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 2 of 51.
“As I said, at this point, the issue is between the council and the developers. Ultimately, they can resolve it. My Department will continue to engage with the council, but, at this point, we do not have the power to intervene. It is important to make that clear. I have stated that in relation to the Private Streets Order. If, at a later date, there is an opportunity for us to intervene, I am happy to consider that, if it is within my tenure as Minister. The Member mentioned the time that has passed since the issue arose. Ultimately, the advice that I have been provided with is that the issue can be resolved between the developer and the council.”
“While some short-duration queuing is observed at peak times, officials advise that there are no significant issues at other times and that traffic generally moves satisfactorily during the day. My Department will continue to engage with the planning consultation process to ensure that traffic from further development is properly assessed and adequate mitigations are put in place.”
“<BR /> <BR />For more recent development in the Larne West area, the Department has ensured that traffic impacts are considered through the planning process. In the case of the new port development approval for around 500 dwellings, off-site road improvements have been conditioned, including traffic signals at Donaghy's Lane and Antiville Road. Roads officials are content that those works provide satisfactory access to the existing network. Officials have also examined options to improve traffic progression at the Linn Road and Antiville Road junction, but the scheme identified has proven to be cost-prohibitive, due to significant underground utilities.”
“I recognise the Member's interest in the Larne West distributor (south) road and the local concerns about that incomplete section of road. As the Member will likely be aware, the road was identified through the Larne area plan and the earlier Larne West study as infrastructure to be delivered by the developers of the adjacent lands. A remaining links section has not been constructed and is still in private ownership. My Department's advice is that that is a private development issue. Responsibility for resolution rests with the relevant developers and the local authority, which is now Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. The Department does not have powers under the Private Streets (NI) Order 1980 to enforce construction of the missing section.”
“Insurance is not within my gift to address. However, the Member will be aware that we have a grant scheme for flood protection measures for homes that have been flooded. The work on flood maps is significant. As I have said previously, it continues to evolve as we deal with the extreme weather that we have seen, including in the past week. Across the globe, we are seeing significant heatwaves. Such things are coming at us all the time. We are doing a number of things to address the situation. As the Member will know, insurance is a reserved matter, and we cannot deal with it locally, but we are certainly focused on anything that we can do to reduce the risk.”
“We are working across a number of Departments and with local councils in order to ensure that we are addressing all of the issues that have been outlined. We have been working really hard to be prepared as best we can for the future, as well as looking at the physical interventions we can continue to make that will help protect people, homes and businesses for as long as possible.”
“That having been said, however, alongside the work that has been happening or is planned, we have invested over £76 million in capital in the past four years in new fluvial and tidal flood-alleviation projects, which have had an impact in reducing flood risk for more than 5,000 properties. We also look at how we build community resilience, and significant work has been done by community resilience groups, some of which have been really successful. That is about how we can be more prepared and work together in the event of flooding, particularly when it occurs at very short notice . <BR /> <BR />There is work for everybody to do. It is not just a DFI problem; it is something that affects everyone.”
“I have outlined some of the issues that we are working to address. In my response to my colleague, I said that we are looking at the assessment criteria to ensure that we are investing properly and reducing impacts on people. It is also important to say that we cannot build our way out of flooding. It is something that many people will have to live with, as a result of climate change. Flooding is becoming more frequent, and we have seen the evidence of that, particularly in the past few years. <BR /> <BR />It is not always the case that physical interventions are required.”
“That change is intended to better reflect, as I mentioned, the real-world impacts of flooding on people's lives, which are not as easily captured through purely financial metrics. Although the Department will continue to keep its appraisal methodologies under review, the new approach represents an important step change, which will help to ensure that our investment decisions are more aligned with the experiences of those who have been affected by flooding and maintain robust and transparent value-for-money principles.”
“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. However, as we have found, the new approach moves away from that very rigid position and allows for a broader, more balanced assessment of value, including social, environmental and carbon benefits, alongside traditional economic damages. <BR /> <BR />Schemes are no longer automatically ruled out where the monetised cost-benefit ratio is less than one, and appraisers can recommend investment where there is a strong case that is based on wider community impacts, including disruption, resilience and well-being.”
