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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“<BR /> <BR />School bus safety is also a key area of focus for Translink, which has led on initiatives over the years to help to promote school bus safety and ensure that safety measures are communicated effectively. It has also enhanced its internal driver training to support that messaging. <BR /> <BR />I believe that the extensive package of measures that I am introducing, which I have outlined today, will make a difference in safeguarding our children on their journeys to and from school. Legislation is not a quick or immediate fix. However, strengthening the legislation is the right thing to do, and, as I have said, I have instructed officials to progress that as a priority. I hope to do that in the most efficient and effective way, as I recognise that we have a short mandate.”
“The strategy places a renewed focus on making our roads safer to use for all, particularly those who are more vulnerable, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders, with the long-term goal of eliminating deaths and serious injuries on our roads by 2050. In addition to what I have set out today, I am keen to explore how we can work better with our blue lights road safety partners and other Departments, including Health and Education, on joint, targeted campaigns and safety-improving measures through the strategic road safety forum and its subgroups. At official level, cross-departmental discussions have been taking place at pace to make that happen.”
“Our Highway Code emphasises that drivers need to take special care around buses and give priority to people getting off a bus and crossing the road, but I recognise that we need to do more on that. It is important to point out that, in countries such as the US, where legislation on overtaking school buses already exists, the package of measures includes education, enforcement and the use of schools to address school bus safety. <BR /> <BR />The package of measures that I am introducing builds on the foundations that are set out in the road safety strategy and its accompanying action plan. The strategy is founded on the internationally recognised Safe System principles. There is a deliberate focus on safe road use, safe roads and roadsides, safe vehicles, safe speeds and safe people.”
“A number of road safety resources are already available to schools, but, following my conversation with Caitlin-Rose's mummy this morning, I think that it would be beneficial to look at increased and more targeted learning around bus safety. I hope to engage with the Education Minister in relation to that; there is definitely something that we can do to improve education. It is not only about putting the onus on motorists; we can all play our part in developing that. My Department also produces a road safety teaching aid calendar that is available electronically. It covers a wide range of road safety messages that teachers can use in the school environment.”
“Buses display the road safety message across the North of Ireland in rural and urban areas. The on-street advertising also appears across the North in rural and urban towns. Officials have developed further information on safety around buses that is frequently issued through my Department's Share the Road to Zero initiative, which is associated with its Facebook and X accounts. As others have mentioned, my Department has implemented part-time 20 mph speed limits at 233 schools. A review of the scheme recommended the provision of further tranches at targeted schools, particularly those in rural areas, which we are currently preparing and finalising for this financial year. <BR /> <BR />Education is also an important preventative measure.”
“<BR /> <BR />Work to finalise the safety initiatives that I have announced was already under way before today, but, nevertheless, the motion is a welcome opportunity to highlight what can be and is being done to address the issue of safety for children travelling on school buses. I recently commissioned a new outdoor road safety campaign regarding the safety of children around buses. The campaign highlights a key risk: children are more at risk around a bus than on it. The call to action for motorists is to watch out for children crossing from either the front or the back of the bus. The campaign utilises point-of-danger messaging in the form of bus rears and on-street advertising. The campaign went live on 19 May. It is now part of my Department's advertising portfolio and will run at regular intervals.”
“Some of those are already in place, and others will be put in place in the coming weeks and months. I thank Caitlin-Rose's mum, because some of the suggestions that she has brought to my attention have shown me that this will not work in isolation; we have to look holistically at everything that we can do. For example, as I have mentioned, I am putting in place measures to reinforce existing policy around the proper use of signs and lights on buses carrying children to and from school. Those warning lights are an important tool in helping to improve bus safety for schoolchildren. Under new measures, fixed penalty notices will be issued if that is not done correctly or if they are not working. I expect to have that in place by the beginning of the new school term in September this year.”
“As you will all be aware, in the wake of the recent tragedy of Caitlin-Rose's death, I asked my officials to look at all options available to us to improve bus safety for schoolchildren. In doing so and in order to have a fuller picture of how the issue is being tackled in other countries, I have looked closely at the legal provisions and measures in place in other jurisdictions — some Members have mentioned them — including the USA, Australia, New Zealand, the South, England, Scotland, Wales and Canada. <BR /> <BR />As I said, it is my intention to introduce legislation to prohibit the overtaking of school buses that have stopped to drop off or pick up schoolchildren. That legislation will not work in isolation; it will be part of a package of measures.”
