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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“Sorry, I mean that St Mary's on the Hill Primary School in Glengormley, not in Greenlough — that was last week — is doing something similar to what we are trying to achieve at St Ita's in Castlereagh South by making it easier for people to do that. It was so refreshing to hear some of the young people at St Mary's talk about how they are aware of the importance of doing that every day. We also heard from the principal and staff that the children are much more settled and ready for the school day because they have had a wee bit of physical activity before they come into the classroom, so the benefits increase tenfold. <BR /> <BR />Members strongly emphasised the importance of the proposed Carryduff greenway.”
“We have also seen the introduction of a zebra crossing to enhance safe access to the school and the provision of an additional lay-by to support traffic progression. <BR /> <BR />That scheme has been designed to integrate with a proposed Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council scheme to deliver a remote footway between Cairnshill park-and-ride and Alderwood Hill. That will provide a safe and attractive park-and-ride facility for parents, encouraging families to park away from the school gates and walk the short distance to school together. Just two weeks ago, I was in St Mary's Primary School, Greenlough, which provides a really good example of how to encourage pupils and families to park a little bit away from the school.”
“<BR /> <BR />Many Members mentioned active travel, which is, as you know, a central part of our infrastructure vision. Officials are reviewing the submissions received during the public consultation on the active travel delivery plan earlier this year, and I hope to be in a position to publish the final plan by the end of the year. In Castlereagh South, as has been mentioned, we recently completed the active travel scheme on Alderwood Hill to improve access to St Ita's Primary School. The aim is to encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle to school by making that safer, easier and more appealing. The scheme includes the installation of pencil bollards to prevent parking on footways, which, we know, is a huge issue across the North. That will help to create safer walking corridors for pupils.”
“Looking ahead, my Department is preparing the eastern transport plan. That plan, which will cover five council areas, including Lisburn and Castlereagh, aims to rebalance the transport network in favour of more sustainable modes of transport: walking, cycling and public transport. Public engagement on the Belfast city centre and metropolitan area proposals is expected to take place early next year. As I mentioned, Castlereagh South falls within the metropolitan area. I encourage Members and their constituents to participate in that process to shape the future of transport in their community. It is obvious from the debate this afternoon that people want to have their say and that they have good ideas and suggestions on what will meet their needs in the community.”
“We know of the budget of £68 million for structural maintenance, which is, I think, a third of what is required to do what we need to do this year. That includes resurfacing, surface dressing, drainage and verge stabilisation. Some of the schemes that have recently been completed in Castlereagh South include those at Purdysburn Road, Ballynagarrick Road and Mealough Road, which were mentioned this afternoon. We are targeting investment at rural roads and prioritising those with high-risk defects to predominantly protect public safety. However, I recognise the frustration that is caused by potholes — we are all familiar with that issue — and deteriorating road surfaces. I am committed to finding ways to improve our road network as much as possible.”
“Castlereagh South encompasses a very diverse and growing community, as all Members strongly highlighted, including areas such as Carryduff, Knockbracken, Newtownbreda and Four Winds. It is served by the key strategic routes, including the A24 and the A7. Those routes are essential for connectivity, commerce and daily life. I recognise just how busy all those routes are and the impact that they can have on the local community. <BR /> <BR />As Minister, I am committed to ensuring that the people of Castlereagh South benefit from safe, sustainable and well-maintained infrastructure. The significant funding challenges that my Department faces are well rehearsed, and I know that Members are overly familiar with them, as am I.”
“I thank Kate Nicholl for securing the Adjournment debate. Kate, it is great to have you back in the Chamber, and I hope that all your babies are doing well after your short maternity leave. I thank all Members who contributed. Their passion and heart for the area are evident. I am familiar with the area, as I previously worked in Knockbracken Healthcare Park when I started out as a social worker. I have some familiarity with the area, albeit from a number of years ago. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the chance to address you all on improving infrastructure in Castlereagh South. As many of you said, the area plays a vital role in the wider Belfast metropolitan area, and its infrastructural needs reflect the urban and rural challenges due its being located near Belfast and other areas that come into play.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Translink operates under a public service agreement with my Department that sets out service delivery expectations and performance indicators. As a public corporation, Translink has substantial operational independence, but my Department retains oversight through governance frameworks and performance reviews. My Department assesses value for money through key performance indicators, including customer satisfaction; inclusion and community engagement, which, I think, those events reflect; compliance with 'Managing Public Money NI' principles and corporate governance codes; and annual audits and financial reporting requirements. Whilst DFI does not directly approve individual event expenditures, it expects Translink to demonstrate that such activity aligns with its strategic goals, including equality, inclusion and public engagement.”
