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 />When you speak to applicants, businesses and people who are in that process, you find that this can be an area of real frustration, especially if they are waiting on one consultee response. I hope that all those measures will help to speed up and streamline the process.”
“I thank the Member for the question. As elected representatives from different constituencies, we all hear about some of the delays. I have introduced a number of measures to improve that planning consultation process, including the publication of quarterly and annual reports on statutory consultation performance to enhance and encourage improvements; statutory requirements for validation checklists to make the planning application process more efficient and effective; the delivery of specific bespoke training to statutory consultees' staff on environmental impact assessments; the production of a protocol for statutory consultees to support them as well as local government; and the planning statutory consultee forum, which is a cross-governmental group that will continue to meet regularly to constructively address issues impacting on the effectiveness of the consultation process.”
“I hope that the Member will be reassured to know that that is a key element of the work that is taking place.”
“I will go back to my previous answer and say that that is exactly one of the reasons why my predecessor, John O'Dowd, initiated the work on the planning improvement programme. It is critical for everything across government that we talk about here, whether it be housing, the economy, education or health. <BR /> <BR />I agree with the Member. I come from a constituency that has been critically impacted on by long planning times. We have been able to identify common issues right across the 11 council areas, including staffing and resource issues, and how we can better streamline that process so that people do not have to wait for three years on an application. However, it has been a really extensive piece of work, and we will see good outcomes.”
“That is intended to improve the efficiency of the planning system by bringing about improvements in application processing times, the quality of applications and the delivery of local development plans. That is the right approach to ensuring that the planning system works better for everyone and remains focused on delivering balanced, sustainable outcomes. That, in turn, will provide impetus in achieving a positive environment for potential investment in the North and enhance the prospects of developing trade.”
“The planning system plays a key role in supporting sustainable development and economic growth. It must operate in the public interest and provide a fair and balanced framework for all types of development, regardless of the extent or scale of investment. <BR /> <BR />We are all very aware that planning is a collective issue, and all stakeholders must play their part in delivering the necessary changes and improvements to establish an environment that will enhance the prospects for investment and trade in the North. That includes local councils, which have responsibility for a significant number of planning functions. Whilst I have no plans to revise planning legislation specifically to reflect trading advantages, you will be aware of my Department's ongoing work to bring forward the planning improvement programme, which I mentioned.”
“I do not have specific detail on that question, Sian, but I am happy to come back to you about it. This is more specific to Glenshesk Road. I will come back to you in writing about the detail of your question and confirm the point.”
“To be blunt, it is very difficult to prevent future slippages along the road, given the ground conditions and the topography. To reduce the risk of and potential for future slippages, my Department will incorporate an improved drainage regime along the carriageway that will, hopefully, help to alleviate some of the challenges in advance. Therefore, it is envisaged that the embankment along Glenshesk Road will be afforded greater protection that will, hopefully, reduce the risk of slippage.”
“I am happy to advise that the works associated with a significant embankment failure on the Glenshesk Road commenced on Tuesday 18 March this year. The works will involve drainage improvements, slope reconstruction and resurfacing. It is anticipated that all works will be completed by the end of August 2025, with a completion target date in advance of the Ould Lammas Fair, subject to favourable weather conditions and no unforeseen delays.”
“As I have said, there is some cross-departmental work ongoing between DFI, DFC and the Department for the Economy. We will look at that as part of those discussions.”
“As I said, I appreciate that that remains a major area of concern, not in all council areas but, as Members have outlined, in certain ones. As things stand, the LDPs have some means of addressing the issue of second homes at a local level. Notwithstanding that, I can advise that early discussions by the cross-departmental group, comprising DFC, DFI and DFE, recently commenced. The broad purpose of that group is to provide an informed understanding of the nature and scale of second homes across the North and to assess the effects of second homes on the housing market and on the sustainability of local communities and services. I await more advice on that, which could feed into the broader discussion that we are having today.”
“As I said, we have the planning improvement programme, which is an opportunity to feed all those issues into the discussion. We are engaging with local councils, councillors, architects and all the stakeholders who are involved in that process. If, coming out of that, there is scope to intervene, we can definitely consider that.”
