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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“Following the introduction of the first residents' parking scheme in the North on Rugby Road and College Park Avenue in Belfast, my Department completed a review of the scheme and our wider approach to residents' parking. Whilst the review found that the scheme introduced on Rugby Road has been generally well received among the residents of the area, it highlighted how other such schemes have been difficult to implement. Challenges to progressing the schemes have included the resource-intensive nature of continuous redesigns of potential schemes and the inability to secure the appropriate level of consensus among local residents for a scheme to be implemented, which is a fundamental premise of the residents' parking policy.”
“The Member will be aware that an appeal is live and ongoing and that, at this point, we have to respect that process. We see FOI requests all the time, and redactions are made for a reason under legislation and guidance. Whilst I appreciate the frustration of Members and others who cannot access all the information, all of this will be considered as part of the appeal. We need to go through that process and get to the other side of it as quickly as possible.”
“As I said in my answer to your colleague further along the Benches, all that is being looked at in considering what can be done in the interim; however, I must reiterate that the ultimate aim is to get the road built. That is not to take away from the fact that we will do what we can in the meantime to make the road safer, but what will enable us to truly have an impact is delivery of the A5.”
“The location of any such safety interventions across the network is primarily driven by the data on accidents and collisions; however, other considerations, including consultation with the PSNI, information received from elected representatives and the public and engineering judgement, are also taken into account. As I said, that forms part of the ongoing work, and, when we have more information, I will be happy to update the Member.”
“Safety risks are routinely considered across the entire road network, including the A5, through analysis of the accident statistics available to us to identify significant accident clusters. Additional analysis is carried out to highlight any contributory risk factors, such as vehicle speed, road condition or road configuration. Provision of street lighting in localised areas is being considered to help driver and pedestrian safety through increased visibility, and consideration will be given to locations that would benefit from parapet upgrades by the introduction of vehicle restraint barriers.”
“My officials have recently provided me with a report highlighting the potential for further safety improvements on the A5, and I am considering the additional measures that we can implement in this year.”
“I reiterate that my ultimate aim is to ensure the delivery of the A5 flagship project. I remain committed to doing all that I can to see that it happens and that no more lives are lost on the road. The most important point made by the court was the need for a new and safer A5 dual carriageway so that no other family experiences the huge tragedy that we have seen on the A5 over many years. That is my focus. <BR /> <BR />In the last financial year, my Department undertook a series of targeted road safety enhancements along the existing A5 corridor aimed at improving visibility, driver awareness and surface performance. Those works included refreshing white lines, replacing signs and catseyes and completing localised resurfacing. My Department has programmed further resurfacing work this financial year.”
“As I said, the legislation is clear, and I have outlined how it is applied. I am aware of your party colleague's private Member's Bill on those issues, particularly flags and other issues that have arisen. We all deal with such things regularly. I have had meetings with the PSNI about the nature of some signs and other things that have gone up, particularly those that have had a hate or intimidatory aspect. I continue to work with everyone to find a sustainable solution to all those issues.”
“No, I am not, because I did not erect it.”
“The billboard to which the Member refers is mounted on five posts, some of which appear to be situated on my Department's land. The rest of them are on privately owned land, so the billboard is not fully on DFI land. The erection of advertising signs within the boundaries of a public road is an offence under article 87 of the Roads Order 1993. That article gives the Department the discretionary power to seek to have the advertisement removed or, if necessary, to remove it itself. The billboard in question is considered to pose a low risk to road safety, because it is set back from the road on an embankment, does not obstruct sight lines and is in a 30 mph speed limit area.”
“<BR /> <BR />My Department's Roads officials have a role as consultees on local council planning applications and will provide advice on advertisements if consulted, having specific responsibility for planning-related aspects of the roads network but not the overall application. As part of the consultation process, DFI Roads is consulted on planning applications for advertising hoardings when they are submitted that the Department assesses to ensure that no road safety issues will be caused by the proposal. A local council may have enforcement cases for signs or hoardings that do not have planning permission. As part of that process, it will consult DFI Roads for advice on road safety. The Department will assess and respond to the local council.”
