Liz Kimmins
Newry and Armagh · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I do not know how it will have affected North Antrim specifically unless the Member is referring to something in particular. We all have a responsibility in climate change and what we do to try to mitigate its impacts.”
“As the Member rightly said, removal of the zero-detriment policy is for the AERA Minister, and I have engaged with the Minister on that, as well as on the removal of the statement of regulatory principles and intent. I recognise that removing that would have detrimental impact on future development.”
“In response, we recently developed and introduced new appraisal guidance, which represents a significant and deliberate shift in approach. Under the previous arrangements, schemes were largely determined by a monetised cost-benefit ratio threshold where, typically, projects that fell below a ratio of one did not progress.”
“A number of significant issues have led to that scenario. I assume that the Member is referring to waste water capacity. I have said that NI Water has suggested that it needs between £3·5 billion to £3·6 billion for the next price control period.”
“Recruitment is a key challenge faced by all Departments. In questions to the Minister of Health, my colleague from Newry and Armagh referred to the recruitment issue that recently impacted on Daisy Hill. The challenge is not unique to DFI. I want to put a focus on ensuring that we build our internal capacity and improve staffing levels.”
“The Executive and the Assembly agree that the Executive's Budget is not adequate, which is why we are in that negotiation. When it comes to the capital budget, we have to factor in a timeline for the legal challenge that we are going through. It is unlikely that we will get a decision from the court on this side of the summer recess.”
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“I have heard that point raised. We saw recent figures that suggest that there was a 15% rise in the price of housing in the past year. That was before developer contributions were even being talked about, so there are other factors that feed into house prices. The reality is that, at present, developers have to pay to find connections.”
“There have been very few other suggestions on what we could do. I am keen to move things on as much as possible, even if that is on a smaller level. I hope that the consultation can help us to move things in the right direction.”
“The consultation is looking at those options and taking people's views, so we do not have an accurate figure for the revenue that they would bring in. There has been commentary to the effect that it would be a drop in the ocean. From the outset, my predecessor and I have said that developer contributions are only one part of the broader solution that is needed. As the options are out for consultation, it would be prudent for me to wait to see what comes back. I have met with representatives from the construction industry in the past week on a number of issues, and the issue of developer contributions was discussed. I am keen to hear all those views to shape how we move forward. If there is a strong negative view of the options in the consultation responses, we will be back to the drawing board.”
“For any such issues that arise, the Windsor framework was put in place to streamline and make sure that we have ways of mitigating them. I am happy to work with the sector and any other stakeholders who see such issues, and maybe we can find solutions by working together. Since taking up my post, those issues have not come on to my desk, but I am happy to work with all involved to see where we can provide solutions.”
“I have agreed to meet with the head of Logistics UK, who happens to be one of my predecessors. I am happy to speak to her on any of the issues that may be arising.”
“Absolutely. I know how important it is to the people in Hannahstown whom you represent. I assure you that improving those facilities is a key priority for me and my Department. I also appreciate residents' frustration that the footway has not yet been constructed. We are 100% committed to progressing the design of the 550 metre-long footway as soon as we can. I am happy to continue liaising with the Member on that, and we will be out on site. We will continue to move the scheme as quickly as possible.”
“<BR /> <BR />Due to the scheme's high cost, which is currently estimated to be around £1·8 million, a business case and separate procurement process are required to appoint a contractor. Once all elements of the scheme have been designed, including the accommodation works that affect residents, it will then be possible to update the cost estimate and business case for the new footway. It is difficult to accurately predict how long it will take to conclude that process, as it relies on the Department reaching an agreement with individual landowners on the type and scale of work that we will undertake, but I hope that it will be substantially complete later this year.”
“I thank the Member for her question, and I am looking forward to meeting her in Hannahstown to see the scheme. I am very aware of how important the scheme is to the people who live in Hannahstown village. I assure the Member that improving facilities for pedestrians in Hannahstown and many other areas is a priority for my Department. <BR /> <BR />As part of the detailed design stage for the new footway, my officials are meeting landowners who will be affected by the scheme in order to explain our land requirements and agree their accommodation works. The first round of face-to-face meetings with landowners is substantially complete, and the second round of follow-up meetings is now well under way. However, officials face some challenges in coordinating those meetings due to landowner availability and employment and personal commitments.”
“I am happy to take the Member's suggestion on board to see whether we can do that. Given the fact that the PAC is an independent body that sits outside my Department, I do not know whether I can instruct it to take that action. I will take it forward and speak to officials to see whether we can potentially look at that.”
“Since coming into post, I have not had any direct discussions with the Department of Justice. However, the Planning Appeals Commission sits outside my Department. We are working through the planning improvement programme to improve the whole planning process. Hopefully, the programme will feed into those issues as well.”
