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, the process for implementing a residents' parking scheme is resource-intensive. As highlighted by the recent review and given the significant budgetary constraints in the Department, I must be sure that any scheme proposed for implementation is considered value for money. Before any residents' parking scheme can be implemented, traffic and parking surveys are required to be carried out to confirm the viability of the scheme, and a scheme needs to be designed appropriately to ensure that it meets the needs of residents. My Department has received over 305 requests for schemes. Given that significant level of demand, it is not feasible to survey and design every request.”
“Given the level of demand and ongoing budgetary and resource constraints, I have asked officials to expedite the development of an application process for demand-led schemes and an assessment process for all potential residents' parking schemes to ensure that any requests can be considered appropriately. That process will take into account the findings and recommendations of the review and provide a streamlined approach to considering, assessing and prioritising requests going forward. I am considering officials' recommendations, and it is my intention to make an announcement on how future schemes will be assessed by my Department in due course.”
“Challenges to progressing these schemes have included the resource-intensive nature of continuous redesigns of potential schemes and the inability to secure the appropriate level of consensus of local residents for a scheme to be implemented — a fundamental premise of the residents' parking policy. As previously committed, my Department is continuing to work on the development of the residents' parking schemes that have already commenced in the Bogside in Derry and the Iveagh area of Belfast and will give consideration to schemes in the vicinity of the new Ulster University campus in Belfast and the Magee campus. <BR /> <BR />Following the publication of the review, there has been significant interest in the establishment of residents' parking zones across the North.”
“Whilst the review found that the scheme introduced on Rugby Road has been generally well received among the residents of the area, it highlighted the point that other such schemes have been difficult to implement.”
“Following the introduction of the first residents’ parking scheme in the North on Rugby Road and College Park Avenue in Belfast, my Department completed a review of the scheme and our wider approach to residents' parking.”
“Hopefully, we will see delivery of that throughout this period, but the strategy is not specific to that review, which is longer-term.”
“The strategy acknowledges the recommendations of the all-island strategic rail review and the high-level time frames that it presents up to, as the Member will know, 2050. The review provides the evidence-based framework to inform future investment in railways across the island of Ireland. This high-level strategy is for the period up to 2035. It acknowledges that more work needs to be done to test the feasibility and affordability of the review's recommendations and to secure the necessary funding to take the projects forward. As the strategy is set out to 2035, I imagine that it will incorporate some of that work. However, the all-island strategic rail review, which, as you know, reaches to 2050, is a longer-term plan. We are still working through the feasibility aspects of that.”
“As the Member is aware, following the debate on the pedestrianisation of Hill Street, I had a brief engagement with him and some city centre stakeholders. I am due to meet the Economy Minister and others to further explore having a better night-time service for the reasons that he mentioned. As we move through that, I will be happy to keep the Member updated.”
“I hope that Members will, when they are made available, engage fully with the plans for their local areas and the wider strategy.”
“As I said, the strategy is a significant piece of work. We are trying to ensure that it is inclusive of all the needs of our society. The transport strategy has an important role in the preparation of the new suite of transport plans by providing the overarching strategic context, consistency and rationale for transport decisions. The strategy sets out the long-term vision and the overarching strategic goals for the region, while the transport plans are more detailed and spatially focused on specific areas — the demographics and the topography of those areas — and how we can ensure equity across the piece. Essentially, the strategy provides the why and the what, while the plan focuses on the how and the when. I am excited about what they will bring.”
“I encourage people to engage in the consultation, when it launches, to help shape a transport system that works for all and safeguards the environment for future generations.”
“<BR /> <BR />Transport is fundamental to the growth and development of our society, influencing how we live, work and connect. A modern, efficient and sustainable transport system is essential for our future prosperity. The transport strategy is the beginning of a bold and necessary journey to ensure that our transportation system meets the demands of tomorrow, while reflecting the values and priorities of our community today. I recognise that transport is not just about infrastructure; it is about the people who rely on it daily. My commitment is to build a system that is safe, efficient and inclusive and to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location, income or ability, can access the opportunities that they need to thrive. The transport strategy is an important first step.”