“In 2015, the majority of planning functions, including the processing of local and major applications, transferred to local council planning authorities. The devolution of planning powers to local councils was intended to provide democratically accountable decision-making at a level where local knowledge and experience could be utilised. The display and control of advertisements are typically categorised as local applications and are subject to a consenting process by way of an application to the appropriate council under the Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations (NI) 2015. Any breaches of planning regulations are generally addressed under that legislation and, in most cases, fall within the jurisdiction of the relevant council.”
“My officials will carry out a speed limit assessment on Strahans Road at the school, in line with the Department's policy, to determine whether the existing speed limit remains appropriate. I can ask officials to keep the Member informed of the outcome.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I can confirm that the developer responsible for the construction of the school is required to erect "safer routes to school" signage and appropriate road markings as part of the approved planning permission. I can also advise that an instruction to complete the required works was passed to the developer’s contractor in October. Officials will continue to work with the developer to ensure that the school signage is erected.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am under no illusions that it is not challenging, but I am absolutely committed to doing all that I can and to working with anyone who wants to work with me to deliver, because it is not just about waste water infrastructure but about environmental issues, progress, housebuilding and the economy of this place. I will continue to do that. I hope to hear other suggestions from Members as time goes on.”
“The pilot has been delivered in Newry, enabling capacity to be unlocked for the next 10 years. That has been really positive. I hope to see more of that in the time ahead. There are lots of other things that we can do, working with Executive colleagues to ensure that we can secure additional investment to keep this thing moving and to keep making progress on our waste water infrastructure. As well as that, the Member will know about the consultation on developer contributions, which closed recently. Hopefully, those contributions will help to supplement the money that is needed.”
“Sometimes, I feel as though I am saying this for the first time in the House. I have outlined repeatedly the steps that I have been taking, as did my predecessor, John O'Dowd, to find solutions. That is where I am: I am solution-focused. <BR /> <BR />At present, the Executive cannot provide the investment that is needed. That is a well-known fact. However, I am not prepared to sit on my hands. I have talked at length about the three-pronged approach. We have the SuDS Bill, which the Member mentioned, but I am under no illusion that it is a silver bullet. It is not the only solution. I look continually at everything that is available to me to ensure that we can make progress. We have seen good progress. I have been working closely with NI Water, which has been able to deliver an innovative solution.”
“I was hugely impressed by the work that has been done by the developer to take those measures on board, and I hope to see more of that.”
“In tandem with the progression of the Bill, on 22 September 2025, I launched the initial public consultation on nature-based SuDS in new housing developments. The consultation seeks views on the development and implementation of new policies and regulatory arrangements to ensure that nature-based SuDS such as grassed swales, rain gardens and detention ponds, which I have mentioned, are provided in new housing developments in the future. The widespread implementation of nature-based solutions will help to tackle the challenges of climate change and will help to manage flood risk, improve water quality and limit the impact of new developments on the existing drainage network. Recently, I had the opportunity to see that in action at Belmont Hall in County Antrim.”
“Absolutely. By integrating nature-based drainage solutions into future housing developments, we can lessen the demands on existing sewerage systems and, at the same time, lessen the impacts of climate change and potentially reduce pollution, thereby helping to protect water quality in our rivers and loughs. Earlier this year, as you mentioned, I introduced the Bill in the Assembly. It will provide enabling powers for my Department to regulate for SuDS in new developments.”
“I have been very keen to continue that work with him, and that will continue to be the case going forward.”
“I have been working with Minister Muir. His comments were disappointing to say the least, given that I have shown a very clear commitment to working closely with him and his Department, for all the reasons outlined. I am keen to play my part in improving our water quality and addressing water pollution, which impacts on his role and affects Lough Neagh and other waterbodies. I have outlined some of the work that I have done with NI Water and what we are trying to do to address the ongoing issues that we are all well versed in. I met Minister Muir recently, and I will meet him again later this month to discuss his review of the statement of regulatory principles and intent with NI Water. I await his decision on the outcome of that review. My door is always open.”
