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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“I will in a wee second. <BR /> <BR />Most of us rely on some form of transport every day, mainly a car, bus or train, to go about our daily life. Rail is a really good way of ensuring that we reduce emissions and have that modal shift. <BR /> <BR />I will give way.”
“<BR /> <BR />Our own RSTNTP will consider the work undertaken from the feasibility study of the Knockmore line and appraise that scheme against all of the competing priorities, as Members will be aware. In parallel with the strategy and plans, we are taking steps to address the climate and biodiversity crisis. The Climate Change Act 2022 places clear responsibilities on all Departments to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050. To enable that, my Department must reduce emissions from the transport sector so that they are almost net zero by 2050. We cannot overestimate the challenge that net zero represents, especially in relation to transport.”
“I am going to come on to budget, so I will come to a wee bit around that. <BR /> <BR />The transport plan sets out the potential interventions that I propose to bring forward to address many of my priorities in the strategy. The regional strategic transport network transport plan (RSTNTP) will detail proposed changes to the railway network for the period up to 2035. I recognise that we talked about the 2040 Belfast City Airport master plan. I had the pleasure of meeting Belfast City Airport representatives last week in advance of the launch today, as I knew that I would not be able to attend. It is exciting and ambitious, but it recognises that major infrastructure projects take time and investment, as well as collaboration, something that I look forward to see coming to fruition.”
“The strategy is an important first step to help shape a transport system that works for all and safeguards the environment for future generations. <BR /> <BR />I welcome Pam's comments on access and how important that is. She reflected on South Antrim Community Transport, something that I see as being of huge importance. That is why I wanted to ensure that I was able to provide full funding for community transport in my budget. It plays a vital role in plugging the gaps and tackling the health inequalities, social isolation and all of those rural inequalities that the existing public transport system simply cannot address at this time. Hopefully, however, we can move towards that.”
“<BR /> <BR />As Members will be aware, my Department has published a new draft transport strategy — it is out for consultation — covering the period up to 2035. The strategy is the beginning of a necessary journey to ensure that our transportation system meets the demands of tomorrow while reflecting the values and priorities of our community today. Tonight's debate reflects that and what the Department wants to achieve. It sets out a comprehensive vision that is actionable — I think that is the word that one of the Members used this evening — and adaptable and addresses urban and rural connectivity, creates a cleaner and greener foundation for growth and recognises my commitment to improving regional balance.”
“I genuinely thank everyone for their contributions tonight. It has been a demonstration of what we can achieve if we are on the same page and think collaboratively about what we would like to see. It has been very different from some of the debates and discussions that I have been part of in the Chamber over the past 24 hours. It is a welcome discussion. I thank John Blair for securing the debate, because I recognise that this is a very important issue. The reinstatement and extension of the Knockmore line to the International Airport is, as many have said tonight, not just an investment; it is of strategic importance to the economy, for tourism and for the whole area to reach its full potential.”
“I thank Members for their support, and I commend the Bill to the House.”
“As I said in response to some of the queries raised in relation to the grant, there will be an opportunity to look at the criteria when we are laying the regulations. That issue may arise, but, predominantly, the existing criteria support homeowners who have responsibility for their property and are dealing with the cost of that. We can look at that during Committee Stage and later to see whether anything can be done. I am happy to consider that further. <BR /> <BR />I believe that the Bill will, should it become an Act, play a significant role in empowering my Department and NI Water to continue to provide a high-quality service to meet the needs of all the people in the North. Those powers are vital in the face of the unique challenges that we all see in the 21st century.”
“For me, the debate has been a valuable opportunity to hear Members' views. I am pleased that the consensus has been positive and supportive on the principles of the Bill.”
“As part of work that is external to the legislation, we have received confirmation from NI Water that it is doing modelling to find a permanent solution to the Newcastle issue. I met Sheila Maginn and others from the Newcastle Regional Community Resilience Group (RCRG), which does really good work there to find solutions. They are aware of the modelling, and a permanent solution will hopefully be found to the issue. That will provide confidence and reassurance, which is the crux of what we are doing through the legislation. <BR /> <BR />I trust that today's debate has provided Members with an overview of the policy intent behind the Bill. As I said, if there are any points that I have not covered, I will endeavour to address them in correspondence, if Members wish to write to me in more detail to get further clarification.”