“I say not just as a Minister or an elected representative but as a mother of two small children that I think about this issue every day, no matter the journey. I think that, on a very human level, we can all agree that we need to address the issue. I am committed to doing that in the best way possible in the time ahead. I am committed, where possible, to implementing initiatives that will prevent lives from being lost or for ever changed by serious injury.”
“<BR /> <BR />As Members will be all too familiar with, too many lives have been lost on our roads; too many families, such as those whom we have mentioned, have had their world shattered; and too many people have set out on what was a routine journey but have not arrived at their destination and will never return home to their loved ones. As I said, I met some of those families today — I have met many of them during my time in this role — and heard their heartbreaking and moving stories. I pay tribute to them for their dignity and bravery in sharing their experience to try to ensure that no one else goes through the emotional trauma and loss that they continue to endure every day. It is a sentiment that we all share, which is why road safety is such a priority for me.”
“I thank all Members who have spoken, particularly the proposer of the motion. It is a very important issue. It is an issue on which I publicly stated my intentions a number of weeks ago. Members said that I did so just today, but it was a number of weeks ago. Sadly, the issue has been highlighted in the worst way imaginable following the recent death of young Caitlin-Rose McMullan. I pay tribute to Caitlin-Rose's mum, Stella, whom I met this morning, and to all the other families who have experienced such a significant loss. I met families this morning who have been bereaved through road traffic collisions. It is something that none of us wants to come to our door. I pay tribute to all the families who have used their experience to drive the message about road safety forward holistically and to the work that they continue to do.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“I am happy to look at it again to get some clarity around that. Speaking from experience of a retail park in my constituency, I know that the owner of the park had responsibility for those issues. However, if there is no one in place, we could, potentially, look at what other options are available and come back to you.”
“Again, it is a difficult one, because, essentially, the policy is that, where the road is not adopted by the Department, we cannot take control of that. When we talk about the best use of public money, that is an issue, because, were we to intervene, all sorts of issues could arise. Intervening is also challenging given the funding constraints. I do not really know the answer in the specific situation where no one has responsibility. I am not sure of the specifics, such as whether the road is within or outside the retail park.”
“There are so many unique issues around unadopted roads, but I am happy to consider those specifics and provide a more detailed answer, if that would be useful for the Member.”
“As the Member may be aware, the issue around unadopted roads is an ongoing one. We see it in relation to retail parks or housing developments. There are many examples in my constituency, so I share the frustrations. However, there is a process that we have to go through with unadopted roads. Essentially, it is the responsibility of the developer or whoever put the road in place in the first instance. In areas where there are shared roads, it looks like the responsibility can be shared between the various residents who might live along the road, and there are things there. The road needs to be brought up to a certain standard so that it can be adopted by my Department, which can then take on the maintenance going forward.”
“From that, I hope that all our constituents will see the difference and that we get longer-lasting, more effective results from what is being delivered. That will ensure that all our road networks are made more reliable and safer for everybody who uses them.”
“That is certainly the intention. I looked at the allocations to the various divisions, which probably cross some of the areas that the Member has mentioned. Given what he said, although the amount allocated does not necessarily reflect the level of work that is done, southern division, for example, has one of the higher allocations. That division covers part if not all of the area that the Member mentioned. That also tells us that the need is significant and continues to be so. We can look at who gets the biggest portion of the pie, but we can see that the overall budget still does not go far enough. That is why we are looking at a new road maintenance strategy to address the issues in a more cost-effective way.”
“Hopefully, it will help, as it helped me to better understand how the allocations are made.”
“As I mentioned in my answer to Diana Armstrong, the methodology is very technical, so I do not intend to go through the detail of how it is worked out. However, I have spoken to officials, and they have provided me with answers to questions for written answer and questions for oral answer from other Members on how it is worked out. We can get a more detailed answer for the Member, but, as I said earlier, it is a needs-based approach. It looks at where the greatest need is and factors in roads that carry the greatest volume of traffic in order to ensure that they are repaired quickly. Different priorities are given to different levels of disrepair, as required. I am happy to get further information on the exact way that the issue is looked at and considered, if that would be useful to the Member.”
