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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“As I said on the overall issue of waste water infrastructure, the Member is familiar with the three-pronged approach that I referred to in my previous response. That is the way forward at present. However, in the interim, I have been working closely with NI Water to look at other ways in which we can do as much as possible in the time that we have. At present, NI Water provides additional maintenance to the treatment works around Belfast lough to ensure that those assets can continue to operate in the short term and until such times as we have the budget available to undertake the more substantial upgrade that is required. That is something we are looking at across the North.”
“As well as that, I continue to follow the three-pronged approach that I have referred to on many occasions in the Chamber, first, to secure more investment for waste water infrastructure but also to look at what else we can do. Members will be aware that my Bill on sustainable drainage was introduced this morning, and I look forward to hearing the discussion on that in the time ahead.”
“NI Water estimates that approximately 80% to 95% of that spill volume is rainwater; 5% to 20% is everyday waste water from homes and businesses; and 1% to 2% is, as I have said, is untreated sewage. As the Member and the Assembly know, I continue to work with Executive colleagues to provide NI Water with the adequate funding needed to allow it to deal with the problems in the waste water system not just in Belfast but across the North. I know that Belfast lough in particular is a significant issue, and we continue to look at solutions to it.”
“NI Water treats approximately 73 million cubic metres of waste water per year at the five main waste water treatment works that discharge into Belfast lough. NI Water has advised that its models indicate that, on average, only 70,000 cubic metres of untreated sewage from waste water treatment works are discharged into Belfast lough annually. Whilst approximately 3·5 million cubic metres of waste water from the waste water treatment works are discharged directly into Belfast lough without being treated, it is crucial to note that only 1% to 2% of that is untreated. That is not to take away from the issue; it is just to put into context what is being discharged.”
“There is no doubt that some schools may not get through in this tranche. I suggest to the Member that we take that forward. If the school is not included in this tranche, we can make sure that it, along with others, is assessed for a future 20 mph zone and traffic-calming measures, as we work out a more long-term plan. I encourage the Member to contact the section office or my private office to get an assessment of that area of Camlough so that we can see what is required. I have not come across that to date, so I am happy to ask officials to look into it.”
“First, I send my best wishes to Setanta. I hope that he has a great first day and many happy years in St Malachy's, which is another great school in our constituency. As a parent of a P2 pupil who is going into P3, I know that this time just flies. I am sure that you and your wife are very excited for the time ahead. <BR /> <BR />On the specific school, I think that all schools in all our areas would, ideally, like to have a 20 mph zone outside them. I, too, have been approached by my child's school about significant road safety concerns. Unfortunately, everybody is in a hurry, and road users often do not think of the implications when using the roads. <BR /> <BR />As I said, this is a modest tranche. We are finalising where the schools that are already on the existing list have scored.”
“I know that they are very effective and encourage schoolchildren and their parents, carers or whoever takes them to school to do so in a more active way. We are doing a lot of work on the issue. As I said in response to a earlier question, the overall active travel delivery plan outlines the focus on ensuring that we have safer routes that link schools with residential areas. I am working to provide permanent 20 mph zones in those areas that are more residential and safe links to schools, shopping areas and such places so that we can continue to build on the work that is being done.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Just last week, I met Sustrans, which does significant work in schools. I am aware that the Department helps to fund the cycling proficiency scheme. There is lots more that we can do and that I am keen to do. The Member will know that I recently announced that I will take forward legislation on safety on school buses. That, in itself, is something that we can do. I have requested a meeting with the Education Minister to see how we can work together on that. There is an important education piece specific to that on helping our children to be more aware while using buses, particularly when they are getting on and off them. <BR /> <BR />The Member talked about walking buses, and I am keen to explore their use further.”
“Are we asking about the Climate Change Act or are we asking about —?”
“I do not know how to answer it in relation to the 20 mph speed limit, to be honest with you, Mr Speaker.”
“I do not think that that is related to the question on the 20 mph speed limit.”
“As I said, I have been considering that and looking at what we can do and at whether we can maximise the budget that I have to ensure that we get as many schools as possible in that tranche. I have been back and forth with officials in recent weeks to ensure that we can get the maximum number of schools in that tranche. As I said, I am hoping to make an announcement this week.”