“I am pleased to advise that it is my intention to publish the new transport strategy to 2035 for public consultation in the coming weeks. In the past month, my officials provided a briefing to the Infrastructure Committee in advance of finalising the text of the document. The drafting of text is now complete, and officials are undertaking the final tasks needed for the public consultation. Importantly, that includes measures to ensure that the document is accessible for a wide audience, including those who use e-readers or other assistive technologies. My officials engaged with the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) to help ensure that the requirements of those with special mobility needs are reflected in the wording of the strategy. It is equally important that we now ensure that the document itself is inclusive.”
“The work includes the development of a toolkit of measures that can be implemented around schools to help with all the things that Members have described. Whilst we talk about speed limits, they are not something that the Department is working through in isolation: lots of other things are part of the bigger delivery plan that we are working on across the board for our urban centres and rural areas to encourage people to get out of cars and give them a safe option to do so.”
“As I have said, we are looking at improving safety around schools in general. I have mentioned the further roll-out of 20 mph speed limits. Included in that is our active travel delivery plan and how we link communities with schools and other facilities that are well attended. We want to encourage, in particular, our young people, parents, carers and families to be able to get there safely, whether that is by walking, cycling, wheeling or whatever it may be. Some of the measures that designers are encouraged to consider include the provision of greater pedestrian priority at crossings in the vicinity of schools, as well as measures to discourage inconsiderate parking that could cause difficulties for those who are walking or wheeling. <BR /> <BR />We are looking at everything in the round.”
“It would be good to see that rolled out further as quickly as possible. Budgets will constrain that. We have to do it with a phased approach. I hope that we get to a place where no school is left behind, and we are working through those. As I said, 233 schools already have the 20 mph speed limits outside them. We are looking at how we can roll that out further, be it in residential areas or town centre areas where we have lots of pedestrians. <BR /> <BR />We want to encourage greater use of active travel, and the Member will rightly be supportive of that. That is one way in which we can ensure that there are active travel routes and that people can get out to walk, wheel or cycle in a safer way. Reducing speed limits is one way in which we can help to make those areas safer.”
“I thank the Member for raising that. As an MLA and prior to my role as Minister, I lobbied on the issue for a long time after coming to the Assembly in 2020. My child's school has a 60 mph zone outside it. I am acutely aware of just how dangerous that is and of the impact that that can have. It is something that we should see outside all schools, as we heard in the debate before Question Time, because we have to ensure that, in every possible way, we mitigate the risks that present on our roads every day, particularly for our schoolchildren, who want to get to and from school safely. <BR /> <BR />When I came into the Department, I asked about looking at how we can make those zones permanent — my predecessor had already started work on that — and rolling that out so that we do not have to pick one school over another.”
“Where there are issues with signage or road markings that have faded or are in disrepair, it is important that those are reported to the Department through your section office at the earliest possible stage so that they can be addressed as urgently as possible.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He asked about the timelines for its being introduced. As I said, I am finalising the draft programme of which schools will be included in the next tranche. I hope to be in a position to make a formal announcement very soon. Following that announcement, formal engagement and consultation with the schools that have been selected in this tranche and other stakeholders will commence. That will form part of that timeline. <BR /> <BR />In relation to road markings and road safety signs around schools and other areas, I agree completely that it is important that they are kept refreshed and visible, as they impact on road safety.”
“We have looked at other jurisdictions where that is already in place and at its success. It has been shown to work and really improve road safety. I hope to be able to make further announcements on that in the time ahead.”
“I am aware that the Department recently received a request for that school to be included in the third tranche programme for 2025-26. As I said, I am considering the draft programme and plan to finalise it in the coming weeks. <BR /> <BR />The proposed programme will have a primary focus on schools on rural roads where a national speed limit applies: that is a speed limit of 60 mph. However, I am aware that there are schools in urban and residential areas that would also benefit from a reduction in the speed limit. I have therefore asked officials to prepare a paper on the use of permanent 20 mph speed limits, particularly near schools in predominantly residential areas and places such as town centres, where there is a higher number of those walking, wheeling and cycling.”