“At this point, my understanding is that, for anything that relates to a private business — a window cleaner is another example — people can use a tap to fill a bucket or a private water tank to enable them to carry out their duties but, if they were to use a hosepipe to clean windows, that would be a contravention of the legislation. Hopefully, that explains the provision a bit better. Again, we can get into Members' queries in a bit more detail at Committee Stage. <BR /> <BR />I think that I have responded on the majority of the issues that were raised. Members have been largely positive about where this is going, and I welcome their comments. <BR /> <BR />I will return to what my South Down colleague Andrew McMurray said about some of the flood management issues that, I know, affect his constituency.”
“On the issue of communication, social media and other methods that are already being used for communication purposes — NI Water uses them well — will absolutely continue to be used in that way and as widely as possible. My understanding of the legislation is that notice must be given in a minimum of two newspapers. That requirement is probably a minimum one, but most of us know that we will use all communication channels and methods available to us. They are already used extensively. <BR /> <BR />There was a query about the domestic allowance. To get clarity from the Member, is that about the hosepipe ban?”
“Soft SuDS, unlike hard SuDS, have the potential to treat surface water by removing potential pollutants, which will be a positive in our efforts to tackle pollution in our waterways in particular. <BR /> <BR />Justin asked whether we are already doing some of what is set out in the clauses. Yes, in some cases, we are. The clauses simply allow for future amendments to existing regulations, should they be required as new developments emerge or new technologies emerge, so that we are not hamstrung by what we have in place already. We therefore have an opportunity to continually modernise through making amendments in order to help us move with the times and respond effectively and efficiently. <BR /> <BR />Members raised queries about the hosepipe ban.”
“I know that the construction industry has also raised this. Those are more in relation to hard SuDS systems. That, as the Member said, is more in relation to bigger pipes and tanks and things like that. The focus of the regulations will be on nature-based SuDS solutions such as swales and detention basins. It will be on those types of natural drainage that align themselves with a natural approach, which is what should be happening in the environment anyway. If we can enable those solutions in a much more managed way, we will see a real impact. <BR /> <BR />As I have said, next week, I will launch the public consultation on SuDS for new housing developments. The consultation will be another opportunity for the Committee and the wider public to engage, to raise any issues, concerns or queries that they may have and to make suggestions.”
“It is something that I am keen to explore as well, because I know that, where floodwater may not have come into the house itself, it can cause significant damage to the external part of the property. It is still very costly to deal with. We can look at that. <BR /> <BR />John Stewart raised the issue of the criteria for the flood protection scheme. As I have said, that will require the making of regulations. As part of that process, those criteria will be legislated for as well. <BR /> <BR />I welcome Justin McNulty to the Committee and look forward to engaging with him in the time ahead, when I am with the Committee and in debates in the House. He has questions around the SuDS proposals and why it has taken so long to progress SuDS here. I should say that, yes, there are already SuDS happening and in place.”
“As of May this year, 165 homes had been provided with grant funding at a total of £1·5 million, which includes consultants' fees and support fees. Approximately 20 homes per year have received an average grant of £7,850. <BR /> <BR />On the subject of the flood protection grant scheme, others raised some queries. I will address Keith Buchanan's query on what the criteria are regarding the property itself. I think he meant the boundary of the property. I had an example of this in my constituency in the recent flooding. That is a challenge, and there will be an opportunity through engagement with the Committee and the consultation to look at some of the issues again and see where we can help.”
“The Bill is broadly cost-neutral for NI Water, apart from some small administrative costs in terms of miscommunication. Hopefully, that will be welcome. The Bill will also allow NI Water to recoup costs for any repairs that are associated with miscommunications. Some cost may be associated with bringing private drainage infrastructure up to an adoptive standard, and that may be a shared cost with the original owner. Hopefully, that will be minimal as well. In relation to SuDS, there will be additional costs in putting in place the regulatory framework. However, as has been outlined in the debate today, there are already some examples of hard SuDS for that. <BR /> <BR />The other queries were in relation to the expenditure on the homeowner flood protection grant scheme that already exists.”