“We discussed it last week, and I really hope that we can get agreement on it as soon as possible to enable me to introduce it in the Assembly.”
“As we have talked about quite a lot in the Chamber, we in the North have seen underinvestment in the water and sewerage infrastructure for decades. Capacity issues caused by that underinvestment can and do constrain the development of housing and businesses and potentially harm our natural environment. To counter that, as I said, the three-pronged approach that I am taking involves seeking to secure additional funding from Executive colleagues, consulting on developer contributions to help fund waste water infrastructure and introducing the Bill. <BR /> <BR />The Bill will be important in enabling my Department to manage valuable water resources and should therefore be given the utmost priority. As I said, I have submitted the Bill to the Executive.”
“The Bill will expand hosepipe ban powers and allow my Department to issue future guidance on sustainable drainage systems. It will also provide grant-making powers for homeowners who are at risk of flooding. <BR /> <BR />Other powers will allow NI Water to adopt private drainage infrastructure constructed prior to 1973. It will enable NI Water to repair drainage miscommunications and recover costs, enable the registration of article 161 agreements on the Statutory Charges Register and allow my Department to make certain regulations for flood management and drainage purposes.”
“The drafting of the water, sustainable drainage and flood management Bill is complete. I tabled the Bill for discussion at the Executive meeting on 29 May. Debate took place over certain aspects of the Bill, but I hope to secure Executive approval for its introduction at the next meeting on 5 June. <BR /> <BR />The legislation is a major step forward in helping us to meet the challenges of how we manage, use and treat our waste water resources, future-proof the system and get on a path to recovery from years of historical underinvestment. With seven key policy areas, it forms an integral part of my three-pronged approach to delivering a better water and waste water infrastructure system to meet the needs of our growing population and adapt to changing weather patterns.”
“I do not play politics with anything. I am doing what is best for the people whom we all represent. That is what I endeavour to do on all such issues.”
“Like everything that we are seeing on the back of the Climate Change Act 2022, lots of things have to be taken into consideration. The recent A5 case is another example. As with all such matters, where we need to undertake further consideration, make amendments or try to address issues, we will do so as required where we can.”
“As I said, we are still finalising the budget allocations. I hope that, following that process, we can look at the timelines, and I will ensure that I keep the Member updated.”
“I thank the Member for that important question. I fully appreciate the significance of providing those measures to the Divis and Clifton Street bridges over the Westlink. I can confirm that my officials have been finalising the detailed design contract documents and business case for the scheme at an estimated investment of £1·8 million. That is a significant investment, and, as everyone is aware, budgets in the current year are once again overstretched. However, I will endeavour to allocate funding to get those schemes, which are so important for the local communities, pushed forward. I recently met the mental health champion, Professor Siobhán O'Neill, to discuss how we can provide greater safety on bridges. I am very aware of the issue, and I thank the Member for bringing it forward.”
“I am not aware of that being part of the development. I will speak to officials to see whether there are any such plans as part of the broader piece of work. I am happy to come back to the Member on that, because I recognise that, as we are trying to attract more people to use the park-and-ride and subsequently public transport, if it looks as though traffic volume in the area will increase, we should certainly consider that.”
“I thank the Member for that question. As he will know, in October 2024, my Department issued a letter of offer of £6·6 million to Translink to provide 466 new car parking spaces with safe and convenient links to Moira train station. The project will also deliver 23 new disabled parking spaces along with secure cycle parking, CCTV and lighting. With the 89 spaces that are currently at the station, that will make a total of 578 parking spaces. Work will commence on-site later this month and is expected to be completed by September next year. <BR /> <BR />I am not aware of the detail on the delay, but I am happy to come back to the Member with that. Work is due to start in the coming weeks, so I hope that that is a good news story.”
“We could look at lots of things and say that they will bring income for the Executive, but that does not mean that we will do them. We have to look at everything in the round. The Finance Minister does not make those decisions, so her saying that does not mean that that is the direction of travel. I recognise, however, that part of my role and part of the work that I am doing that is a priority for the Department is to encourage people on to public transport. I am cognisant of that when looking at any decision to increase fares. As I said, I will make a decision very soon, but I am cognisant of all the things that we are trying to do and of what would potentially go against them.”