“A new policy document has been issued to enable an interim and modest programme to be taken forward in 2025-26. Given current funding pressures, tranche 3 will be modest in size and will primarily include two schools per council area. <BR /> <BR />A programme of schools to be treated in the next financial year is now being prepared. That draft programme is based on the existing scored listing but with preference given to rural schools that are located on roads where the national speed limit applies. I am currently considering the draft programme, and I hope to make a formal announcement in the coming weeks.”
“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. 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. <BR /> <BR />A review of the initiative introducing part-time 20 mph speed limits at schools has been 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.”
“As has been said, across the world, people are being forced from their countries by war, famine, the escalating climate crisis and persistent inequality. We can and must do much more to address those factors, which are causing more people to migrate. <BR /> <BR />As others have said, some of the language that has been used today is particularly dangerous. I use the opportunity to send my solidarity to the families in my community in Newry who were verbally abused recently while taking their children to a play park. They are workers in our health service, workers in Daisy Hill Hospital. This language leads to that behaviour, because, from the outset, some do not know whether those people are legal, illegal or what they may be. They just hear the noise around the matter.”
“There is not a whole pile more that I can say about that. If the Members want to learn more about it, they can, hopefully, ask their colleague.”
“<BR /> <BR />With regard to the contents of the motion, the overall responsibility for housing policy, including, as the previous Member to speak pointed out clearly, the regulation of HMOs, is primarily that of my ministerial colleague in the Department for Communities and local councils, not my Department. I am flabbergasted as to why I have been called here to respond to a motion that is for its proposer's colleague in the Executive. As has been pointed out, the strategic planning policy statement does not contain specific policy on HMOs.”
“I will not need 15 minutes, for many of the reasons that have been mentioned. <BR /> <BR />From the outset, I want to explain my perspective on migration. Like that of my colleagues, it has been shaped by republican values and principles that are embedded in equality, economic and social justice, sovereignty, anti-racism and anti-colonialism, because, as some Members have said, we are talking about human beings. Anyone listening to the conversation and debate today could be forgiven for thinking otherwise. It is important to point that out.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“It is an Executive flagship project that had the full support of the Executive last October, when Minister O'Dowd made his decision to proceed with the stretch from just south of Strabane to Ballygawley. The project will bring significant road safety, economic, social, accessibility and sustainable transport benefits to the region. It is a vital investment in the future prosperity, health and well-being of the community and future generations. I thank Members for the opportunity to speak on the topic.”
“Apologies. I meant to address that question in my remarks. I note that John O'Dowd had met the Agriculture Minister. I am happy to follow that up. I have not had any further updates, but I am happy to do that and see how we can work together. Again, it is about mitigation and ensuring that no one is worse off, and we can address all the issues that have been raised across the House this evening. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I thank Tom Buchanan for securing the Adjournment debate. It is important to have the discussion, and I hope that it has been an opportunity to make the facts clear and give assurances to the landowners who have outstanding concerns. I reiterate my commitment to the construction of the A5 dual carriageway.”
“Very quickly because I have little time left.”
“This is about young people, their future and protecting lives. My colleague Colm Gildernew spoke of the impact on the area surrounding the A5, and I am happy to go to Aughnacloy to see that. That is an important aspect of the broader piece, and it reflects the size of the infrastructure project that we are talking about and how transformative it will be. I thank Tom Buchanan —”
“That is in the hands of the court, as the Member will appreciate, but I hope that we will see that sooner rather than later. It is not something that I have the gift to share with Members this evening, but, given the proximity of the issue and how important it is to everyone concerned, I hope that we will see that sooner rather than later and that we can get under way. Any further delay could impact on costs, if we are moving to construction, and on the contractors who are ready to go on site. <BR /> <BR />Nicola Brogan and Declan McAleer made profound points about the impact, as did Daniel McCrossan. Most important, the picture that Declan portrayed is one that we all remember from the schoolkids who were here just last year. Sadly, some in the community have since lost their life. In my mind, that is the key thing for us all.”
“It is not construction, but we are able to clear the land and do those works.”
“That gives a clear indication of how long the journey has been, and I hope that we can finally bring it to a positive conclusion. It has also introduced many logistical challenges for my Department and the construction planning process. It has cost the public purse huge amounts of money. Most important, as we have all said, it has added further delays to the full construction of the much-needed new road. I hope that we have a successful outcome from the most recent legal challenge and that we can get the construction under way so that we can provide a safer road that will be for the greater good of all road users and communities. <BR /> <BR />Deborah Erskine raised a point about preparatory works. The lands on which the preparatory works have commenced have been vested already by the Department, so we are able to go ahead.”