“In the past four years, Translink has provided £19,912 in financial support to the Belfast pride parade towards the costs of registration, branding and materials. The funding for each year is broken down as follows: 2022-23, £5,427; 2023-24, £4,375; 2024-25, £5,397; and 2025-26, £4,713.”
“Absolutely. If you are sitting in traffic and are seeing buses whizzing by you on the bus lanes, that means that the people in the buses are getting to their destination much more quickly than you are. I hope that the measures will encourage more people to use our public transport. We have quite good public transport services, particularly around the city centre, and I would like to see increased utilisation of that in conjunction with the late-night services that we hope to see in the near future. Those measures also help us to encourage more people to use public transport more regularly, and I hope that we can use them to see that going forward.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is also important to say that, on the basis of the feedback that I have received from key stakeholders in the city centre and the surrounding areas, those measures will, I hope, go some way to alleviate congestion but will not eliminate it, because we are indeed coming into the festive period. A lot of people will start their shopping earlier than in previous years, and we have to remember that in the time ahead. We have implemented a number of measures, and I hope to see a real improvement.”
“Extended bus lanes will be introduced on the first Monday of November in several of the key arterial routes to the south of the city, which were worst affected with traffic congestion in the run-up to Christmas last year. The roads where that will be introduced will include Ormeau Road, Botanic Avenue, Malone Road and part of Lisburn Road, and signs to alert the public to the new bus lane times that will operate from 7.30 am to 9.30 am and from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm on both inward and outward journeys will be erected in advance of implementation. Where the buses share road space with general traffic, I am hopeful that the reopening of Durham Street, which is planned for before the end of November, will help to ease the general traffic flow around the city.”
“As the Member is a representative for Belfast, I would expect nothing else. As the Member will know, I recently announced some of the measures that I have been working on alongside many representatives of local businesses and communities across Belfast, following the hugely challenging situation that we saw in Belfast city centre last year. We were trying to learn from what happened and were listening to the people on the ground about how we can make a difference this year on traffic congestion and keep Belfast moving. That is the key message. <BR /> <BR />I announced the introduction of measures yesterday, and those will be aimed at improving bus reliability, including the extension of bus lane hours to provide them with enhanced priority.”
“The figures for the compensation that has been paid are publicly available, and I have shared them with Members in response to questions for written answer. That is a huge amount of money, and I would rather it was invested in our road network. I am determined to see that happen in the time ahead.”
“As I have said previously, it has already been piloted in one council area, and we have seen the benefits of that, including improved and more resilient road surfaces. My focus is on seeing that investment directed into the network, including for maintenance and for ongoing work on tackling the defects.”
“I thank the Member for his kind comments. <BR /> <BR />In relation to road defects and their impact on road users, particularly where a vehicle has been damaged, it is my objective to reduce the need for compensation and, instead, see proper investment in our roads, including rural roads, which, as the Member will be aware, are a key element of our shared constituency. There is a need to invest better in order to have better road surfaces. <BR /> <BR />The Member will be aware that the Department is finalising the road maintenance strategy, which looks for smarter decisions to be taken that will result in more resilient road maintenance. That will hopefully address some of the issues that the Member and many others across the House have described.”
“Absolutely. As the Member will be aware, the Department has identified its key policies for decarbonising the transport sector. In doing so, we have taken account of the just transition requirements in the Climate Change Act 2022. As transport decarbonisation policies and actions are further progressed, we will take into account the needs of all transport users, including those with a disability, and continue to engage with people with a disability and the key stakeholders who represent them.”
“That is a cheaper option that will help meet duties under the Climate Change Act 2022, which requires just transition principles to be considered. <BR /> <BR />The solutions are being facilitated through a six-month rolling pilot, which I announced on 1 October, that will allow for ongoing monitoring and evaluation. If there is evidence that the use of the solutions causes undue harm or that consent conditions are not being adhered to, consent will be withdrawn and the pilot stopped.”