“Yes. As the Member mentioned, we have experienced the impact of flooding in both of our constituencies. That impact is not just from the damage to property or the effect on business; there is lasting impact on people, physically and emotionally, when their home or their business is flooded. There is always the anxiety — I hear it from people all the time — that flooding may happen again. <BR /> <BR />We spoke about the cost-benefit ratio at an engagement in Downpatrick last year. My Department recognised the concern that the traditional appraisal method, particularly the focus on the cost-benefit ratio, may not always have fully reflected the lived experience of individuals and communities that have been impacted by flooding.”
“The Member will know that there is joint responsibility for coastal erosion and all of that. Officials have been engaging with those in the local area. I fully recognise that that presents challenges as time goes on. The work that I outlined in my previous answer shows that the picture is ever-changing, and we are trying to get ahead of it. We recognise that more and more areas that had never been impacted, have been or will be impacted in the not-so-distant future. That is why we have been doing significant work to be forewarned and proactive rather than reactive. Officials will continue to engage on the specific location raised by the Member. However, as she can see, the scale of the work is significant, and we are working to see how we can do things differently so that we can get ahead the issue.”
“That consideration should also recognise the substantial programme of work that has already been delivered and the continued commitment of my officials to reduce risk where possible. Examples include more than £76 million of capital investment over the past four years in new fluvial and tidal flood alleviation projects, reducing flood risk to more than 5,000 properties and delivering benefits of a value approaching four times their cost. The Department also continues to progress a 10-year capital works programme of over 50 projects, update flood maps where necessary, prioritise inspection and maintenance of high-consequence assets and advance schemes and studies in areas such as Newry, Downpatrick, Drumahoe, Antrim and Eglinton.”
“I recognise that the Assembly process must complete before I comment in detail. However, it is important to recognise the real and sustained progress that my Department has made in recent years to strengthen flood risk management, including increased investment and continued improvement in the overall condition of flood defences. Alongside that, we are delivering a wide programme of measures through the flood risk management plan, with over half of planned actions already complete and others progressing, supported by enhanced data modelling and updated guidance to address climate change impacts. <BR /> <BR />The Audit Office report will be considered carefully through the proper Assembly process.”
“We will continue to proceed with what we have, but I hope that the British Prime Minister, be it the outgoing one or the incoming one, whoever that might be, will sit up and listen to what the Fiscal Council, Executive and Assembly have said and see that we have been largely underfunded and need to be properly funded so that we can set the bar that little bit higher and proceed on a fair and equal footing for all the people whom we represent.”
“As the Member knows, the Executive and, in particular, the Finance Minister are negotiating with the British Treasury to get a better deal for this place. It is not simply that the Executive are not agreeing a Budget; the Executive are standing up for people here to ensure that we get a better Budget that will enable us to deal with all the issues that, as the Member and many others here know, need to be addressed properly. <BR /> <BR />No funding figure is tied to the strategy. We know that there is a significant cost to properly maintaining our entire road network. All Ministers are working off a draft Budget. Obviously, we would prefer to have an agreed Budget that reflects our needs.”
“The cumulative impact of the new strategy, the digital survey and looking at road maintenance in a more holistic way will not just affect urban areas; it will positively impact on rural areas.”
“The Member will know that, on many occasions, I have highlighted rural needs in terms of road maintenance and our road network. I, too, represent a rural constituency, so I know that there are significant challenges with deterioration and the inability to address it in the way that we would expect. Those are the types of things that we will look at through the strategy. For example, we will look at how we can do repairs of better quality rather than, as I have said many times in the House, fixing one pothole that meets the criteria and skipping the 10 around it that do not. For me, that is duplication of work, in that we eventually have to go back to those potholes anyway.”