“Without an understanding of the commission's exact terms of reference or what it would look like, it is very hard to make a judgement about that. As I said, if a proposal were put forward about a commission, we can consider it and look at its benefits and at whether it is more onerous than what we already do. I am open to all suggestions. My priority is to move the issues forward, and I am happy to take suggestions on what a commission would look like.”
“I thank the Member for his question, and I apologise for the earlier technical difficulty. I am happy to come back to him about his listed question. <BR /> <BR />At this point, I have not considered that matter in any great detail. His colleague raised it when I was in with the Committee a number of weeks ago. I am happy to look at such a commission to see what benefit it might have for capital projects and their prioritisation.”
“I am happy to take that request forward. As part of the process that I mentioned that will decide which schools will be included, we can consider that school.”
“At this stage, we do not have the budget allocations, as the draft Budget is still out for consultation, but we are working through those things. I have not made any decisions on specific allocations.”
“The NIEA is responsible for monitoring water quality. We continue to work closely with it and other partners to ensure that our water is safe. NI Water's role is to treat our water and ensure that it is safe for drinking and to manage the treatment of sewage. In that respect, the NIEA could probably provide the Member with more information about cold-water dipping, but my Department does work with all its partners on such issues.”
“As I said earlier, quite a lot of work is being done to see such projects move at a much faster pace. On Friday, we launched the consultation on developer contributions, which is about trying to get more investment into the system so that we can move ahead with the much-needed upgrades. No one in the Chamber would disagree with the need to move forward with the projects, but, at this time, the funding is not there to enable me to do that. I will continue to work with NI Water, the NIEA and all other stakeholders to ensure that we can continue to move at pace on delivering those really critical schemes.”
“If you can point me to examples, I will be happy to ask officials to consider them. I am sure that many political parties have signs and banners up everywhere. We look at each case on an individual basis.”
“That is the subject of ongoing debate. My Department has a specific remit to remove things that obstruct or otherwise have an impact on motorists' vision on our roads. As the Member knows, however, and the Member for South Belfast outlined, because of their contentious nature and the difficulties that they can cause, there is engagement taking place on the removal of flags and on whose responsibility it is to do so.”
“There are therefore many factors that can cause delays, but I can say that we are working very hard to alleviate the things that are in my gift to do and to streamline processes to make them smoother for everyone.”
“That is an issue that affects all Departments. For a lot of major projects, we have to ensure that all our i's are dotted and all our t's crossed. I appreciate that there have been delays. Some of the delays that occurred in the past were to do with planning and waste water. Those are the priorities on which I, as the Minister, am working to try to ensure that there is more timely processing of projects in order to avoid additional costs. <BR /> <BR />If we are talking about major projects, let us look at the A5. Some of the issues that have delayed its delivery have come in the form of legal challenges, which are beyond my control.”
“We have not made any decisions on the budget for the incoming year or on prioritising projects. We are very aware of the scheme, and, as I said, it has to tie in with the transport plan. I hope to have further updates to give very soon.”
“<BR />As the Member will be aware, my Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment, and any decision to proceed with the A2 Buncrana Road project can only be made when I am confident that there is budgetary certainty for the scheme and that its delivery is in line with the north-west transport plan.”
“Major road schemes are an important part of the work that is delivered by my Department as we seek to reduce journey times, increase reliability and improve road safety. The A2 Buncrana Road scheme will be considered as part of the north-west transport plan 2035, which has been subject to a public consultation process. Views were sought from the public to help to shape the vision and objectives for the transport plan, and local transport concerns in the district were identified through a process of public engagement that commenced on 27 August 2024 and concluded on 5 November 2024.”
“Aside from everything else that I might represent, as a citizen, I am keen to make sure that all information is made available and all views are considered as part of the decision-making process for a project as critical as the fixed-bridge design for the southern relief road. That is why I want to make sure that the process is thorough. As I said, the consultation is closed, the responses are being compiled, and my officials will prepare a report that will enable me to make a decision on whether to go out to public inquiry.”
“Having been born and bred in Newry, I am acutely aware of and a keen supporter of its heritage. Had the Member listened to my answer, he would have heard that I have not decided yes or no, because the consultation period has just ended. As Minister, I have a responsibility to abide by the process. If I had done it the other way round and taken a decision outside of that process, I am sure that the Member would have stood up to criticise me. The process will run its course, and, when the report is provided to me, I will make a decision on the next steps. The decision to proceed with a fixed bridge was taken when the Assembly was down, and the Member is aware of that.”
“I am not in a position to comment on any of the responses, as the process is ongoing. Once that process has concluded, I will decide whether to move to a public inquiry.”