“<BR /> <BR />A new policy document has been issued to enable an interim and modest programme to be taken forward in this financial year. Given current funding pressures, tranche 3 is to be a bit more modest in size. A programme for schools that are to be treated in the next financial year has now been prepared. That draft programme is based on the existing scored listing, so it covers those schools that have already been scored as part of the previous tranches, but, at my request and given the significance of that higher speed limit and how it might impact on road safety, preference will be given to rural schools that are located on roads where the national speed limit applies. I am considering the draft programme and hope to be in a position to make a formal announcement this week.”
“Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and I am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users. <BR /> <BR />Since 2020-21, the Department has delivered two tranches of part-time 20 mph speed limits at 216 schools, which is an investment of £4 million. The Department previously piloted that approach at 17 schools, bringing the total number of schools with part-time 20 mph speed limits to 233. A review of the initiative introducing part-time 20 mph speed limits at schools was undertaken and is available on my Department's website. The review recommended the provision of a third tranche of part-time speed limits at schools, with a more targeted intervention approach.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is important to say that maintaining our footpaths is part of the overall piece on roads and footpaths. You will also be aware of the fact that we are looking at the road maintenance strategy and at how we can do it better. We all recognise the shortfalls in the budget, but take it from me that I am committed to making sure that I get as much money as I can to upgrade and fix our roads to the best of my and the Department's ability. I am very focused on that.”
“I think that the Member raised that before. I do not think that it is to the detriment of existing roads and footpaths. Those are schemes that we have to do, and we want to encourage people to get out of their cars and use their bikes or walk or whatever it may be. One should not replace the other. We are working to ensure that we provide options for everybody and are working towards our climate change targets on active travel. You will know that it is set out in those targets that I have to allocate 10% of my budget to active travel, so it is a requirement for me. It is very important, however, that if we are to encourage people to have healthier lifestyles and to get out and about and out of their cars, we have to do it right. That is how we are doing it, and we have to work towards that 10% budget allocation.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is fair to say that this is not an exact science, so my Department continues to engage with all councils and other stakeholders to strike the right balance to ensure that we are delivering for everybody across the North and do not focus just on bigger areas.”
“I understand that walking, wheeling or cycling will always be most attractive as modes of transport over shorter distances, as they are probably more achievable for most people in those circumstances. Therefore, it is important to target investment in areas where it has the potential to be at its most beneficial. However, striking the right balance between urban and rural investment is also very important. To ensure fairness and consistency, we will use the same guiding principles that apply in larger towns and cities to prioritise pedestrian and cycling improvements in smaller settlements. We will, therefore, place particular emphasis on links to schools, public transport and small town or village centres.”
“If we want to do this really well, we have to ensure that the routes that we are providing, whether they are new or existing, are accessible for everyone, can be used at all times during the day, are properly connecting communities and fulfil what we set out to do.”
“The Member refers to fixing footways and street lights as if those things take up a lot of the budget. Such work is carried out on active travel schemes that are already in place and require maintenance to ensure that the routes are safe for everyone to use, be that by making sure that they are properly lit or that the surfaces are safe for pedestrians and cyclists. However, there is a difference between the maintenance of existing schemes and the building of new schemes. Part of that is about ensuring that they are safe for people to use, which relates to the quality of the surfaces as well as ensuring that they are properly lit.”
“My Department does not monitor spend on cycling infrastructure separately from other active travel improvements. The total spend recorded on dedicated active travel projects in the past three financial years is £12 million in 2022-23, £10 million in 2023-24 and, provisionally, £17 million in 2024-25. In addition to spend on new active travel projects, my Department routinely undertakes many activities that are primarily for the benefit of pedestrians and cyclists. Spend on those is not included in those figures. Overall spend in my Department on active travel is in the region of £45 million to £50 million, which equates to around 5% to 6% of the overall transport budget.”
“Design is either ongoing or due to commence shortly on a further eight schemes, and officials are working to bring a number of those forward for public engagement later this year. Officials are also considering the prioritisation of future schemes in the Belfast cycling network in line with the emerging eastern transport plan and other significant changes that have occurred in Belfast in recent years.”