“As I said, we are still considering budget allocations. I have been working with Translink, as the Member will be aware, to look at how we move forward. I hope to make a decision on that fairly soon.”
“Design work is substantially complete on a further four schemes that are at various stages of the statutory process required to legislate for cycle routes before construction can commence. Design is ongoing or due to commence on a further eight schemes, and officials are working to bring a number of those forward for public engagement later this year. <BR /> <BR />Prioritisation of future schemes in the Belfast cycling network is also being considered by my officials, taking into account the emerging eastern transport plan, which I spoke about earlier, and other significant changes that have occurred in Belfast in recent years, not least the relocation of Ulster University and the increased number of students now living in the city centre.”
“Since the Belfast cycling network delivery plan was published just over three years ago, significant progress has been made on many of the short-term schemes in the plan. A scheme on Lagmore Avenue is in construction, and phase 1A of the west Belfast greenway is programmed to commence in early autumn. <BR /> <BR />Work is also ongoing on the upgrade of existing pedestrian and cycling facilities on Stranmillis Embankment. That work will include a new pedestrian crossing to improve the linkage between the embankment, Queen's Physical Education Centre (PEC) and Botanic Gardens. Environmentally friendly street lighting has been installed on the urban section of the Comber greenway, and Belfast City Council has led the delivery of sections of Forth Meadow greenway and Lagan Gateway.”
“Complete removal is not permitted under the design standard, but my Department is considering the removal of the wire mesh between the two uppermost rails so that it will potentially remain on just the bottom one. That would ensure that views of the lough were opened up, while still providing the required safety interventions for cyclists and others who use the topside. As part of our discussions, the Member mentioned his concerns for those who are on the shoreside of the railings and the potential for them if somebody were to get into difficulties with getting out. I raised that matter with officials, and I hope that, should we decide to move forward with the proposal, that would be a welcome compromise that would address the needs of everybody involved.”
“I thank the Member for raising that. In response to the issues that he raised — it is fair to say that he documented and clearly showed me the key issues about which he and his constituents have been concerned — I spoke to officials and got some updates on why that was done in the first place. The wire mesh is an anti-climb requirement, as prescribed in design standard 'CD 377: Requirements for road restraint systems', which I am sure means nothing to you, me or many of your constituents. With that being said, I asked whether we could look at removing it, because I recognise that the view of the lough has been restricted and that there has been a real issue with the aesthetics of that beautiful area. <BR /> <BR />To ensure that we continue to meet safety standards, we have come to a bit of a compromise.”
“However, my officials did consult Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on the design of the new railings at the location and provided two options for its consideration. Due to the additional cost associated with the bespoke design option, the council confirmed that it was content to proceed with the standard railing option in August 2024. My Department further highlighted the proposed scheme as planned works in its annual report to council in November 2024.”
“I have met the Member on this issue. He knows that my Department has legislative responsibility to maintain roads and footpaths to an appropriate standard, ensuring the safety of all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. That is managed through the provision of infrastructure that is designed and installed to current safety standards. Substandard railings along the Shore Road, Newtownabbey were identified for replacement due to their poor state of repair. The railings were adjacent to a combined footway/cycleway, and the replacement railings were required to be increased in height to 1·5 metres to meet the minimum safety standards. My Department was not required to consult the public on the routine parapet upgrade works at that location.”
“<BR /> <BR />If the Member has specifics to ask about, I am happy to follow up with the relevant section offices and divisions. It is fair to say that we could make comparisons without understanding the mechanics of all those things and what quantifies greater need in some areas. The methodology is very complex — I have asked those questions myself — and sometimes it does not look like that on the face of it.”
“That question comes up quite a lot: as I have said, it is one that I have also asked as a constituency MLA. It is fair to say that funding allocations are made in the most equitable way across all DFI Roads divisions in the North. There is a complex methodology for how funding is allocated, but it is based primarily on need. There are different schemes, which are worked out by the divisions. The funding stats for each of the divisions are accessible through the Department and have been accessed through questions for written answer, of which I am sure the Member is aware. The decisions on how that funding is allocated within the divisions are taken by the staff in those areas, who are best placed to know the greatest needs in those areas.”