“As someone who was a strong supporter of the design of a lifting bridge at a time when very few in the Chamber supported or spoke out about it, my position has been very clear from as far back as 2020. <BR /> <BR />Since then, however, a decision was taken when the Assembly was down. My predecessor reviewed that decision to try to find a way forward. When I took office, on 3 February of this year, the proposals and detailed assessments for the southern relief road were out for a period of statutory public consultation that commenced on 21 January 2025 and concluded earlier this month, on 4 March. That consultation was based on the installation of a fixed bridge across the canal. However, officials are reviewing the responses and compiling a report for my consideration.”
“I have outlined the timeline for moving the programme forward, subject to its ratification by the council. I appreciate that it has taken some time. When I came into post, one of the first meetings that I had with officials was on the roundabout. We have agreed to an expedited programme, and I hope to see it delivered earlier than would otherwise have been the case.”
“We are flying through these today. The upgrade and signalisation of Caw roundabout is included in the planning conditions for the adjacent H30 housing development, and it is the responsibility of the developer to deliver those works. My Department agreed an expedited programme with the developer that will see the upgrade being delivered prior to the occupation of the 263rd dwelling and prior to 30 November 2026. That is subject to ratification by Derry City and Strabane District Council's planning department. My officials are working with the developer to agree the detailed design. The upgrade and signalisation will reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety at Caw roundabout.”
“<BR /> <BR />Translink is also considering park-and-ride rationalisation as part of the planned redevelopment of Lurgan station. That will hopefully remove conflicting access points from the vicinity of the level crossing on William Street and, therefore, decrease the time that it takes the queue to clear after the barriers are raised. Translink will continue to monitor the barrier downtime to minimise possible delays. I am happy to keep in contact with the Member on the matter.”
“I thank the Member for her question. It will be disappointing, but we have to work with the data available to us, and it is about trying to find the balance. Translink is in the process of procuring a new signal system that will automate the raising and lowering of barriers. The system is anticipated to take about five years to introduce, but could significantly decrease the current barrier downtime, reduce queues and improve traffic flow at level crossings in Lurgan. The Department considered variable message signs for Lurgan town centre to advise drivers to avoid William Street, but that would likely encourage traffic to divert to alternative routes and cause additional congestion, particularly at the other level crossings and on Francis Street.”
“My officials engaged with Translink prior to and after the introduction of the hourly Enterprise service to assess any potential traffic impacts in Lurgan. A traffic study was undertaken to assess the potential impacts of the new train timetable prior to its introduction in October 2024. The results of the study showed a minimal potential impact on traffic queues. In January 2025, after the Belfast transport hub opened, my officials completed a subsequent traffic study to determine the actual impact of the new timetable. The study highlighted no significant increase in queue lengths, and so my Department has no current plans to install mitigation measures.”
“As I said, the Department is working on the application and the criteria. The existing scoring will be kept for the latest tranche, but, where specific issues have arisen, that needs to be strongly considered. I am happy for officials to meet the Member, if they have not already done so, to look at that specific case.”
“I thank the Member for raising that. It is important to send my thoughts to Caitlin-Rose's family, her friends and the entire school community in that area. It was a very tragic incident. I have two small children, and it impacted on me and on all of us. It is an important issue, and I have looked at what has been done elsewhere in relation to overtaking buses when children are entering and exiting them and how we can improve safety in those areas. I have spoken to my officials and asked them to look at the options, because it is a critical issue and particularly pertinent, given what happened recently.”
“I thank the Member for the question. Given the severity of those issues, all of that will have to be considered and prioritised in the round. We will publish more information as it becomes available and we look at what the permanent scheme might look like. I am happy to take the point on board, if officials have not already done so.”
“I would like to see what can be done to improve attitudes to speeding, not only for road safety purposes but to make places cleaner and greener. I have therefore asked officials to prepare a paper on the use of permanent 20 mph speed limits, particularly, as I said, near schools, in predominantly residential areas and in places such as town centres where a high number of people walk, wheel or cycle. I have also asked that consideration be given to the national speed limits that apply on rural roads and HGV speed limits. To ensure that others' views are considered in the setting of speed limits here, I plan to hold a public consultation exercise on the issue later this year.”
“The report also concludes that a more targeted approach is needed to ensure that the correct safety intervention is selected, and work to update our policy document is under way. I have asked officials to prepare the programme of schools to be targeted in the next financial year, based on the existing scored listing, but with preference given to rural schools that are located on roads where the national speed limit applies, and consideration of the safety of introducing such measures. St Mary's Primary School in Killesher will, subject to the school's meeting the threshold for inclusion, be considered as part of that work.”