“Yes. Since the Belfast cycling network delivery plan was first published in 2022, approximately 13 kilometres of new cycle path have been built, in partnership with Belfast City Council, on the Lagan gateway and the Forth Meadow greenway schemes. Improvements have also been made to existing facilities, with the installation of environmentally friendly lighting along the 7 kilometre urban section of the Comber greenway and on Stranmillis Embankment, with new red surfacing laid along the existing segregated cycle track between Ormeau Road and Governors Bridge. <BR /> <BR />Design work is substantially complete on a further four schemes. Those are at various stages of the statutory process that is required to legislate for cycle routes before construction can commence.”
“I am pleased to advise that the first phase of the West Belfast greenway is programmed to commence construction in the coming months. Officials are also preparing a planning application for the next phase of the West Belfast greenway and hope to submit it in the autumn. When that section of the route is complete, it will provide an attractive, high-quality active travel route that is predominantly traffic-free between Andersonstown and the city centre.”
“It was discussed in the bilateral meetings that we had with Simon Lightwood on how we can further enhance the work that is already happening. We have been engaging directly with the British Minister and Department to see how we can further enhance the work that we are doing and how we can identify other opportunities to utilise the funding from the Union connectivity review. We have seen some of it fund the really good work on the feasibility studies that we are awaiting. That is an ongoing piece. The Union connectivity review may not have been specifically discussed as part of the plenary meeting, but such discussions happen between Ministers regularly.”
“We are looking at all those aspects. I mentioned HGVs and the ports. As I said, there is work being done to simplify the process for those affected. Some of the sectors are probably ahead of us on a lot of that stuff. It is about a managed transition that does not put an unnecessary burden on the sectors involved. Cross-departmental working between us and our counterparts, probably mainly those in Scotland and Wales, will be required for us to meet the targets contained in the Climate Change Act 2022. That is probably in its earlier stages, Steve, but it is on our agenda as something on which we will work closely in the time ahead.”
“There are individual plans, but the wider strategy is being looked at in conjunction with the Council to see how we can address the issues. We are also looking at best practice from elsewhere. We are looking in particular at what our Irish counterparts in Dublin are doing, given the rural populations that we all serve. We are looking at lots of things in conjunction, but we already have a good handle on what the issues are here and what we can do to address them.”
“We have significant rural areas across the North, so it is not just because of the meeting that I am keen to address the issue. I said earlier that community transport is a very important part of that work. We need to ensure that the community transport sector receives the funding that it needs to deliver the services that it provides. Those services are absolutely crucial to the people who use them. <BR /> <BR />It is also about ensuring that other people have access to them. That is ongoing work. We recently had the community transport review. We talked about the transport strategy and the transport plans, which are integral to ensuring that rural communities have connectivity and equitable access to public transport.”
“We await the outcome of that feasibility study, as we do for the other feasibility studies. I hope to provide further information on that very soon. We visited Belfast City Airport recently, and that issue was discussed as part of that engagement. I am keen to see the outcome of the study and to see what we can do in the time ahead.”
“The Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, and I had discussed the matter. There is ongoing work on recognising the importance of those roads in ensuring the streamlining of that transport and on recognising the importance of our freight industry from an Irish perspective and from across the water. I recognise some of the challenges that are faced in Britain, particularly from the Scottish perspective. There are ongoing discussions on that.”
“We are working on that on an all-island basis, because we know that people frequently commute and travel across our island. We are also looking at what is happening across the water and at how the benefits could be transferred to here.”
“The scheme is delivering new low- and zero-emission vehicles. That is helping to show people that they are working, and it gives them confidence to purchase those vehicles. As the number of purchases goes up, we are moving into a second-hand EV market, which means that they are more accessible for lots of people. <BR /> <BR />The infrastructure piece is key to a lot of this, because that is an issue for many people: it is a barrier for many people if they cannot get access to charging infrastructure. As I have said, there are almost 700 publicly accessible charging points. It is about building on that and ensuring that it is made easy for people to access charging points, be that at their home or as part of their journey, no matter where they are going.”