“<BR /> <BR />My Department is also taking forward an urban drainage pilot project to retrofit a range of nature-based drainage solutions, such as leaky dams, attenuation ponds, rainwater gardens and swales to manage rainwater. We also need to integrate nature-based drainage solutions into future housing developments. On 22 September, I launched a consultation on sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in new developments. Both projects demonstrate my commitment to delivering environmental improvements, reducing flood risk and improving water quality.”
“In addition, NI Water reviews the cause of each reported pollution incident to assess the lessons learnt and establish the read-across to other assets. <BR /> <BR />My Department’s Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill contains enhanced powers for NI Water to deal with sewer and drain miscommunications in private infrastructure. Untreated discharges from miscommunications can pollute waterways and local rivers and potentially end up on beaches. These enhanced powers will provide NI Water with the capacity to repair drainage miscommunications and recover the costs associated with the work, if the property owner refuses to do the work.”
“NI Water invests in detailed modelling of catchments and collection systems, along with much more empirical data from advanced instrumentation, to better understand when storm overflows are operating and the impact on the receiving waterbody. Further investment in those areas will provide NI Water with a better understanding and potential control of its waste water networks to mitigate the number of discharges from its network into the water environment. NI Water is continuing with the roll-out of its event duration monitor programme. That will gather evidence and inform future investment plans in order to prioritise work to address poorly performing combined sewer overflows. NI Water also continues to invest and develop its pollution management strategy in order to improve its operational management and response to pollution incidents.”
“I am not aware of there being any delay. As I said, I have proposed that the feasibility studies come forward very soon.”
“The all-island strategic rail review sought to provide a strategic vision for rail right across Ireland, including how rail could contribute to the decarbonisation of transport; promote sustainability and connectivity into and between major cities; enhance regional accessibility; and support balanced regional development. I have ring-fenced £1 million in Translink's 2025-26 capital budget to continue momentum projects that were identified in the all-island strategic rail review, including the Portadown to Derry rail link. Translink has submitted a feasibility study on the Portadown to Derry rail link to my Department, and I expect to publish the outcomes later this year.”
“Yes. As I said in my initial answer, one of the things that is included is increasing the frequency of journeys on that Belfast to Derry line. I recognise how important that is, and we are considering that. It is part of a package of measures that the Department is looking at as part of the Belfast to Derry route enhancement programme. There is no doubt that that would go a long way to being a huge benefit for the whole region.”
“I do not agree with the Member that there has been a failure because, as I have said, we are considering the updated business case. I take this very seriously, and I recognise the importance of regional balance. I have set out very clearly that I am committed to that. There is no doubt that funding has been a huge challenge, and I am sure that the Member's former colleague will have found the same challenges when she was in post, as all previous and current Ministers in the Executive will have. However, I have met Into the West and other representatives from the area who are very keen to see this progress, and I really want to see that happening. We are looking at the updated business case, and I hope to be able to provide further information soon.”
“As I just mentioned, I have also, in my 2025-26 budget, included ring-fenced funding of £5·79 million to allow Translink to progress phase 3 of the Derry to Coleraine track renewal project. Work is continuing, including on the production of the detailed design of the required track improvements in preparation for the procurement phase of the project. It has also included the manufacture of railway sleepers in advance of the main works.”
“Since April 2024, when the A6 works were completed, Translink has introduced seven additional direct X212 services to and from Derry. The scheduled journey time on the X212 is one hour and 45 minutes, which represents a 15-minute improvement on the standard 212 journey time. Derry is the first city on this island to operate with a full zero emission bus fleet. <BR /> <BR />There has also been significant capital funding in public transport in the north-west, including a £27 million investment in the north-west transport hub; an investment of £59 million in zero emission buses, which I mentioned; and a £97·7 million investment in phase 3 of the Derry to Coleraine project.”