“I thank and welcome the new Chair of the Committee for Infrastructure. I hope that we can work together as well as I did with Deborah Erskine. To echo other Members' comments, I too wish Deborah and her husband all the very best in what, I hope, is a very exciting time for them both. I look forward to hearing her news in the not so distant future. <BR /> <BR />I thank all the Members for their contributions and their optimism, because this will have an impact of a positive nature on our overall waste water systems and how we deal with drainage and flood management. Quite a number of queries and issues have been raised in the debate. I will do my best to address as many of those as possible. <BR /> <BR />First, I go to the comments from the Committee Chair, Peter Martin. Others also raised the funding query.”
“The powers are being taken to replace the powers that my Department had before the UK left the EU. I am not planning any such amendments at present; rather, the powers will be used as and when necessity dictates and will follow the normal consultation process. Any future regulations will be made by draft affirmative resolution, which will allow for full scrutiny by the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />The majority of the Bill's provisions require commencement orders to introduce them, following Royal Assent. <BR /> <BR />I will be happy to address any questions that Members may have.”
“That is exactly why, in July, I announced an increase in the threshold for the homeowner flood protection grant scheme from £10,000 to £13,700 to take into account inflationary increases. The eligibility criteria will also be improved to streamline the application process. I will therefore provide my Department with the power to develop a substantive scheme so that the current pilot scheme will have a sound legislative basis. Further consultation and new regulations will be required for a new scheme. <BR /> <BR />My final proposal is to provide powers for my Department to amend, update or revoke the Drainage (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 and the Water Environment (Floods Directive) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009.”
“<BR /> <BR />Responses to the proposal to enable the Department to introduce powers for a substantive homeowner flood protection grant scheme to residents whose properties are susceptible to flooding were very positive. My predecessor, John O'Dowd, specifically instructed officials to ensure that applicants are not prevented from availing themselves of the homeowner flood protection grants if there are plans for a future flood alleviation scheme. I intend to carry that important policy forward. I recognise the importance of helping people to protect their homes from flooding. Whilst we cannot prevent all flooding, we can reduce the impacts with appropriate improvements and development.”
“Those are agreements between a developer and NI Water for the adoption of certain infrastructure. I will therefore provide NI Water with the power to register article 161 adoption agreements and bonds in the Statutory Charges Register. That will enable solicitors and conveyancers to access the records of any ongoing obligations that lie with a piece of land at a single point. Following discussions with the Office of the Legislative Counsel (OLC) and the registrar of titles, I am confident that allowing that power is the optimum solution to providing a more streamlined and transparent process to assist the conveyancing process in the North.”
“Fixing and adopting old drainage infrastructure where it is critical to the operation of NI Water's network would ensure that failing drainage no longer caused damage to the environment or harm biodiversity, and I am therefore providing NI Water with the power to adopt pre-1973, private drainage infrastructure that is critical to the effective operation of the sewerage network. <BR /> <BR />The next proposal will provide NI Water with the power to enter premises to fix drainage miscommunications and recover the cost from the landowner in instances where the landowner refuses entry and refuses to repair the miscommunication themselves. It is not currently possible for NI Water to register article 161 agreements on the Statutory Charges Register.”
“I will therefore provide my Department with the powers to make regulations in relation to the design, approval, operation and maintenance of SuDS. In tandem with the Bill, I will launch a public consultation on nature-based SuDS in new housing developments on Monday 22 September 2025. The consultation will seek views on the development and implementation of new policies and regulatory arrangements to ensure that nature-based SuDS, such as grass swales, rain gardens and detention ponds, are provided in new housing developments. <BR /> <BR />Another proposal is to allow NI Water to adopt and maintain sections of privately owned drainage infrastructure constructed prior to 1 October 1973, where such sections are critical to the effective operation of its network.”
“The powers that will be made available to NI Water under the proposed legislation are comparable to those in other jurisdictions. Approval of that policy proposal among respondents was high, although concerns were voiced regarding the welfare of fish and animals if the filling of domestic ponds were to be included in the proposed measures. Given those concerns, I have decided that the filling of domestic ponds should not be included in the proposed list of prohibited activities to be included under that proposal. <BR /> <BR />It was also proposed that my Department should be given the power to issue future arrangements and guidance on the design, approval and maintenance of sustainable drainage systems to make SuDS the preferred means of dealing with surface water. Again, that was met with overall support.”