“We were able to bid for that money when it was back centrally, and I was pleased to be able to secure £163 million of the £181 million. That went back into our roads, waste water infrastructure and public transport, and I used it and targeted it in the way that I could during the period that I have been Minister. <BR /> <BR />The Members across the way can laugh all that they want, but they know that they have deliberately misled the public by failing to present all of the facts around this, particularly when their own Minister has faced similar challenges. I want to make sure that that is well on the record so that the public know that if I seek to reprofile money that has to go through the Department of Finance. I will target whatever money I get in the right way.”
“I really appreciate the opportunity to state the facts on that. It has been extremely disappointing to see senior figures in the UUP and some in the SDLP misleading the public on what the £181 million figure represented. Whether their doing so was deliberate is for them to answer Like every Minister and every Department has been doing for years, when money cannot be spent as it was intended —. In the past two financial years, the bulk of the £181 million that had to be handed back to the Department of Finance was related to the A5. That money was ring-fenced by the Department of Finance after agreement from the Executive. Therefore, I legally cannot decide to spend it on something else. Members know that but failed to include it in their social media clickbait.”
“As I said in my previous response, we have taken into consideration the comments and issues that were raised through the consultation process. That is an important part of the process. I have been engaging with officials on the role of utilities and how we improve reinstatements and make sure that they are more robust. <BR /> <BR />It is important to say that the new digital survey will play a key role, because we will have greater access to inspection and post-inspection on our roads as a result of its implementation. That will, I hope, address many of the issues that we are all very aware of around poor reinstatement and the impacts that it can have. I hope that, once we finalise that part of the process, we will be able provide a more fulsome answer on what we are doing, specifically in relation to utilities.”
“The consultation on my Department's draft road maintenance strategy ran from 2 December 2025 to 30 January this year. First, I thank all of those who engaged with the consultation and provided feedback, which has been very positive and constructive. Officials are in the process of finalising the consultation report and the road maintenance strategy, taking into account the consultation feedback and the Committee comments. I will publish both the final road maintenance strategy and the consultation report shortly. Once those are published, my Department will be in a stronger position to progress a modern, data-driven approach to road maintenance across the North.”
“<BR /> <BR />My message to senior management at Haldane Fisher today is this: come to the table; engage with the union; support the workers; and come to a conclusion that will achieve a positive outcome for workers and the organisation. No one wants to be in such a situation. The workers deserve fair pay and an outcome that is proportionate to what they are facing. I say, "Solidarity" to the workers. I respect their decision to take action, but I hope that a resolution can be found as soon as possible.”
“I will speak in solidarity with the workers at Haldane Fisher in Newry who have almost completed their third week of industrial action at the site. I recently met the workers on the picket line. <BR /> <BR />Haldane Fisher is an institution in Newry — a leader in the building industry — to which many of the workers on the picket lines have given decades of service. In fact, many of those workers, some of whom have worked there for over 40 years, say that they had never had to take industrial action. That is telling about the situation that they find themselves in. They feel that they have no other choice and that industrial action is, indeed, a last resort.”
“When I came into post on the back of the work that John O'Dowd had done when he was Minister, a lot of the delay in getting to this stage was to do with progressing the digital app and moving things over. It has been a huge piece of work, but I am really pleased that we are where we are today, and I thank the Committee and Members for their support in getting it progressed. I ask the Assembly to approve the regulations today.”
“The key point is that we recognise that not everybody will be ready for the driving test, even with the eagerness to get ahead of the new system. We have to remember that the six-month period is not for someone who already has a provisional driving licence. It takes effect from the date on which they get their provisional licence. If someone has had their provisional licence for some time, it will not affect their ability to progress. It is important to clarify those points. <BR /> <BR />When I introduced GDL, we recognised that it would be the biggest transformation of driver licensing in 70 years. It is the biggest reform, and I recognise that there are many technicalities to it. Yes, I agree with the Member that it should not have sat for 10 years, but things beyond our control restricted our ability to progress.”
“Given that we have such a large rural community, we recognise that, for some people, having access to their own car is the only option for getting out and about, whether that is to work or for other reasons. We recognise that that is a significant issue, and we need to address it. We have some pathways to ensure that we can make progress on that.”