“That is set with regard to a number of factors, such as topography and the quality of the land. That will be part of those discussions, so that engagement is key in ensuring that landowners get the proper value for their land, because it is based on the current market value. A question was asked about what would happen to the land, should the legal challenge be successful. Ownership would revert to landowners, and the Department would then be liable for any reinstatement costs. Hopefully, that makes that clear. <BR /> <BR />The legal challenge from the Alternative A5 Alliance has generated many uncertainties for all affected landowners and wider stakeholders, and I share their frustration. As others said here, we have seen legal challenges that have delayed the project — 2007 was the date that has been quoted this evening.”
“On scheme completion, no affected landowner should be any worse off than they were before construction commenced, with all impacts mitigated or compensated for. I encourage all landowners, through their agents, to engage with my officials and those of Land and Property Services (LPS) and initiate dialogue on determining and paying for the loss of land. My Department has the budget available to pay such claims — that was asked during the debate — but we cannot do that without meaningful engagement. To speak to some of the questions that were raised in relation to that, whilst I cannot speak to individual cases, I know that only a small number of claims have been made to date, so I encourage all those outstanding to get their claims in. The value of the land is through negotiation between LPS and agents. There is no set price per acre.”
“I fully understand the impact that losing land has on all landowners affected by vesting. I reassure every one that I am committed to ensuring that they are treated fairly, equally and with respect in mitigating that loss. I do not accept that that has not happened to date, because there has been significant engagement with officials. I think that there have been over 100 face-to-face meetings to date.”
“In the authorised section, approximately 72 hectares of woodland will be planted along with 30 hectares of smaller plants and scrub habitat. Additionally, 15% to 20% of the proposed road verge will be planted with high-biodiversity wildflower planting to attract bees and insects. That initiative will create a vibrant and diverse ecosystem, supporting pollinators and contributing to the overall health of the environment. In addition, there will be an overall improvement in the local air quality. <BR /> <BR />Of course, that is not to disregard the negative impacts of the project on the many affected landowners. I respect the views of Members and the contributions that they have made on that point this evening.”
“By decreasing transportation costs and improving access to areas of economic activity, the scheme will create business investment opportunities, job creation and new housing throughout the region. On sustainable transport, the scheme will improve road networks for public transport, increase journey time reliability and create active travel opportunities along the existing A5 and the wider network. It will improve accessibility and attract tourism to the area. Improved connectivity will promote job creation and an increase in economic activity in the area during construction. It will reduce the traffic that goes through the towns and villages along the existing A5. <BR /> <BR />The scheme makes a strong commitment to environmental conservation and the promotion of biodiversity.”
“The new dual carriageway will bring many other significant benefits to local communities and beyond. It will address the regional imbalance of road infrastructure investment, which is essential for fostering inclusivity, prosperity and sustainability. It will improve connectivity east-west and north-south. It will enhance accessibility by reducing journey times and improving access to key health, social, welfare and education facilities. That will be particularly beneficial for accident and emergency services, ensuring quicker response times and better outcomes for patients. <BR /> <BR />Economically, the scheme will stimulate business competitiveness and improve access to ports, airports and regional gateways.”
“I thank Tom Buchanan for bringing the Adjournment debate to the House, and I thank all Members for their contributions to what is a critical issue. As others have said, the A5 has been talked about for far too long. I say that because, as has been made clear in this and numerous other debates in the House, too many people have lost their life, too many families have been devastated and too many lives been forever changed by serious injury. That is why I once again reiterate in the strongest possible terms my commitment to the delivery of that long-awaited project. <BR /> <BR />We must see the A5 built, and I am committed to ensuring that that is done at the earliest possible stage. It will improve road safety and save lives. That is the scheme's primary objective, but it will also be transformative.”
