulted in needing some tweaks to be made to some of the signage. I hope that that will be imminent, and as soon as we have an update, I will make that announcement. However, at this point, the delays are out of my control. Please be assured that my officials have been working extremely hard to get the scheme up and running as soon as possible.”
“That partnership has helped my officials to ensure that we can make the most of those innovations in Belfast. In particular, those innovations are a key part of the announcements that I have made on traffic congestion alleviation measures leading up to the Christmas period: how we can tweak the measures that we are putting in place for this year, based on last year's experience. That means that, if those measures are not working as well as we hoped that they would, the sensors will allow us to pick that up in real time so that we can make adjustments where needed.”
“DFI officials have been working closely with colleagues in the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Dublin City Council to explore how we can share information and approaches to transport planning. Those discussions have focused on practical ways to make data and tools easier to use across organisations and, in learning from one another's experiences, to improve how my Department can plan and deliver projects. An example of that working relationship is how my officials have recently collaborated on the introduction of smart-sensor technology in Belfast city centre. That technology was initially trialled in Dublin city centre, and my officials have engaged with NTA and Dublin City Council to understand which systems work best and how they can be used to monitor and evaluate transport activity.”
“That issue has been brought to my attention in recent months. We are looking at that with officials because we recognise that there have been specific cases, and some Members in the Chamber have raised it with me directly. My view is that there are potential discrepancies that need to be addressed, so, at this time, officials are working on it to see how we can address it and close that gap.”
“As the Member will be aware, hydrogen refuelling is being looked at globally now. There are really good opportunities to make the shift to using hydrogen refuelling methods, particularly when you look at HGVs and some of the options. Some major companies have already put that in place, so we are keen to look at that. In some of the other sectoral meetings, we have heard about how other areas of work, on a North/South basis, are exploring what solutions are out there and what the benefits of those will be. We are watching that continually to see how we can embed it into good practice across the island.”
“My team led discussions on practical steps for organising data-sharing, modelling and the use of analytical tools. Those exchanges will help to ensure consistency, improve decision-making and strengthen the evidence base for our plans. On the basis of the success of the session, we have agreed to continue that style of engagement through 2026, providing regular opportunities for officials to collaborate, share knowledge and embed best practice.”
“I usually have my iPad with me. Bear with me. <BR /> <BR />On 18 November 2025, my officials hosted a knowledge-sharing workshop with officials from Dublin City Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Transport Authority (NTA). That workshop had a transport planning and delivery focus. My officials organised and facilitated the session, including delivering a presentation on the approach and indicative timelines for the transport strategy and draft transport plans. That provided an opportunity to outline our methodology and strategic direction. The workshop also created a valuable forum for collaboration, enabling officials to share experiences, discuss what works well and what does not and to learn from delivery challenges faced by other organisations.”
“The Irish Government have reiterated their commitment to funding the A5. There is no indication that there is any risk to that funding. I am grateful for their support, particularly given the uncertainty that we have experienced for some time. I hope that we will see a positive conclusion to the appeal. <BR /> <BR />The all-island rail review is continually referenced and is very much kept on the agenda of every meeting that I have, whether it is the North/South Ministerial Council or any other engagement that I have as Minister. We will continue to monitor and assess that in the time ahead.”
“I think that there were three questions there.”
“We have had those conversations already. As I have just said, I will soon launch a consultation on a review of speed limits. My Department is actively working on that. I hope to make that announcement fairly soon.”
“Therefore, it is important that we work as closely as possible and align our key objectives.”
“The Member asked about the work that we are doing with partners in the South. I will soon announce a consultation on a review of speed limits. That will be of particular interest to most MLAs. We have been working closely at official level with our counterparts in the South to monitor the impact of the changes that have been made in the South and to monitor the progress that has been made. We are also looking at sharing research and knowledge on the use of speed cameras. <BR /> <BR />I am doing a vast range of things in that regard in my role. I am also working collaboratively, because many of our roads cross the border. We share those roads every day. Those of us who represent border consistencies know that, essentially, there is no border because those roads are part and parcel of everyday life.”
“In addition, the road safety partnership has allocated half a million pounds in sponsorship, bringing the total budget to almost £2·5 million. <BR /> <BR />My officials have reinstated a full advertising programme. We have added to our "RoadWise Up" advertising campaign series and have included information on pedestrian safety, motorcyclist safety, drink-driving and a new point-of-danger radio campaign on the safety of children getting on and off school buses. In recent weeks, I have commissioned a new drug-driving campaign, and that will run from 20 November to the end of December. From January until the end of March, my Department will run campaigns that address careless, inattentive driving; mobile phone use; speeding; cyclist safety; and general driver behaviour and the impact of poor choices while driving.”
“The Member will be aware that my Department launched our road safety strategy in the North in 2024. Working with our road safety partners, we aim to reduce road deaths by 50% by 2030. The strategy is steered by the road safety strategic forum, which includes representatives from the PSNI, the Fire and Rescue Service, the Ambulance Service, DAERA, DOJ, DFE and the Public Health Agency (PHA). Road safety is a key measure in the Programme for Government, and, together with our partners across road safety, we are working on a strategic action plan to take us into 2027. A report on the progress of the 2024-25 action plan was published on 30 October. I approved an allocation of just under £2 million to road safety promotion for this financial year.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Sadly, over the past week or so, we have seen a significant number of road deaths across the Six Counties. I attended the NI Road Safety Awards on Friday a week ago. Sadly, the figures that were quoted at that have increased dramatically in just about a week. That brings to 47 the number of people who have been killed in road traffic collisions this year. A total of 69 people lost their lives last year. <BR /> <BR />It is almost an understatement to say that the devastation that road traffic collisions cause is huge not just for the people who are directly involved but in the ripple effect that it has across all our communities. That is why road safety is an issue for us all as a society. It is an absolute priority for me.”