“Insurers assess premiums on the basis of risk, and, in essence, GDL will reduce the risk in time. Drivers' skills and confidence on the roads will improve, which will improve road safety. That has the potential to bring down insurance premiums. <BR /> <BR />Like everything, it will take some time, but we will monitor it closely while looking at what else we can do. The Member rightly said that things go across different Departments. There is also a role for DOJ in relation to claims management, and I have had discussions on the matter with the ABI. We need to recognise the real and significant challenges facing our young people in particular when they are trying to obtain car insurance.”
“A lot of Members raised the insurance issue. I agree. We need to look at everything that we can do to address what are extortionate insurance premiums, particularly for new drivers who have just got a new car. My colleague here told me about his experience with his young people, where some quotes were more than £7,000. If that had been the case when I was newly driving, I definitely would not have got a car. I would not have been able to. Addressing that is in the interest of equality, to ensure that everyone has access to learning to drive. I have engaged with the Association of British Insurers and have had a number of meetings to look at what will have an impact. The evidence shows that, in other jurisdictions where the GDL model is in place, it has had an impact.”
“Even as a learner driver or a new driver, we will all have experienced trying to drive at 45 mph on a motorway or a dual carriageway, which is very challenging, particularly given the speed of other drivers. In some circumstances, it is particularly dangerous, and that was recognised. Raising the limit will help them to build confidence and experience in coping with those types of environments when they are out on the roads and build that into their ability in the longer term. The requirement is to drive safely at up to posted speed limits once they have passed the driving test and are driving independently, and the change is to reflect that that is a real situation as opposed to having to do it at a lower limit.”
“I hope that it gives comfort to know that that is not set in concrete and can be updated to reflect changing needs, as well as things that may change outside of that. The guidance itself was intended to promote compliance, to reinforce road safety, which is at the core of this work, and to ensure that there is a consistent understanding of the new arrangements. I hope that that, in itself, will provide reassurance that we will do everything that we can to support people in the time ahead, particularly the approved driving instructors and supervising drivers. <BR /> <BR />Harry Harvey asked about the lifting of the 45 mph speed limit for newly qualified drivers. The rationale behind removing that is to allow learner drivers to be taught how to drive at speeds appropriate to the conditions.”
“I declare an interest, which is that my brother-in-law is a driving instructor. Comprehensive, step-by-step guidance and support materials will be made available to approved instructors and supervising drivers. A young person does not need an approved instructor to assist them with that aspect. The guidance will clearly set out their respective responsibilities, the standards expected during supervised practice and practical approaches to support new learner drivers effectively. The guidance will also include detailed information on the use of the learner logbook and the associated programme materials. <BR /> <BR />The Department will continue to review and enhance those resources to ensure that supervising drivers are appropriately informed and supported.”
“I genuinely want to thank everyone for their contributions to the debate. First, I want to acknowledge the work of the Committee to complete its scrutiny. This has been a fast-moving process, some of which has been out of my control, but we are keen to get it in place for all the reasons that Members have outlined here today. Road death figures continue to rise, which is an incentive, but that is not to say that we are rushing it through. I also pay tribute to my officials, who have worked diligently to ensure that the Committee and Members have had the information that they needed to enable us to get to this stage. I am very grateful for everyone's work in relation to that. <BR /> <BR />I will deal with some of the points raised. First, I will address some of the concerns expressed by driving instructors.”
“The Assembly's approval of those specified restrictions amending regulations will herald the introduction of GDL and enable me to move to make the other GDL enabling SRs that are also required. That will give certainty to this life-saving measure becoming operational as planned on 1 October 2026. <BR /> <BR />I commend the motion to the Assembly and ask that it approves the regulations.”
“The second stage R-plate is a white R on a blue background, and it must be displayed for the remaining 18 months of the new driver period. It is intended to deter high-risk behaviour and to inform other road users of the driver's relative inexperience. It will also help to inform enforcement agencies that the driver is within the two-year probationary period established by the Road Traffic (New Drivers) (NI) Order 1998.”