“I take the Member's point. However, the extent of the short-term let or the changes to the use or the character of the property will impact on whether planning permission is required. The situation varies for different units. You will be aware that decisions on planning applications that seek permission for a change of use for an existing building or for a new build to provide a short-term let or self-contained holiday accommodation unit are normally determined by local councils. As part of that process, there is already provision for that scrutiny. I take the point that there are probably units that are not going through that process. We could feed that into the planning improvement programme. As it stands, there are no plans in that regard.”
“I will take into consideration what the Member said. I appreciate that it is a very important issue. As I said, it relates more to the local development plans. It is important that councillors, as elected representatives, feed into that as best as possible. It is about trying to strike the right balance as well.”
“Councils are also responsible for operating effective development management in respect of planning applications for housing, and, in doing so, the provisions of their LDP, the regional strategic planning policy and all other material planning considerations must be taken into account. Whilst my Department will continue to perform an important oversight role in relation to LDPs, I have no plans to revise the Department's approach to housing to restrict the conversion of residential properties into short-term holiday lets at this time.”
“The Department's regional development strategy 2035 and the strategic planning policy statements support the creation of balanced communities. The policy approach to all types of housing is to facilitate an adequate and available supply of quality housing to meet the needs of everyone. Council local development plans (LDPs) are the main vehicle for delivering that by assessing future housing land requirements and managing housing growth in their areas to achieve sustainable patterns of residential development. That process allows councils to address local housing issues in their communities, such as the balance between residential properties and short-term holiday lets.”
“I have had regular engagement with officials, particularly those in DFI Rivers, because a huge amount of work has gone into the study. As I outlined, there were 22 recommendations, and we need to make sure that we are well prepared, because, as we are all aware, such incidents will become more frequent, particularly given the climate emergency. We see that day and daily. It is a key priority for the Department. <BR /> <BR />I have to say this: officials do not often get the credit that they deserve, but, since coming into post, I have been extremely impressed with the work that has gone into ensuring that we move at pace and that we are better prepared to deal with what is coming further down the line. I absolutely think that it is a huge priority for all of us.”
“Like all Departments, we probably could have done with more, if that could have been the case, but that is where we are at with it.”
“Part of my constituency was impacted on by what the Member outlined. I can speak only about my Department and what we were allocated. We were provided with £10·5 million of additional funding for the response and remedial actions that were required following the major flooding incidents that he mentioned. That was made up of £1·9 million in resource and £8·6 million in capital. Those amounts were fully spent. The funding allowed the additional costs associated with the flooding to be met, which included repair and remediation work; replacement of damaged equipment; staff costs; and other costs that were essential for us to deal directly with the response and lost revenue. From our perspective, every penny of that was spent in a way that was effective.”
“Regular meetings continue with members of the group, and there is a focus on the development of an agreed action plan to outline responsibilities and associated timescales, with the anticipation that all recommendations will be addressed within 24 months.”
“The published 'Review of South East Flooding: Autumn 2023' detailed 22 recommendations, which the Department and multi-agency partners will be responsible for delivering. The recommendations include developing flood forecasting capability and further enhancements to communications, resilience and surface water management. Although my Department is not the lead agency for the delivery of all the recommendations from the review, we will take the lead in the coordination and oversight of the implementation of all recommendations through the establishment of a flooding review recommendations group.”
“I am pleased, however, to be able to inform the Member that substantial progress has been made, and it is currently anticipated that the feasibility report will be completed in the coming weeks.”
“Following the flooding in 2023, my Department commissioned a consultant to undertake a feasibility study to determine whether there were viable options to alleviate the threat of flooding in Downpatrick. The study is using information not only from the 2023 flooding incident but from additional historical records. A detailed computer model of the river has been created to simulate flooding events in order to assist with the identification of possible engineering solutions. Once the flood risks are fully understood, the list of potential solutions will be carefully investigated and assessed for viability. To do that properly can be quite a lengthy process.”
“Our rates bills go towards all our public services, which further strengthens my argument about why we should not impose further bills and costs on households and families at a time when the cost of everything else is going up. We have to improve what we have, but there are ways in which to do that within the remit that we already have.”