“I fully recognise the need to address regional imbalance and to better connect our communities, including those in the north-west. As the Member will be aware, Translink submitted a revised business case in September this year for the provision of additional services on the north-west rail corridor to ensure that the predicted costs and revenue projections are up to date and accurate. My officials are considering that updated business case. <BR /> <BR />I am pleased that Translink has also delivered significant improvements to public transport in the north-west in recent years, including by creating over 46,000 additional seats by converting 232 rail services per week to six-car operations and by making improvements to Goldliner services.”
“In addition to demand, the location of any new halt or halts will need to consider the implications for the wider operational network, such as how stopping and starting will increase journey times.”
“The Belfast to Derry route enhancement programme is a collection of railway infrastructure works that are required to be delivered in order to maximise potential and efficiencies of service on that key rail corridor, which maintains connectivity between Belfast and Derry. The programme aims to examine opportunities for greater connectivity on the route, increase journey frequencies on the Belfast to Derry line and potentially the provision of new halts at Eglinton, City of Derry Airport, Ballykelly and Strathfoyle. It is envisaged that that may require construction of passing loops and line speed enhancements, and Translink plans to submit a revised strategic outline case to the Department by the end of this year.”
“I discussed that with elected representatives when I was on-site in Ballykelly, because I know that the wider community is keen to see a bypass be progressed.”
“I have said how much weight is being attached to it. Traffic is a constant issue, so we are always looking at what can be done to minimise disruption. The Department, as the Member knows, is in the process of developing the new transport strategy, which will help shape the vision and strategic priorities for transport right through to 2035 across the whole of the North. Once that is published, it will help inform the transport plan for the regional strategic transport network, which includes the A2 at Ballykelly. A preferred route for the Ballykelly bypass was announced in 2010. Since then, however, no further development work has been undertaken on the project. If that scheme is prioritised in the transport plan, the route will then be reassessed as part of the plan for scheme delivery.”
“It is a perfect storm on some occasions, but I assure the Member and the wider community in the area that we are doing our utmost to ensure that work progresses as quickly as possible and that we are doing as much as we can to keep people safe, particularly road workers and road users.”
“I have been in Ballykelly and met elected representatives in recent months. I do not underestimate people's frustrations. We have heard them right across the North when there are major roadworks. We are very cognisant of the impact that roadworks have, and officials have worked very closely with the contractor to ensure that any works that are happening are absolutely necessary and that we keep disruption to an absolute minimum. <BR /> <BR />I understand that, over the Halloween weekend, the volume of traffic was huge. It is brilliant to see so many people going to Derry specifically. I am aware, however, that various routes experience the same traffic congestion.”
“I continue to ask the public to allow extra time for their journeys and to comply with the measures in place.”
“<BR /> <BR />In response to concerns raised by motorists and the local community, temporary traffic management measures have been modified over the duration of the scheme. Lane closures are put in place only when required, works areas are kept as short as possible and traffic control has been changed from automated traffic signals to manually operated ones to aid traffic progression further. Moreover, on a number of occasions, works were suspended to accommodate major events in the area. <BR /> <BR />I fully appreciate that traffic delays are frustrating for motorists and that there have been additional delays in recent weeks as the works near completion. The temporary traffic management arrangements are essential for the safety of road workers and the travelling public.”
“The £2·6 million active travel improvement scheme along the A2 Clooney Road is part of my commitment to enhance and expand our active travel network across the North. On completion, the scheme will provide significantly enhanced cycling and pedestrian facilities between Ballykelly and Greysteel and is part of a long-term plan to improve active travel facilities in the north-west. <BR /> <BR />The scheme started on 4 January 2025 and is currently programmed to run for 52 weeks. By their nature, roadworks can be disruptive, and my officials have been continually working closely with the contractor to minimise disruption to road users, with the aim of striking a balance between efficiently progressing works and minimising disruption for the travelling public.”
“Apologies that I did not get to answer all the questions; time has beaten me, but thank you, everyone, for the debate.”