“<BR /> <BR />The specified restrictions-amending regulations are made under powers conferred by the Road Traffic (NI) Order 1981. They reflect the introduction of revised restrictions for newly qualified drivers of category B motor vehicles and category A, A1 and A2 motorcycles. In particular, they prescribe the new distinguishing mark — the R plate — that must be displayed by newly qualified drivers and riders for a two-year new driver period. <BR /> <BR />There will be two parts to the R plate. For the initial six months, the plate will be a blue R on a white background. It will highlight the fact that the driver is a new driver and is still developing the skills needed to be a safe driver. It will also help to inform enforcement agencies that the driver is within the passenger restriction period.”
“<BR /> <BR />Once introduced, the scheme will provide a new foundation for improving driving standards, including a six-month mandatory minimum learning period for category B learners; the requirement to complete a programme of training and logbook; removal of the 45 mph speed limit for learners and newly qualified drivers; and a 24-month new driver period, with a new two-part R plate and post-test passenger restrictions for category B drivers. <BR /> <BR />The regulations that we consider today are one of a suite of four linked and interdependent pieces of subordinate legislation that must become operational on the same date. That is required to ensure that GDL can be introduced on 1 October and that it operates as intended from the start.”
“<BR /> <BR />I acknowledge the collective work that we all do to promote road safety. While one of my top priorities as Infrastructure Minister is to contribute, through the work of my Department, to reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads, I do not do so in isolation. I thank the Infrastructure Committee in particular for its work in scrutinising the GDL subordinate legislation that I have proposed and especially for its assistance in getting the legislation before the House for approval in advance of our summer recess. <BR /> <BR />GDL will help our new drivers to become experienced, skilled and safe. It focuses on the learning and new driver phases of our driving journey and includes post-test protections for newly qualified drivers.”
“<BR /> <BR />Once the four vital pieces of GDL-enabling legislation that I have proposed are made and in place, including the regulations before us today, I will launch a dedicated public information campaign in advance of GDL going live. The campaign will communicate the core road safety messages underpinning the policy. It will also promote awareness of the rationale for the introduction of GDL and its contribution to improving road safety outcomes. As many Members will be aware, the GDL framework and its essential measures, as set out in the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act (NI) 2016, represent the will of the Assembly at the time when the Act came into force. Also, I firmly believe that it is a significant life-saving intervention that we can all support today.”
“<BR /> <BR />The GDL is only one of the road safety interventions that I am introducing in this mandate to help to address those unacceptable casualty statistics. Other key actions that I am taking forward include the introduction of a lower legal alcohol limit; legislation to further address the use of mobile phones while driving; a safer journeys to school programme and related legislation; an examination of options for increasing speeding fines; and the development of new engineering-based solutions to target and mitigate risks on routes with the highest collision rates. <BR /> <BR />My Department also continues to deliver targeted and relevant road safety campaigns in educational programmes, the latest being the Roadwise Up campaign to address driver inattention and carelessness, speeding and drug-driving.”
“<BR /> <BR />So far this year, we have lost six young people aged between 16 and 24. Members will agree that every single death is an immeasurable loss, and we must do all that we can to prevent more of our young people dying on the roads. <BR /> <BR />Road safety remains a key priority for me. One death on our roads is always one too many. So far in 2026, 33 people have lost their lives, and I pay tribute to young Kourtney McCormick from my constituency, a wee six-year-old girl who, sadly, lost her life yesterday. The family has been plunged into grief at this horrendous time. That is one person every five days since the start of the year. My thoughts are with the McCormick family and all families affected by the death of a loved one.”
“The regulations before us today will amend the Motor Vehicles (Specified Restrictions) Regulations (NI) 1998. These amending regulations are required to facilitate the introduction of graduated driver licensing (GDL). I believe that the GDL has the potential to deliver significant road safety benefits, not least for our young drivers, but particularly for our young male drivers, who, unfortunately, are significantly over-represented in road traffic collision statistics. <BR /> <BR />In 2024, which is the most recent year for which we have published figures, 164 people were killed or seriously injured in collisions where a car driver aged 17 to 23 was responsible. Also in 2024, 12 people were killed or seriously injured in collisions where a motorcyclist aged 17 to 23 was responsible.”