“As I was not in post at that time, I did not ask him for anything. That probably answers your question.”
“That was not specifically discussed at that meeting. However, I am aware of comments that have come from the Government in Dublin. I intend to watch that situation closely. When we talk about the A5 and look at the significant delays to what is a project to save lives, we see that it has been stopped time and time again by those objecting to it and JRs. As an Executive, we will need to monitor that closely. It is not specific to my Department to tackle the issue, because the use of JRs or, in some cases, the abuse of JRs to stop projects is important for everyone. We will watch what happens in the South closely.”
“The Council welcomed the progress made on the Belfast-Dublin hydrogen refuelling study, which moved into phase 3 in August. The NSMC noted that the contract for the pre-procurement market engagement report and the business cases have been awarded and agreed that Ministers would return to the matter at the next sectoral meeting. <BR /> <BR />The Council agreed to hold its next transport meeting in spring 2026. My officials and I look forward to working with the Minister for Transport and their officials in all areas of cooperation in the transport sector.”
“The NSMC welcomed the fact that the Departments will work together to explore the potential for a workshop on road safety communications.”
“The Council meeting examined two areas on which research and innovation is ongoing: road safety and hydrogen refuelling. <BR /> <BR />The NSMC welcomed the substantive engagement on road safety between officials in the Department of Infrastructure and the Department of Transport that there has been during 2025. Ministers noted that road safety officials have met twice since the previous sectoral meeting to discuss their road safety initiatives and that they have discussed areas in which further exploration and collaboration could take place as part of their commitment to enhancing their working relationship. The Council agreed that officials will exchange information papers outlining their respective experiences of setting speed limits and installing and operating road safety cameras.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Council noted collaboration between Departments in sharing best practice and advancements in transport policy, planning and modelling. Ministers noted that Departments have engaged and will continue to engage on the development of relevant plans and strategies such as the transport strategy 2035, the national sustainable mobility action plan and the Moving Together strategy. The NSMC noted that an information-sharing session had occurred in March 2025 between officials working in sustainable mobility and other climate-related areas. Ministers agreed that officials will continue to participate in further in-person information-sharing sessions. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted the Departments’ engagement on research and innovation, with a specific focus on road safety and hydrogen refuelling.”
“The Council welcomed the collaboration that there had been on organising the transport biodiversity workshop, which involved stakeholders from various modes of transport, and the fact that a summary of the discussion and findings from the workshop will be provided at a future NSMC meeting. Ministers noted that engagements between officials on reducing emissions and mitigating the causes of climate change will continue and that a report will be provided at a future NSMC meeting. The NSMC noted that a panel of three operators has been appointed for the Shared Island sports club EV charging infrastructure scheme and that the panel is actively engaging with sports clubs. Ministers welcomed the collaboration on the procurement process for the new train sets for the Enterprise fleet.”
“Ministers welcomed progress on the development of a project prioritisation strategy for the all-island strategic rail review and the intention to publish that strategy later this year. Ministers noted the significant stakeholder engagement that has been undertaken by the Government of Ireland and the progression of the market-sounding exercise to support their Programme for Government commitment to:”
“The NSMC noted that both Administrations are fully committed to the delivery of the A5 project.”
“The NSMC recognised the positive ongoing cross-border collaboration between officials and councils on various greenway projects, including an expert-led report on opportunities to support the development of cross-border greenways that is being reviewed by both Departments. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted the Department for Infrastructure's decision to appeal the judgement against the A5 western transport corridor and the fact that the appeal is scheduled to be heard in December 2025. Ministers welcomed the setting up of a cross-border working group to ensure alignment of all aspects of the delivery of sections on both sides of the border and noted that the Donegal Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and N2 road infrastructure projects continue to progress, with both Administrations working collaboratively on them.”
“In compliance with section 52 of the NI Act 1998, I wish to make a statement on the meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in the transport sector, which was held on Thursday 23 October 2025. I chaired the meeting, which took place in the offices of the NSMC joint secretariat in Armagh. Minister Darragh O’Brien, the Minister for Transport, attended the meeting, and Mike Nesbitt MLA, Minister of Health, attended as the accompanying Minister. This statement has been agreed with Minister Nesbitt, and I make it on behalf of us both. <BR /> <BR />Ministers welcomed the recent completion of the Carlingford lough greenway and acknowledged that there had been an official launch event on 12 September.”
“The key thing is that we are actively working on those things and developing a plan, which, I know, needs to be followed by action. Hopefully, through continued engagement with you all, we can do that in the not-too-distant future. <BR /> <BR />I thank everybody for the nature of the debate. It has been really good. I offer my commitment to working with you all to find solutions. Hopefully, we will be able to alleviate some of the issues that have been identified this evening.”