“<BR /> <BR />With regard to some of the concerns around the operation of public transport, those are operational matters for Translink. However, I am happy for Members who have any specific queries to put them to me in writing.”
“I will just finish this bit, with your indulgence. As Members will be aware, Translink currently operates three bus services between Belfast and Carryduff, with a combined peak frequency of 10 to 15 minutes and annual passenger journeys exceeding almost 460,000. The late-night services that we recently announced will help to address demand, with more services going in that direction. As well as that, the Glider project is moving well, and I am pleased with it. We were disappointed with the announcement back in February; however, I said that I am fully committed to seeing the full project delivered, and that remains the case. As we fully realise the project, we are keeping it under review until such time as the funding becomes available.”
“We are also working with two other developers to deliver further improvements on the Saintfield Road. In addition, substantial improvements to the Ballymaconaghy Road are under way, and the redesign of the Four Winds roundabout is associated with the new developments, which are delivering a further 300 dwellings. <BR /> <BR />Moving on to public transport and the Glider rapid transit service, I know that all Members have consistently been lobbying for that, particularly given the significant housing developments in the DEA. Public transport continues to be absolutely essential for reducing congestion and promoting sustainability.”
“As the statutory consultee, my Department assesses each application to ensure that road safety and traffic progression are considered with each new development. Some of the upgrades that I mentioned around junctions are examples of how we can advise and respond appropriately to ensure that it is taken into account through the development. We work closely with developers to agree on the appropriate road infrastructure improvements to minimise the impact of new developments and improve road safety for all road users, not just motorists but pedestrians and cyclists. Work has recently been substantially completed on the A24 Saintfield Road and Knockbracken Road junction associated with the Mealough development, which has approximately 350 dwellings.”
“We continue to assess requests for traffic-calming measures and safe crossings based on collision history and prioritisation criteria. Whilst funding constraints limit the number of schemes that we can deliver, we want to ensure that we continue to work to improve safety in areas with the greatest need. I have asked officials to prepare a paper, as Members will be aware, on permanent 20 mph speed limits in more urban areas, particularly near schools and residential areas, and also to look at national speed limits on rural roads. <BR /> <BR />With regard to planning, a lot of that is for the councils, but I recognise the significant residential growth in Castlereagh South that is either under construction or going through the planning process.”
“Further work is planned to upgrade the junction of the A55 at Upper Galwally and Glencregagh Road. In addition, a new CCTV column and associated infrastructure will soon be installed at the Church Road-Comber Road-Saintfield Road junction in Carryduff. That will allow the Department to monitor live traffic, which is so important in ensuring that we can adjust signal timings dynamically. I am pleased to advise Members that that work will commence in the coming days. Those measures will enhance our ability to respond to congestion and improve journey reliability, which I know is important to many of your constituents.”
“The road safety strategy to 2030, which was launched by my predecessor, Minister O'Dowd, sets out strategic interventions and actions to reduce fatalities and serious injuries, including targeted campaigns, engineering improvements and collaboration with partners such as the PSNI and the emergency services. <BR /> <BR />In Castlereagh South specifically, several local transport safety measures that relate to our intelligent transport systems have been or are about to be delivered. Those include traffic signal upgrades that have been completed at the Ballynahinch Road-Hillsborough Road-Church Road, Carryduff junction; the A24-Knockbracken Road junction, where the work is developer-led; and the Upper Galwally-Lesley Forestside shopping centre junction.”
“Departmental officials work closely on that with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council officials, and we have provided grant funding for the feasibility study and design of the proposed greenway. I appreciate that progress has been slow, but we are hopeful that the council's greenway investment framework will help advance that project. Future funding rounds will be available to support delivery when the council is ready to proceed. At that point, we will be more than willing to work with it to support the progress of the greenway. <BR /> <BR />A number of Members referred to local road safety measures. As you will know from Question Time and debates in the Chamber and from my responses to questions for written answer, road safety is a top priority for me.”