“It has been a valuable opportunity to get Members' views at this stage of the legislation's passage, and I am pleased that the general consensus on the Bill and its principles is positive and supportive. <BR /> <BR />Finally, I believe that this Bill will play a significant role in empowering my Department and our trust ports to operate more effectively and to strengthen their contribution to the economy. I thank Members for their support. I commend the Bill to the House.”
“Having worked in the Point for many years, I see — Members from the area will see this all the time — the benefit of that for local business and hospitality, and why not, given that it is an absolutely beautiful place. As I said, it is about getting the balance right. We are loosening the shackles to allow them to thrive while continuing to have oversight and management, as far as we need to. I am happy to continue to work with all Members to ensure that what is delivered is robust. <BR /> <BR />I hope that this has provided Members with an overview of the policy intention behind the Bill. If there are any points that I have not covered, I am happy to address them in correspondence, if required.”
“I know that, at this time, there are issues specific to Warrenpoint in respect of that. We need to ensure that the community voice is represented, and that is the purpose of that measure. <BR /> <BR />We also plan to bring forward secondary legislation for each trust port and introduce governance guidance that will help trust ports to deliver their aim of managing, maintaining and improving their harbours in the broad public interest. As my colleague said, this is an opportunity to look at that and ensure that ports do that in a way that has everybody's interests at heart. We need to remember that this applies to all four ports. They are key aspects of our economy and key tourism drivers, and we have seen that in Belfast. Warrenpoint also benefits hugely from the cruise ships that come in.”
“Yes, absolutely. The experience of Warrenpoint is one that many will look to in the future when taking on new tenants. <BR /> <BR />Just to finish on that aspect of this, the removal of the power of direction in relation to trust ports does not mean that all control will be removed from the ports. That has to be made absolutely clear. The Department will continue to maintain responsibility for oversight of the legislative and policy framework. We will also retain a role in appointing board members. In the debate, someone mentioned the community as stakeholders, and that is why we will appoint councillors to the board. They will play a very important role in oversight and in ensuring that there is proper accountability. I hope that, going forward, we can see that strengthened.”
“What I said was that, according to NIEA, it was not aware of any breaches, but what I am asking is how robust that investigation has been. The people of Warrenpoint are not making it up; that is the bottom line. They live through it when it occurs. I make it clear that, to my knowledge, that is the feedback that has been provided. I would be happy to take an intervention from any Member who knows something different. <BR /> <BR />The planning process is another way of addressing issues when organisations or businesses move into port property. Different processes are in place to address all that. The storage of waste is not a natural responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure, and, yes, planning is under our control, but that goes through councils as well. There are a number of ways of looking at this.”
“I spoke to the AERA Minister ahead of the Bill's introduction to highlight the concerns. Last year, I met the chair of Warrenpoint harbour, who, in fairness, raised his concerns. I emphasise, however, that the matter needs to be addressed. We need to ensure that everyone who has a role plays their part. I can do that as far as my remit allows. The issue has been on the record long enough for us to know that it is significant. My understanding is that it has neither improved nor gone away. We have to listen to the people of Warrenpoint and ensure that it is dealt with appropriately, efficiently and effectively for the future.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill will go to the Committee for scrutiny, and there will be opportunities — officials will attend the Committee tomorrow — to look at that in more detail, but the powers are there to be implemented if the AERA Minister wants to do so. That is very clear. NIEA has a clear role in this. I know that it has said that, to date, there have been no breaches that it is aware of. I do not want to veer into an area that is not mine. There is a clear framework. That should be applied, and people should listen to the community in Warrenpoint and heed the real impact that this has had for the past three years.”
“The point that we need to be clear on here is that legislation is in place — environment orders — that ports are required to comply with. That is the best route to deal with the issue. We have talked today about getting the balance right. The legislation is about giving ports autonomy to borrow more, which will benefit not just the port but the wider community, our local economy and tourism, while keeping them under the control of a Department. There has been a lot of talk about relinquishing power that could be used to deal with the issue. I cannot relinquish a power that I do not have; that is the key point.”