“A director of engineering memorandum has been finalised to provide engineering staff and applicants with guidance on the new process and to outline standards and specifications for channels. There is a cost involved with that option, with the total bill being approximately £2,393. The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) offers a range of grants for EVs and EV infrastructure. The electric vehicle charge point grant for households with on-street parking can provide up to £350 towards the cost of installing a charge point at a property. <BR /> <BR />The second solution is the use of a temporary cable protector, which can be allowed under current legislation through an application process for consent that permits the Department to track usage.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The ability of people who do not have a driveway to charge their electric vehicle (EV) is currently restricted, as it is an offence to lay a cable across the footway or road under the terms of the Roads Order 1993. Departmental officials have explored how cross-pavement charging solutions might be provided to enable electric vehicle owners without access to a driveway to charge their vehicle at home and access cheaper home tariffs. <BR /> <BR />Officials have identified two solutions. The first is the installation of a permanent channel, which involves the cutting and reinstatement of the pavement. That engineered channel, through the use of the street works licence process, can be used to facilitate the placing of permanent engineered channels into footways.”
“The Member will not be surprised to hear that I do not agree with the claim that my decision was cross-cutting or the claim that it was controversial. If I felt that either was the case, I would not have taken the decision. That is the bottom line. I stand over the fact that I could take that decision as the Minister for the relevant Department, and I will continue to do so. As I said, there is a legal case under way, unfortunately. Another Minister is involved in it. It is important that we allow the case to run its course.”
“I thank the Member for her kind words. <BR /> <BR />As I have stated, I am absolutely committed to dialogue and to avoiding the unnecessary use of public funds for litigation, which, unfortunately, we currently see. The issue could have been resolved long ago. Unfortunately, however, we are going through legal proceedings, and, with that in mind, it would be remiss of me to make further comment until those proceedings conclude.”
“When I have a further update, I will be happy to update the House.”
“As the Member knows, those projects were paused some time ago, before I came into post, for various reasons, including lack of funding. As he was updated on the prioritisation of major road projects, he will know — I reflected this in my responses to other questions today — that the A5 judgement is having an impact on all road schemes at present. I have to consider that, in particular, for the projects that are already moving through the stages of delivery, while keeping under review all the other projects that have been paused, such as those that the Member mentioned. The impact of the ruling will ensure that I am responsible in my decision-making when progressing any such schemes so that we do not hit the challenges that we have at this point. It will be kept under review.”
“I am happy to consider anything new, and the Department can look at that. We are cognisant of the challenge of congestion. We are working together on that, as well as looking at public transport options.”
“I thank my constituency colleague for his kind words and support today and over the past 24 hours. That is welcome, particularly for my staff. <BR /> <BR />I refute the point that he made about Armagh city being forgotten. It is part of my constituency and is a city that I visit frequently, particularly for matches. I am very aware of the congestion issues and the frustrations felt by local people in particular, as well as those who travel to and from Armagh city. <BR /> <BR />The Member mentioned the rail link. He will be aware that we are considering the feasibility studies from the all-island strategic rail review for a rail link for Armagh. I hope to be able to publish the outcomes of that in the coming weeks. Traffic and congestion measures are constantly under review, and there are things that we can look at.”
“I am happy to give you a more detailed response on that. As a constituency MLA, I previously raised the issue, because many people ask for that; however, I am confident that the rationale for not being able to provide mirrors stacks up, and I am happy to provide further detail on that.”
“Once PSNI data is received, the Department completes an annual collision review that ranks sites and routes identified as being of concern and programmes local transport and safety measures to bring safety benefits to those locations. Post-scheme monitoring compares trends before and after collisions and feeds into the following year's priorities.”
“Officials also publish additional monitoring reports and problem profiles, focusing on, for example, excessive speed, pedestrian casualties and drink-driving. <BR /> <BR />Using those valuable pieces of research and working alongside our partners in the blue-light organisations, we have produced a forward-looking and strategic action plan with clear direction on how we aim to meet its key targets and address emerging trends and issues. The action plan is monitored and reviewed annually by the road safety strategic forum and is an important living document that keeps our focus on reducing the number of people killed or injured on our roads. <BR /> <BR />Trend analysis underpins the ongoing speed limit review and guides where education and enforcement, in conjunction with the PSNI and the road safety partnership, will have most impact.”