“I do not have the actual figures in front of me to see the comparisons, Peter, but we can get those. There are lots of things, some of which are around a culture shift and trying to encourage people to have the confidence to purchase an EV, but the cost must also be recognised. Those are parts of the discussion that we have been having across the Administrations about how we can ensure that anyone who hopes to make the transition from a petrol or diesel car to an EV can find it affordable and accessible to do so. We are working across Departments to see what good practice elsewhere is encouraging uptake in other areas and to see how we can further utilise that. <BR /> <BR />We have also been looking at Motability. The importance of Motability to EV growth here in the new and second-hand car market cannot be overstated.”
“We have work to do in the areas in which people do not have immediate access to those types of charge points. We continue to work to find a balance that will ensure that everyone can find a solution in the meantime.”
“We have been looking at that issue and trying to find solutions. It is becoming more of an issue. As I noted in the statement, more and more people are purchasing EVs, so it needs to be addressed to ensure that everybody has equitable access. There are now 672 publicly accessible commercial EV charge points here, which are operated by over 20 charge-point operators. Provision has grown by 73%.”
“We are looking at a number of things, which will be incorporated in the bigger transport strategy and the local transport plans that officials are working on in conjunction with the councils.”
“As the Member will be aware, we hope to see the outcome of the feasibility study in the coming weeks. It was initially planned for the spring, but we were then told that it will be in the summer, so it should come fairly soon. I look forward to seeing the outcome of that. <BR /> <BR />On the specifics of Fermanagh — I, too, note that there is a serious gap in the all-island strategic rail review — we are looking at how we can ensure that the transport plans focus on those areas. You will be aware of my recent announcement around funding community transport, which is a key element of providing proper public transport for people in more rural areas in particular.”
“<BR /> <BR />As I said, officials are actively working with all councils and stakeholders using a vision and validate approach, which will consider the wider societal changes that we face, generate a future vision for the planned area and identify transport measures that will help us achieve the overall vision. It is my intention to prepare and have ready for public consultation draft plans for the Fermanagh and Omagh transport plan, the north-west transport plan, the Belfast city centre transport plan and the metropolitan transport plan. Those plans will consider the further investment that is required in all areas of transport.”
“The local transport plans are being developed in an integrated manner and are, therefore, dependent on councils' timetables for their local development plans. <BR /> <BR />The largest, and one of the most advanced, transport plans is the eastern transport plan (ETP), which covers Belfast and the four surrounding council areas. The site visit that we had as part of the BIC sessions provided insight into the transport challenges that Belfast faces and outlined some of the draft proposals from the Belfast city transport plan section of the ETP. It is an example of the work that is incorporated into all those transport plans.”
“As the Member will be aware, officials are working on the new suite of transport plans, which will look at transport policy and investment decisions until 2035. It is my aim to ensure that the transport network meets the needs of people and businesses both now and in the future. <BR /> <BR />As I have mentioned in the House before, there are eight plans in total: seven local transport plans and one strategic transport plan. The strategic plan covers the strategic road and rail network across the region, whilst the seven local transport plans are being developed in a more integrated manner with the councils' local development plan processes. The plans that are in development will set out the potential interventions that I propose to bring forward to address many of my priorities in the transport strategy.”
“The development of an implementation programme for the forward work plan, to include the timing and location of each activity that has been agreed, will be decided in the coming months. That concludes my statement. I am happy to take questions from Members.”
“As an Assembly, we have committed to taking action to tackle the climate crisis and reduce emissions across all sectors, including transport. In that context, the British-Irish Council continues to offer an essential framework for sharing challenges and best practice across the Administrations. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I place on record my thanks to my ministerial colleagues across the BIC member Administrations who participated so productively in the ministerial meeting, and to junior Minister Cameron who accompanied me. My officials and I look forward to working with the Ministers from the other Administrations and their officials in all the agreed areas of cooperation in the transport sector.”