“I have given those concerns due consideration and decided that both proposals will be revisited at a later date. I will not therefore seek to take those two policy proposals forward in the context of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />The consultation received 30 responses and closed on 3 June 2022. I publicly acknowledge the contribution of the individuals and organisations who took the time to inform our policy development. Consultees were widely supportive of the seven remaining policy proposals. The first proposal will allow for the expansion of the list of activities that NI Water may prohibit or restrict as part of a temporary hosepipe ban or temporary use ban. That will make available to NI Water a comprehensive list of water-conserving measures from which it may select to prohibit all or any, as necessity dictates.”
“Also included were enabling future amendment of the drainage environmental impact assessments and floods directive regulations as required; providing NI Water with a new power of entry to enable it to carry out works beyond the laying of pipes, including the construction of SuDS; and compensation arrangements with landowners in exchange for their land in order to facilitate the storage of floodwaters. <BR /> <BR />Whilst the responses to the policy proposals were overwhelmingly positive, I have noted some concerns about the proposals to provide NI Water with a new power of entry to enable it to carry out works beyond the laying of pipes, which I have already mentioned as regards including the construction of SuDS and the proposal on compensation arrangements with landowners in exchange for their lands facilitating storage of floodwaters.”
“<BR /> <BR />My Department originally consulted the public and stakeholders on a range of policy areas that included powers for NI Water to implement wider water shortage measures; arrangements to encourage developers to use sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) as the preferred drainage solution in new developments; and allowing NI Water to adopt certain privately owned drainage infrastructure constructed prior to 1 October 1973. They also included enhancing powers for NI Water to deal with drain and sewer miscommunications; allowing NI Water to register article 161 agreements in the Statutory Charges Register; and giving homeowner flood protection measures a statutory basis.”
“The policy proposals were intended to enable improvements to NI Water's processes and to enable new and improved ways of reducing and mitigating flood risk. They will strengthen resilience during extreme weather events such as drought and help to facilitate more environmentally friendly solutions to managing water. <BR /> <BR />The effects of a changing climate are evident the world over, and it would be naive of us to assume that we are in any way immune to that. In recent years, we have seen warmer and drier summers and sporadic, unpredictable weather conditions. It is therefore vital that we have legislation in place to allow us to meet the challenges in how we manage, use and treat our water resources, future-proof the system and get on a path to integrating natural drainage systems into our waste water infrastructure more.”
“The recent announcement of the connection of 400 properties in my area in Newry shows what can be achieved when we challenge traditional thinking and focus on smarter, more sustainable solutions. That lies at the heart of my three-pronged approach, as does the Bill. <BR /> <BR />First, I wish to set out the context of the policies that the Bill will allow us to pursue once it is enacted. I am eager to hear Members' thoughts on the proposals, and I am happy to answer any questions that they may have. In March 2022, my Department launched a 12-week consultation on a range of policy proposals to update our existing legislation for the future provision of water, sustainable drainage and flood management services.”
“Since my predecessor, John O'Dowd, and I came into office, we have provided ring-fenced allocations to enable the unlocking of waste water capacity for over 5,000 properties across the North. That is already greater than the 4,300 properties that NI Water had originally planned to connect, if fully funded, by the end of the current price control (PC) period in 2028, and it is only 2025. In total, my capital budget allocation to NI Water for this year is 90% of what, it identified, it could spend this year. <BR /> <BR />Our consultation on developer contributions has now closed, and officials are preparing options for my consideration. I have consistently said that innovative thinking and working in partnership hold the key to unlocking our waste water constraints.”
“The Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill, which I am bringing to Second Stage today, is an important step in meeting the challenges that my Department and NI Water face in continuing to deliver high-quality water services, and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to put the Bill before you today. <BR /> <BR />The Bill is a key part of my three-pronged approach to addressing the challenges with our waste water infrastructure: to secure more funding from my Executive colleagues; to legislate for sustainable urban drainage to slow the flow of storm water, which is overwhelming the system; and to explore developer contributions. Following June monitoring, I allocated £11 million to NI Water to unlock 3,000 houses in the Derry area.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“— and to deliver on that. Hopefully, I can work with Executive colleagues to continue to find ways forward for investment and to deliver for everyone.”