“I have made it clear what I am doing. I have pointed out the three things that we are doing specifically, which are working with Executive colleagues, undertaking the developer contributions consultation, which is out at the minute, and introducing legislation. Those three things are very clear. I am, however, glad that the SDLP has now made it clear that it does not want water charges. The SDLP has also not provided an alternative, but I look forward to hearing it.”
“We have seen what mutualisation has done, and the Member alluded to what has happened in Wales. Mutualisation does not necessarily deliver the immediate benefits that others may have perceived that it would. We have seen that significant issues remain in the waste water system. Companies are burdened by excessive debt and are having to be bailed out by the Government. For me, that is a red flag. We therefore have to ensure that any system that is put in place here is fit for purpose and continues to deliver for the people whom it serves.”
“Yes, the accountant is in place, and the work has commenced. As it stands, the work is running on time. I will consider the report when it comes back to me and will share it with the Committee and the Assembly in due course.”
“As I said, I am considering a review that officials have undertaken. We have done numerous reviews to date and looked at all options, but no one has brought forward an alternative that will not lead to water charges, which I am not prepared to implement. If others want to do so, they should make that clear. My point is this: the funding model that we have is the best one to make sure that we avoid water charges, but we do not have enough investment. That is why the Executive need to continually work together and look at what else we can do to ensure that we continue with that model, ensuring that it is funded properly, and at alternative methods for managing our waste water.”
“<BR /> <BR />For the avoidance of doubt, I will not implement any review that will lead to household water charges on already hard-pressed families; I have reiterated that numerous times in the Chamber and in Committee. A model that takes NI Water out of government control, such as mutualisation, will require the introduction of water charging, no matter how we look at it. <BR /> <BR />I continue to work hard in partnership with the Executive to progress a three-pronged approach to ensure that NI Water remains fit for purpose: working with Executive colleagues to increase investment in waste water; consulting on developer contributions; and securing Executive agreement for the water, flooding and sustainable drainage Bill to be introduced in the Assembly.”
“Given that nothing has changed in the policy of how NI Water receives most of its revenue, which is through domestic subsidy, and the continuing government sponsorship of and accountability for NI Water, there are few additional options to be explored. <BR /> <BR />Any proposal to review NI Water's funding arrangements must satisfy three key tests: will a new structure help to secure long-term investment; can the model service the debt necessary to upgrade the infrastructure at the scale required; and can the model provide assurance in terms of controlling the cost burden on the public? As recently as this month, my officials again reviewed potential models against those three tests, and I am considering that review.”
“I have previously provided the Assembly with my position on the matter. My Department has already extensively reviewed NI Water's funding model and analysed the opportunities for NI Water in raising additional revenue, operating more efficiently and using financial transactions capital (FTC) and additional borrowing and additional public expenditure funding. My Department has also reviewed alternative water utility company structures across Britain and Ireland for best practice, including mutualisation, which, I know, is a model that seems to have some support here. My predecessor reviewed that work again in 2022 and 2024 for the purpose of evaluating any change of conditions that might merit further opportunities.”
“The sad reality is that, if we do not change our attitudes when we use the roads, our death toll will continue to increase. I thank Members for their contributions this evening.”
“Long-term underinvestment in our roads is impacting on our infrastructure's integrity, leading to the slow deterioration with which we are all too familiar, particularly on rural roads. That is not what the public or my Department and I want to see, so I will continue to work vigorously alongside my Executive colleagues to secure the investment that is needed to maintain and improve the quality of our road network for the people of the North. <BR /> <BR />I take the opportunity to remind everyone that, when using our roads, we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps us and others safe. One of the best ways in which we will be able to fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury on our roads by 2050 is by changing road user behaviour.”
“I know that that project has not happened owing to funding constraints, but I hope that it can be taken forward in the 2025-26 financial year. We will keep him updated on that. A number of Members highlighted other specific roads and areas, and I will also ask officials to provide updates on them. Although it happens all the time anyway, I urge Members to continue to report specific issues with things such as road markings and gully cleaning to the section office so that they can be actioned. That local intelligence is important, as Mr Chambers said. It is crucial to ensuring that, where possible, we can deal with issues at the earliest stage. <BR /> <BR />I thank Peter Martin for securing the debate and all the Members for their contributions. I reiterate that the value of our infrastructure cannot be overstated.”