“<BR /> <BR />I therefore look forward to engaging with everybody as the new strategy is developed. It is important that everyone engage as we move forward. It will be the first time that such measures have been taken. The new strategy will not be the answer to all our problems, but I hope that it will put us in a better position and that we will see a marked improvement in our roads.”
“As I said, officials are working on a new approach to road maintenance that will focus on delivering higher-quality repairs instead of trying to spread resources too thinly. That will contribute to a more reliable and safer road network where we intervene. The use of modern technology will help direct our investments at where they are needed most, thus ensuring smarter maintenance decisions, which, hopefully, will future-proof our roads to meet the changing needs of our society, including, as we talked about earlier, active travel. It is also about reducing the carbon footprint of our operations and ensuring that the network is resilient after adverse weather events, which we are seeing more and more frequently and which have a massive impact on the quality and structure of our roads.”
“I am sure that the Member's colleagues in the Executive would also like more money so that they are able to do what they want to do and what needs to be done for all our public services.”
“We cannot sit on our hands either, however, so we are looking at how we can find solutions that will help create more sustainable road maintenance so that we can do what needs to be done next without having to go back to the same areas time and time again. As representatives and citizens of this part of the island, we have all seen that happen. We are continually seeing the same roads having to be repaired. That is not cost-effective, so we are looking at how we can make sure that road maintenance offers better value for money and is more sustainable so that our roads are in a better condition for longer, until such times as we have a bigger budget, which would be ideal for us all.”
“I came into post at the end of the financial year, so I probably do not have all the answers to those questions. The Department looks to put additional funding into road maintenance at every opportunity. It is a critical issue for all of us. We all use the roads every day, and we all recognise the huge challenges. What we see every day is directly attributable to the chronic underfunding that the Department and the Executive have experienced. <BR /> <BR />The Member may feel that there have been warm words, but I am keen to do something about the situation. That is what officials are working on currently. We cannot magic money out of nowhere to do what needs to be done, just as we cannot do so to address the issues with our waste water infrastructure.”
“<BR /> <BR />The well-discussed funding shortfall and the years of limited service have seen the condition of our roads deteriorate. It is time that we tried something different. That is why a new approach to road maintenance is one of my foundations. We need a new approach to how the road network is maintained: one that focuses limited resources in a way that balances safety against value for money. It should be data-driven and supported by sound engineering judgement and should address the problem in a meaningful and, most importantly, sustainable manner. My officials have been developing a new approach to road maintenance. We will focus on delivering higher-quality repairs instead of spreading resources too thinly, thus ensuring a more reliable and safer road network where we intervene.”
“I have not taken decisions on the 2025-26 budget as yet. I am in the process of considering allocations, including the allocation for road maintenance, in line with my priorities, the wider Executive Programme for Government commitments and equality considerations following the closure of my Department's equality impact assessment (EQIA) consultation later this week, on 5 June. I am keen to get infrastructure right. I recognise that the road network is a critical element of infrastructure that underpins and supports our society, economy and well-being. Indeed, it is used either directly or indirectly by almost everyone daily. We all know about the challenges of keeping the road network in good condition. I know how important that is to the people whom we all represent.”
“As I said in my previous answers, there will be an application process. I suggest that the Member encourage residents in the areas in which a residents' parking scheme would, he believes, be suitable to apply for it through that process or through his constituency office. The Department can look at the specifics and the evidence to ensure that the application is considered appropriately.”
“I thank the Member for raising that. I could probably share a lot of examples from my area that are similar to those that the Member has highlighted. In the application process, it is important that we have quality evidence to show what will work well. As I said, I am finalising that — there is a paper with me. We must ensure that the areas that are selected have everything in place — the support of residents, proof of viability and evidence to show that there is a real need for the scheme — before we can move to implementation. That evidence will vary from area to area. The specifics will be available once we have finalised the process.”
“There is a need, therefore, to introduce an application process for demand-led requests, as well as an assessment process for all schemes to ensure that schemes can be assessed and prioritised appropriately going forward. That will help to ensure that the schemes that are viable and that have the support of the majority of residents can be prioritised, ensuring that we are using our resources in the best way possible.”