“We will see the benefits of it, as the pilot in the Ards and North Down area has shown. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Members who brought the motion to the House and everyone for their contributions to the debate. It is important to recognise that, whilst we can try to blame each other and all the rest, the issue probably unites every one of us, as does health. Long-term underinvestment in our roads has impacted on the integrity and deterioration of the network. That is not what the public, my Department or I want to see. I am committed to continuing to develop that new road maintenance strategy —”
“Therefore, it is probably the biggest frustration that most people have. I do not want to take away from that. I acknowledge that we need to get to grips with it. However, it is a huge and costly challenge. There is no doubt about that. I am committed to ensuring that I can get as much investment as I can into the Department and that area of work so that we can maintain our roads to a higher standard. <BR /> <BR />I have been up and down roads all over the country, North and South, over the past number of months, and consciously thinking about and comparing what we have in the North with what is in the South. The same challenges exist everywhere. The size of the network can, in itself, be an issue. It is not an easy fix, but I want to make good headway on that and see how we can do it. The strategy will help.”
“Obviously, that would be an operational decision for Translink, but I am happy to take that forward. With other services that we are hoping to enhance, I have been in conversations with Translink. However, as with the conversation that we are having tonight, Translink's budget is also limited. However, reflecting on that, I am happy to take that back to see what we can do. <BR /> <BR />Some of my colleagues referred to rural roads. My colleague in South Down talked about the roads in Newry, Mourne and Down — in particular, south Down. I am acutely aware of all those issues. I see them daily. As I have said time and time again, aside from my role as Minister, I am a constituency MLA. I probably get more roads issues through my constituency office now for that reason. We can all see that. We all feel it. It affects everybody's daily lives.”
“That will require better use of technology and intelligence to ensure that we make smarter decisions — that ties in with what others have said — through digitally supported procedures to inspect and repair roads and inform decision-making. We probably have not been able to use modern technology to its full potential in previous years. That will help us to direct investment to where it is most needed, ensuring smarter maintenance decisions and future-proofing our roads, which I am keen for us to work to achieve. We have to recognise the changing needs of our society as well, including in relation to active travel. Gerry Carroll referenced that in his remarks. We also have to reduce the carbon footprint of our operations and ensure that the network is resilient after those adverse weather events, which we have been seeing more and more.”
“The proposer of the motion mentioned that I had said earlier in the year that the strategy would come in a few weeks. We are closer to that. We are now finalising the development of the action plan. It is very important that an action plan goes with any strategy so that we say not only what we would like to do but how we will set out to do it. I hope that gives some reassurance that we are almost there. <BR /> <BR />The main objectives of the strategy are to improve the overall condition of the road network, enhance safety and quality, and deliver a targeted programme of intelligent maintenance investment.”
“The maintenance strategy looks to take a different approach and develop other ways of focusing on improving the network's overall condition whilst making the best use of that limited funding and resource in a way that balances safety and value for money. It should be data-driven and supported by sound engineering judgement. It should address the problem in a meaningful and sustainable way. I am keen to see that. We talked about efficiency. It is about being efficient and using money in the best way that we can. For me, the measure of that will be seeing how resilient and sustainable our road surfaces are in the future. <BR /> <BR />As Members are aware, officials have been working on that new strategy. It will be considered in detail.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Essentially, the work that we do all the time is to ensure that we avoid the need for people to get their cars fixed as a result of the road network. That is the focus. If we can put more money into fixing the roads and maintaining the network, that will undoubtedly be the outcome. That is the overall rationale for that. <BR /> <BR />That leads me to the maintenance strategy itself. Members have mentioned a number of examples that they have seen in their work. In particular, Peter Martin raised a point about fixing one pothole but bypassing others. I have continually raised that issue.”
“I have mentioned severe weather conditions. We have a high and increasing number of vehicles using the road network, and more people now know that they can claim compensation. Through my constituency office work over the years and during my time as a councillor, I directed people to that process. It is more accessible now that it is online. There are a number of reasons for that increase. However, there is no doubt that the historical underinvestment in the road network is the key factor in relation to those increasing claim numbers as well.”