“I look forward to seeing it delivered and to further expansion, as there is a proposal to extend existing active travel measures on Green Road, north of the junction of Green Road and the greenway, to the A21 Newtownards Road, and there is potential to provide active travel measures along the Newtownards Road from Green Road to Abbey Street. The next stage is to develop an options and feasibility report. It is my intention that further projects will be delivered in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area to encourage and enable safe, active and sustainable travel choices. <BR /> <BR />I will refer to some more points that Members raised. Mr Martin, who secured the Adjournment debate, referenced a pedestrian crossing.”
“My officials are reviewing the submissions received as part of the public consultation on the Department's draft active travel delivery plan, which concluded on 28 February this year. I thank everyone who took the time to respond, as their responses will lead to my finalisation of the delivery plan. <BR /> <BR />The main settlements in North Down are Bangor city, Holywood and Donaghadee. As Mr Dunne mentioned, I recently attended the commencement of works on the Newtownards to Green Road, Bangor greenway that are due to be completed by late autumn of this year. The project's total value is £5·6 million, with my Department covering half of the cost by committing £2·8 million to that important project.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am aware that traffic can build up in parts of the Ards and North Down Borough Council area for short periods at peak times, which is consistent with traffic patterns and conditions in many of our towns and cities across the North. My Department's transport strategy and suite of transport plans will set priorities for the future development of the road and rail networks up to 2035. The strategy will also outline how my Department is working to address challenges such as congestion, the climate emergency and transport safety. <BR /> <BR />I am keen to promote and encourage the use of sustainable transport modes such as walking, cycling and public transport as an alternative to the private car.”
“That is being piloted in two areas across the North, including the Ards and North Down Borough Council area. We will use modern technology to direct our investments to where they are needed most, ensuring smarter maintenance decisions. We will future-proof our roads to meet the changing needs of society, including for active travel, reducing the carbon footprint of our operations and ensuring that the network is resilient after adverse weather events. The value of our infrastructure cannot be overstated. I will continue to work with Executive colleagues to ensure that appropriate investment is made to improve the quality of our road network and to contribute to the delivery of the priorities set out in the agreed Programme for Government.”
“I have asked my officials to consider new approaches to road maintenance, focusing on improving the road network's overall condition, while making the best use of the limited funding and resources in a way that balances safety and value for money. It should be data driven; supported by sound engineering judgement; and address the problem in a meaningful and sustainable manner. <BR /> <BR />I take Alan Chambers's point that the approach of filling potholes may miss some. Hopefully, we can deliver on those things as part of this. As I have said, officials are working on a new road maintenance strategy that will be considered in detail in the coming weeks. We aim to focus on delivering higher-quality repairs instead of spreading resources too thinly, so as to ensure a more reliable and safer road network where we intervene.”
“The B511 Groomsport Road and the B109 Clandeboye Road are being monitored for potential resurfacing, but that will be subject to funding being available. My officials are monitoring the condition of roads on the Ards peninsula and will take opportunities for those also based on funding being available. <BR /> <BR />We all know the challenges of keeping the network in good condition. As I said, I know, from my constituency role, how important that is to the people whom we represent. All of us are road users too, so we see the challenges day and daily. It is time that we tried something different. Stephen Dunne referred to a new approach to road maintenance, and that is one of my foundational priorities for the Department.”
“<BR /> <BR />Whilst the budget for 2024-25 remains challenging, my Department continues to prioritise key essential services, ensuring delivery of the highest priority resurfacing, roadside stability and drainage projects. Regrettably, the resource funding position is equally challenging and will mean continuing with a limited service for road maintenance and targeting the highest-priority defects to protect public safety. <BR /> <BR />The main strategic road network in the Ards and North Down area is in relatively good condition. That network consists of the A2 Bangor to Belfast road; the A21 Bangor to Newtownards road; the A20 Newtownards to Strangford road; and the A20 Newtownards to Belfast road.”