“With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions 8 and 9 together. St Mary's Primary School in Killesher is certainly the type of school that would benefit from a further roll-out of the part-time zones at schools programme, which has been very well received. <BR /> <BR />Since 2020-21, my Department has delivered two tranches of the 20 mph speed limit at 216 schools. The total is now 233 schools. As I said, a review of the recent initiative was very positive and can be viewed on my Department's website. The review recommends the provision of a third tranche of part-time 20 mph speed limits at schools. However, that will be more modest in size and is dependent on the availability of funding.”
“The toolkit is being developed by drawing on national and international best practice. It includes a range of measures such as the provision of greater priority for pedestrians at crossings in the vicinity of schools and the discouragement of inconsiderate parking that can cause difficulties for those walking or wheeling. Reduced speeds around schools are also important, and 20 mph speed limits are an additional measure that can be introduced as part of a particular scheme, depending on whether the main issue is speeding motorists, congestion at school times or inconsiderate parking.”
“I am happy to ask officials to assess any specific requests to see how we can move those forward. I hope to be able to make an announcement about the next stage of the 20 mph scheme, which is very important. In Wales, 20 mph zones have been rolled out not just outside schools but in residential areas, town centres and other areas, with a 63% reduction in road traffic collisions, and I have been watching that closely. We should look at that important piece of work here. I am keen to take that forward.”
“The updated design guidance will include a toolkit of measures around schools to encourage more people to consider walking, wheeling or cycling for the school journey.”
“There are many ways in which the routes to schools can be improved and made safer. Since 2020-21, the Department has delivered two tranches of part-time 20 mph speed limits at 216 schools, through an investment of £4 million, bringing the total number of schools with part-time 20 mph speed limits to 233. A review of that recent initiative was undertaken and is available on my Department's internet site. The report concludes that a targeted approach is needed to ensure that the correct safety intervention is selected, and work to update the policy is under way. <BR /> <BR />In addition to that, my Department is updating its design guidance for active travel and has recently carried out a public consultation on a draft active travel delivery plan. Routes to key destinations, including schools, have been prioritised in the plan.”
“Part of the works on phase 2 of the A6 upgrade between Caw and Drumahoe will encroach on the illegal waste site at Mobuoy. My Department is working with the NIEA and other stakeholders to ensure that any remediation proposals take account of each party's requirements, including those associated with the A6 phase 2 project. My officials await the publication of DAERA's draft optimum remediation strategy. Once that information is available, we will be in a position to consider its implications and develop a delivery strategy and timeline for the phase 2 project.”
“I can speak to officials on that one, because, as you said, the response came from the previous Minister, so I do not have that to hand either. I am happy to come back on that to the Chair of the Committee at the earliest possible stage. Hopefully, it will be sooner rather than later.”
“I do not have a timeline at this point, but I am happy to come back to the Member on that. I can speak to officials to get a sense of what that would look like and inform the Member going forward.”
“Again, that would need to be brought up to date and would be subject to the high levels of inflation and cost increases experienced by the construction sector in recent years. <BR /> <BR />As you will know, my Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to a lack of funding. Any decision to proceed with the A2 Ballykelly bypass can be made only when I am confident that there is the budget certainty that will help to deliver that scheme.”
“Major road schemes are an important part of the work that is delivered by my Department as we seek to reduce journey times, increase reliability and improve road safety. My Department is in the process of developing a new transport strategy that will help to shape the vision and strategic priorities for transport through to 2035. Once that is published, it will help to inform the transport plan for the regional strategic transport network, which includes the A2 at Ballykelly. <BR /> <BR />A preferred route for the Ballykelly bypass was announced in 2010. However, in advance of any decision to prioritise that scheme, officials would need to undertake a reassessment of the route due to the passage of time. The estimate for the bypass compiled in 2008 was in the region of £35 million to £40 million.”
“Given that we have scope left within the extension of the Glider route, I am happy to speak to officials about that to see whether it is possible. I am not aware of it at this time, but I am happy to take that forward, and, potentially, in the next phase, we can look at that.”
“Translink monitors on an ongoing basis the passenger loadings, which indicate that the level of patronage would not support an increase in capacity at this time. Therefore, there are no immediate plans to develop frequency on the 6C and 6D routes. Translink will continue to monitor those and other Metro services for opportunities and network growth.”
“I definitely have that one. <BR /> <BR />The timetabling of services is primarily an operational matter for Translink. The public service agreement allows Translink to amend services, but it must do so in a cost-effective manner consistent with the required level of quality and performance and minimise costs. My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government. That includes the funding available for the public transport network. <BR /> <BR />The Belvoir estate is serviced by the 6C and 6D services, which collectively offer two buses per hour throughout the day and three during peak times.”