“We recognise that it is really important and that there is a huge demand for it, but it is crucial that we get it right. I recognise the frustration, but I do not want to be here in six or 12 months' time, when people come back and say, "You did it wrong. It is a mess. It is not working", and have to look at the legislative process again. It is a relatively short period, but I am confident that we can get it right. I want to work with not just the wider public but Members across the Chamber. I thank you all for the debate, and I hope that we can continue on a positive note to see this delivered at the earliest time possible.”
“As part of the British-Irish Council engagement that I hosted recently in Belfast city centre, we did a tour with Ministers of the transport plan and what it will potentially look like. I was blown away, but I was also proud, as Minister for the Department, because it is really exciting. Ministers from other areas were really impressed. We should be very proud of it, and I look forward to seeing it develop further, not just in Belfast but across the North. <BR /> <BR />Members who spoke previously mentioned the importance of Culture Night and other big events. I hope that, following the experimental scheme, we can have an agreed scheme in place that has gone through the legislative processes by the autumn. I hope that that gives confidence and an assurance that we hope to move at pace and find a scheme that works for everybody.”
“That will set the framework for making transport policy and investment decisions for Belfast and adjacent council areas for the next 10 years. It will be a people-centred plan. This scheme speaks to how important that will be and how it can really enhance the heart of the city, along with other improvements to our walking and wheeling facilities, and enhance connections to neighbouring communities. Those improvements will help to remove perceived and physical barriers that currently impact on people's journeys. Together, the measures will improve the accessibility and inclusiveness of the city, making it a more welcoming place for all. <BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to the work of officials on this.”
“I have the map. I do not know how to explain it. Essentially, the proposal that we are looking at is a new one-way system that will come in from Hill Street — I am trying to think of how to explain it, because I am not from Belfast — where 'Established' coffee shop is, across Gordon Street to the junction with Dunbar Street, where Gordon Street ends. That area would be fully pedestrianised along with Exchange Place and Commercial Court. Does that make sense to everybody from the Belfast area? I know where I am when I walk around the area, but when you put me on the spot with street names, it is a bit more difficult. Hopefully, that is clear. <BR /> <BR />Members will be aware that we are working on the new suite of transport plans, one of which is the eastern transport plan.”
“I thank the Member for raising that. It leads on to my next point. In response to questions last week, I said that it is my intention, on the back of the consultation and engagement piece that we are starting, to implement an experimental scheme to see what works best. Rather than putting something hard and fast in place that is more difficult to change because it has gone through a legislative process, that will give space for tweaks to ensure that we have an agile scheme that can be easily changed. It will not take a lot to do that, but, given the concerns that have been raised, it is important that we are serious about getting a final scheme in place that will work in the long term.”
“Most people were supportive of the scheme and the concept of pedestrianisation, but it is apparent that we have some issues that we need to iron out. I will try to do that as quickly as possible. We have said that it is probably a relatively low traffic volume, but we need to ensure that there is some access, particularly for existing businesses. Some have more than 650 events a year, so we need to ensure that loading and unloading times and access for people with disabilities and things such as that be accommodated in any agreed scheme. I have asked officials to undertake further engagement with those stakeholders in the next few weeks to determine a workable scheme and layout that will suit those needs.”
“It is rich in culture, which plays a significant role in attracting tourists and providing a vibrant social setting for the metropolitan area. Providing a scheme that maximises the potential of the setting and prioritises people is key. <BR /> <BR />Officials have been exploring options that aim to minimise the impact on businesses in the area while contributing to a more pleasant and enjoyable environment, options that will facilitate a vibrant social space that can be safely enjoyed by all. I encourage all of those involved to work with officials so that we can move quickly to complete the legislative process and make the scheme a reality. <BR /> <BR />As I mentioned earlier, we have done an informal consultation.”
“This is not something that is just being kicked down the road because one or two people have concerns; they are important issues. We need to ensure that we deliver a scheme that is best for the local community, best for local businesses and best for all the visitors who come to the area. It is a key part of my role as Infrastructure Minister to provide the building blocks that support our businesses and attract investment to the region. The project ticks all of those boxes. The case has been well made here today. <BR /> <BR />The Cathedral Quarter is an area of conservation. With its cobbled streets and historic buildings, it is a prime location for pedestrianisation. We see all the Instagram pictures and the real attraction that it creates. It is a charming but traditional setting.”