“My Department's road safety programme and actions are data-driven and are managed through an evidence-based approach, delivering engineering, enforcement and education initiatives to address issues that will bring the greatest road safety benefit. Officials use PSNI collision data and reports from the Department's analysis, statistics and research branch to set priorities, target high-risk locations and evaluate outcomes. <BR /> <BR />My Department's road safety strategy and accompanying action plan and targets have been developed following extensive research and consultation, and, indeed, the yearly action plan is refreshed following analysis of my Department’s annual road safety strategy statistical report.”
“We have a strong evidence base and a strong argument in the cost-benefit analysis to ensure that the funding is secured.”
“As the Member will be aware, there will be a number of processes to go through, and we will get the costings at each stage. I am fairly confident that we will be able to secure the funding, because, regardless of what we in government do, flooding is a massive issue that is growing, and we all need to take it very seriously. A huge amount of work has gone into the development of the flood forecasting centre, which will help improve our resilience and our response to such issues. When there is a flood such as the one that we experienced in the autumn of 2023 — I know that your constituency was badly affected, as mine was — the impact and aftermath of that could cost a hell of a lot more than the cost of being more prepared and having foresight of it.”
“I thank the Member for her kind words. <BR /> <BR />Yes, they absolutely are, particularly in areas that are hotspots for flooding. I am aware of the impact of the flooding at Bloody Bridge. The key areas are drainage and gully cleaning, but I am happy to write to you with a more detailed response on the specifics to update you and, hopefully, give you confidence that the Department has been monitoring that and continues to do so, particularly as we head into the autumn/winter period during which such episodes are likely to be more frequent. <BR /> <BR />Flash flooding and periods of instant heavy rainfall can be difficult to manage. We see that across the board, but the higher-risk areas are monitored closely, and we work extremely hard to ensure that drainage and gully cleaning work is carried out regularly.”
“As a result of the flooding in autumn 2023, the Department established the very first business-led group with the Newry business improvement district (BID). That group is a real template of what else we can do. The impact on businesses cannot be overstated. <BR /> <BR />You mentioned the example of Newcastle, where the surface water flooding protocol by NI Water has been established and used in recent months. However, it is important to recognise the fact that residents in particular have some nervousness, because it is a temporary measure. NI Water is working on modelling to find a more permanent solution.”
“It is not that the Department is stepping away from its responsibilities; rather, it is about developing an extra layer of support that is proposed for those who are impacted on by flood events. <BR /> <BR />It is really important to note that that work helps to ensure that we hear the real experience, expertise and thoughts of people on the ground, because they have become experts on those issues and the best solution. That grassroots approach to collaboration is really important, and we have seen the benefit of it. <BR /> <BR />At present, the RCRG is working with 50 communities to help them to improve their preparedness and resilience when it comes to severe weather. Another good example of that work can be found in Newry in my constituency.”
“Yes. Thank you for your comments. <BR /> <BR />I met the Newcastle RCRG, which does phenomenal work in responding to flooding, particularly given the frequency of the incidents that they have experienced and the severe impact that those incidents have caused. My Department continues to work very effectively with all multi-agency partners, including our local councils and the RCRGs, to provide support to local communities that are affected by flooding. The RCRG, which my Department co-chairs with local government representatives, works with communities at risk of flooding to help them prepare for and respond to weather-related emergencies, including flooding. That work helps to build resilience in communities.”
“<BR /> <BR />The development of flood forecasting services is complex, with several interdependent strands, including data requirements; new hydrometric infrastructure and IT systems, such as communication platforms; and forecasting model builds. For example, my Department identified the need to expand our existing hydrometric network in support of flood forecasting services. The network will collate data over an extended period to improve and validate data quality. A long period of records is required to understand hydrometric relationships and to be able to predict future forecasts with an acceptable degree of confidence. Given the frequency of flooding now in all our constituencies, including the Member's and mine, we know just how important the opportunity to plan and forecast and put responses in place is. That work will be critical.”