“That figure included £12·5 million of the £19 million that was secured at October 2024 monitoring by my colleague and predecessor, John O'Dowd, for essential road maintenance and street lighting work. <BR /> <BR />As in previous years, during the 2024-25 financial year, total capital funding in the southern division, which includes North Down, was significant, delivering over £25 million of infrastructure investment. Many Members outlined their concerns around allocations. Funding allocations for road maintenance are made on the basis of need, which aims to ensure, as far as practicable, an equitable distribution of funds across the North. I can assure Members that the Ards and North Down Borough Council area receives a fair and proportionate share of the funding that is made available to my Department for road maintenance.”
“On average, it would have taken an additional £100 million in the budget each year to try to bring it up to where we would like it to be. That figure can be compared with the £25 million cost of compensation claims for damaged cars that some Members mentioned. We are still well off what is needed to bring our roads up to the standard that we all expect. It is important to outline that because this is not going to be an easy fix, not just in North Down but across the North. <BR /> <BR />The Executive agreed the 2024-25 Budget, and the funding has been best used to target road resurfacing. In the 2024-25 financial year, £104 million was allocated, as Members outlined, to capital structure and maintenance, which includes resurfacing.”
“Whilst my officials have worked extremely hard to maintain the road network, they have been forced to concentrate on only the highest-priority road repairs. As a result, we have all seen a continued deterioration over the past 10 years. We have operated a limited service due to the funding constraints, with large numbers of potholes and other defects developing across the road network, particularly after periods of very wet or cold weather, which, as you are aware, have become more frequent in recent years. <BR /> <BR />The estimated value of the funding shortfall — the difference between what was needed to maintain the network and what was actually available to be spent — from 2014 to 2024 was approximately £1 billion.”
“People in our communities rely on the road network to do business, to go to work, to go to school and to connect to one another.”
“I stress that we could have all the roads that we wanted in the North if we had the money to deliver that. Without funding, our roads will continue to deteriorate, as we have seen, particularly over the past 10 years. Unfortunately, that poses a safety risk and impedes economic movement. <BR /> <BR />Members will be all too familiar with the fact that, like other Departments, my Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to the underfunding and austerity that has been imposed on us by the British Government. That has created significant challenges to our ability to maintain our road network in a safe condition. I share the frustrations about the inconveniences that that causes at times for everyone whom we represent.”
“I thank Mr Martin for securing this important debate on his concerns about a lack of investment in the road network in North Down. I also thank Stephen Dunne, Alan Chambers and Connie Egan. I have listened intently to all the comments and issues that have been raised by Members tonight, and I have heard them loud and clear. As a constituency MLA, I can relate to everything that has been said. That brings us back to the point that, while it is an issue for constituency MLAs for North Down, it is familiar to all elected reps throughout the North. <BR /> <BR />Maintaining roads and investing in new roads is critical in ensuring the safe movement of people and goods in order to allow economic growth, and that has been highlighted in the debate alongside the broader issue of road safety.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“I continue to work vigorously alongside Executive colleagues to secure the investment that is needed to maintain and improve the quality of our road network for the people of the North and, indeed, further afield. <BR /> <BR />I also take this opportunity to remind everyone that we all have personal responsibility when driving on our roads. My predecessor made the very important point, which has been brought back to me by many members of the public, that, when we are in the traffic, we are the traffic, so I ask that we do something to change the situation and help to address some of the issues that have been outlined today.”
“I thank the Member for coming back to that point. I intended to come back to you on it, because I know that you raised traffic light failure. I will ask officials to look into it, specifically for the routes that you mentioned. <BR /> <BR />I thank Doug Beattie for bringing the matter to the House, and I thank the Members who contributed. It has been a very important and useful debate. I reiterate that the value of our infrastructure cannot be overstated. We see that more and more every day. Long-term underinvestment in our roads is impacting on their integrity not only where the quality of road surfaces is concerned but in how we connect with our communities. I am keen to see that addressed as much as possible in my tenure. It is not what I, the public or my Department want to see. We want to see it improved.”