“It is not ideal, but it is also important to recognise that a multi-year budget would be transformational when it comes to being able to plan ahead for our roads and how we deliver maintenance. Over the past three years of budgets, £310 million was invested in our structural maintenance budget. If you look at the issue over a number of years, you see where the money has been spent. That work does not have to be done over and over again. I take on board the Member's points about the quality of the maintenance work that is done. <BR /> <BR />Another issue that comes up quite frequently is the number of public liability claims that are received and the cost of settling those claims. Undoubtedly, claims have increased over the past five years in particular. Some of the reasons for that are beyond our control.”
“As I said, the DFI budget this year is particularly challenging. However, as always, I will, where I can, continue to push for in-year funding. My colleague from Newry and Armagh referenced that we are waiting for money to be returned from the A5 project. We are working on an appeal regarding the A5. That is my priority, and I continue to work on it. I do not think that, at this stage, anybody can make a call on where that money will or will not be spent. We will continue to work on the basis of the budget that we have. If I can get money through monitoring rounds, so be it. <BR /> <BR />Whilst it is very difficult, much of the work that is required for the structural maintenance of, and improvements to, our road network can be turned around quite quickly.”
“It is difficult for me to have an opinion on that without knowing the detail, but, if you want to feed that into the Department, we can look at specific examples. <BR /> <BR />The motion is about a road maintenance strategy. I have asked officials to bring forward a new strategy for all the reasons that have been outlined here this evening. We need to look at whether we can do things differently and get better value for money. I talk about getting more bang for our buck. We do not get it from the overall Budget that we are allocated by the British Government, so we have to make decisions that will ensure that we are getting the best impact. That has been my approach to everything that I have been doing since coming into this role. <BR /> <BR />I will go back to some of the comments about my overall budget and how that has been allocated.”
“We also want to deliver on our public transport, our waste water infrastructure, our road network etc. Every one of those areas has a high cost, and I have to prioritise and make difficult decisions. <BR /> <BR />I will give way.”
“I will finish this point and then give way. <BR /> <BR />The reality is that, tomorrow, I will get questions about how much I am investing in the waste water infrastructure, which is also a priority for everybody in the House. I will then get more questions about how much investment I am putting into our public transport, which is also a priority for the House. I hope that I am painting a picture of the significant challenges in relation to capital spend and, in particular, in trying to deliver on all those key areas. Those are just three areas. The overall capital budget available to me this year was around £917 million. That sounds like a lot of money, but we have to factor in all the major road projects that we want to see delivered. We also want to see active travel infrastructure delivered.”
“It is apparent that, given that significant shortfall, a difference in quality should be expected when it comes to that maintenance spend. <BR /> <BR />The Executive agreed the 2025-26 Budget, and best use has been made of that funding to target road resurfacing. I said in response to questions at Question Time today that, for that reason, it has taken me significant time to agree my own budget. I disagree with comments that I have not prioritised or taken on board the comments of the Mineral Products Association. I have met that body, and I share its concerns, particularly in relation to the pipeline of work that is required to sustain the workforce, which is critical. I am very conscious of that, as well as being conscious of fulfilling our duty to maintain our road network.”
“As a result of that, we have seen continued deterioration of our infrastructure over the past 10 years, with large numbers of potholes — the number continues to increase — and other defects developing right across the road network, particularly after periods of colder and wetter weather, which are becoming more frequent. <BR /> <BR />It is important to point out that the shortfall in funding and the estimated gap between what was needed to maintain the network and what was actually available to spend between 2014 and 2024 was approximately £1 billion. It is not just a matter of saying, "We will take money out of something else and stick it into road maintenance". These are huge figures, and we have been continually operating with that shortfall.”
“People in our communities rely on the road network to do business, go to work, go to school and, most importantly, connect with each other. <BR /> <BR />My officials have worked very hard. I noted the comments from across the House this evening about the hard work of officials in each of the areas that we represent. They have worked extremely hard to maintain the road network but have, nonetheless, been forced to concentrate on only the highest priority road repairs and to introduce a limited service approach to road maintenance, as each of you mentioned.”