“The Department is actively exploring the creation of a flood forecasting centre. We recently completed a strategic outline business case, which demonstrated that it would provide benefit here. On that basis, I approved funding for this financial year to further explore flood forecasting capabilities here. That investment marks a vital first step towards building a state-of-the-art flood forecasting service that will strengthen our resilience and help to protect communities across the North. The next stage of appraisal is the production of an outline business case in the hope of securing the necessary financial approvals to advance to subsequent stages of development.”
“It is one thing to put in new active travel routes that will encourage people to walk, wheel or cycle, but if they do not feel safe to do so, they will not be able to fully utilise those routes. That is a key component of those schemes, and that is why I am keen to see that they are properly lit so that they are accessible to all, and particularly women, given the challenges and some of the statistics we have sadly seen in recent years.”
“I thank the Member for her comments. This is an issue that I have been particularly cognisant of, not just as a woman but with regard to our overarching work in ending violence against women and girls. For many, it will come as a surprise just how women think when they are out and about, trying to get from place to place, whether that is walking or using public transport. It is something that I have been working on with my officials, but also reflecting on what we have done around the late-night transport piece, working with other Departments to try to achieve the objectives that we have set out in relation to the issue. <BR /> <BR />The Member will know from some of the work that we have been doing on active travel that street lighting forms a key part of that, and that is exactly the reason why.”
“However, as soon as we can, we hope to get that operational, because we recognise how beneficial it is for the city centre, particularly coming into the Christmas period and beyond. It is a really good opportunity to enhance the existing service provision, but, for all the reasons outlined in my response to the previous Member, it will be beneficial right across the city and beyond.”
“<BR /> <BR />On Executive support, the Member may be aware that I have sought support of approximately £92,300, or about 14% of the total cost, each from a number of Departments, including Communities, Agriculture and Justice, as well as from Belfast City Council, and we are in the process of finalising that. A similar request has also been made to the First Minister and deputy First Minister's office. Minister Archibald and I have each committed to £94,900 towards the cost of extending the services, and that is based on the business case that was provided by Translink. There will potentially be a bit of a lead-in time because Translink will obviously have to get the operational issues in place.”
“I thank the Member for his very kind comments, and I think all Members across the House. The support over the past day or so has been really welcome, particularly for my staff and their families, who have been very shaken up by what has occurred. I reiterate the point that, as public representatives, we put our names forward to represent our communities to the best of our ability. For those who do not agree with us, we are happy to sit down, engage and talk through dialogue. However, that attack was not the answer. I really convey my thanks and appreciation on behalf of me and my colleague Dáire Hughes MP.”
“As well as that, from my Department's perspective, it has the potential to encourage and increase public transport usage and get more people out of private cars and using the services. One other thing that is important to reflect on — we have heard this from the taxi sector, which is already under severe capacity pressure — is that this will not impact on them in a negative way; it will actually complement their ability to deliver the services that they provide. There are many far-reaching benefits, and I hope that, once we get the funding in place, we will see this in place at the earliest possible stage.”
“That will also benefit the growth of the night-time economy and could potentially add between £1 million and £2·5 million to the city's economy annually.”
“They will have a guaranteed way of getting home, and it will encourage them to come into the city centre more often in the evening.”
“There are many benefits, and that is why I and the Economy Minister sought support from other Departments and the council. There are benefits across government and at local government level. Late-night public transport services are generally run in the lead-up to the Christmas period and prove to be popular with the public, with approximately 17,000 passengers using the services in 2024. The extension of the late-night bus service to all year round will also provide a safer and more reliable means of getting home for those working or socialising in the city. From speaking with local business representatives, local communities and elected reps for the Belfast and surrounding areas, I know that it will ensure that people can get home safely.”
“I recognise the benefits that late-night public transport services provide for the night-time economy and those working and socialising in the city. Members may be aware that I have been working with my Executive colleagues and other stakeholders, including Translink, to support the extension of late-night public transport services. The extension of night-time services falls beyond the current public service agreement between Translink and my Department, and those services are not currently funded in the Department’s budget allocation. Therefore, I have been working with Executive colleagues and seeking support for a collaborative funding approach and with Belfast City Council. Subject to the necessary funding being in place and confirmed, I hope that the services will commence later this financial year.”
“I know that, in some cases, legal action has been instigated. There are potentially other ways in which the problems could be addressed. We have to remember that ours is public money and we cannot always fix problems caused by private developers.”