“Ministers noted and agreed to the content of a forward work plan for 2025-28 for the transport work sector, which will inform each Administration's policy in addressing decarbonisation of the sector. The forward work programme identified four areas of focus for the work sector over the next three years, including the role of modal shift, active travel and public transport, the importance of HGVs and linkages across these islands, decarbonisation of ports and sustainable transport in rural areas. <BR /> <BR />The transport sector is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions. Member Administrations are fully committed to reducing those emissions and agree that a collective approach to decarbonisation will be required to meet net zero climate commitments across these islands.”
“I reflected on our partnership with the Irish Government in developing the A5 to improve connectivity and, importantly, to save lives, and highlighted the all-island rail review as a further example of positive collaboration between the two Administrations. <BR /> <BR />Ministers from across Administrations shared their experiences, achievements and challenges in the transport sector. Priorities that were identified included the importance of active travel solutions, connecting communities, freight, decarbonisation and removing barriers to travel for the most vulnerable people. Council members reiterated their view that working collaboratively in the transport sector will be key to achieving wider ambitions around economic growth and the delivery of clean energy, as well as improving public health.”
“I noted that the Executive have taken a targeted approach to emissions reductions and that the introduction of a zero-emissions vehicle mandate and the vehicle emissions trading schemes (VETS) have been key policy and climate change interventions. Confidence in the electric vehicle market continues to grow here. There has been a 75% increase in the availability of public EV charging infrastructure in the past two years, and the number of EVs on our roads has more than doubled over that period. That shift to the use of electric vehicles is pivotal as we move towards our goal of net zero by 2050. In addition, I highlighted the road network improvements that I have recently announced, specifically key bypass projects that aim to lower emissions and reduce congestion, particularly in our small town centres.”
“The Scottish Government were represented by Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport. The British Government were represented by Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Transport. The Welsh Government were represented by Chris Warner, deputy director of transport strategy and policy, deputising for Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates MS. <BR /> <BR />During the meeting, Ministers considered a paper prepared by the work sector on the review of activity 2021-24, detailing the extensive work that has been undertaken under that work plan. The Council proceeded to discuss developments in transport from 2024 onwards.”
“This group has proved to be a valuable forum for ongoing cooperation in sharing information and experiences of developing and implementing transport policy. As I have previously highlighted, the Executive were represented at the ministerial meeting that took place here in Belfast by me as chair, accompanied by junior Minister Cameron. The Government of Guernsey were represented by Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure. The Government of Ireland were represented by Darragh O'Brien TD, Minister for Transport. The Isle of Man Government were represented by Hon Michelle Haywood MHK, Minister for Infrastructure. The Government of Jersey were represented by Andy Jehan, Minister for Infrastructure.”
“In compliance with section 52 of the NI Act 1998, I wish to make the following statement to the Assembly in respect of a British-Irish Council (BIC) ministerial meeting of the transport work sector, held on 4 April 2025. To ensure appropriate cross-community representation at the meeting, junior Minister Cameron was also in attendance and is aware that I am making this statement to the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />Members will be aware that the British-Irish Council, which was established in 1999, with transport as one of the original areas of activity, is a forum for its members to discuss, consult and use best endeavours to reach agreement on cooperation on matters of mutual interest within the competence of its member Administrations. The British-Irish Council transport work sector is chaired by the Executive.”
“<BR /> <BR />I hope that I can give assurances to the families here today, to the medics and to all those who play a key role in dealing with the ripple effect that tragedies such as the death of young Caitlin-Rose McMullan can have on many people's lives, not least those of the families. I hope that we can all use that to deliver something much better that will help to save lives, particularly those of our schoolchildren. <BR /> <BR />I thank Members for the debate. I look forward to working with all of you to deliver in the time ahead.”
“If we have the opportunity to deliver that within the time frame that is available to us, it is important that we do so. <BR /> <BR />Some of the measures that I have outlined require investment, and others require legislation, but there are some things that we can all do right here and right now that will help us to reach the goal. We can all take more care on the roads. We can all slow down and ignore our mobile phones. We can all have conversations with our families and friends about our shared responsibility as road users. We can all share road safety messaging to ensure that it reaches as wide an audience as possible. No budget is required for any of that, and there is no need to wait for legislation. The impact is immediate, and, although we may never know it, we could be saving lives.”