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 thank the Member for that question. I have had briefings with officials on the review. It is a very ambitious plan, but there is so much opportunity for delivery. As has come up in every discussion — not just those relating to my Department but those relating to other Departments — it can be difficult to plan, given the financial constraints and particularly given that we are operating with annual Budgets. We are, however, looking at all options available to us, including the Shared Island Fund and other external funding opportunities, to see how we can deliver. We are being realistic and managing expectations. Those are the conversations that I am having with my counterparts. <BR /> <BR />Last week, I met representatives from the Rail Industry Association (RIA) who had come over from Scotland.”
“The strategic review was prepared jointly with my counterpart in the South and looks towards a 2050 horizon. Feasibility studies are being prepared on several of the corridors recommended by the review. Those studies are due to report in the spring and will include a look at a new Portadown to Derry rail link. At last week's meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council, I had the opportunity to discuss the review with my counterpart in the South, Minister O'Brien. We are committed to working together to deliver on the recommendations.”
“A large proportion of my Department's staff are engineers, and I am reminded that many infrastructure projects constructed in the 19th century are still part of the fabric of Ireland, offering a return year-on-year for generation after generation. I am very conscious about the decisions that I make today, as they will have impacts on our children, grandchildren and those in many generations to come. Rail is best suited to longer-distance journeys that are on higher-demand corridors. The all-island strategic rail review has considered that and has come up with recommendations that offer an exciting proposition for sustainable travel. Having not constructed new railways in the North for more than a century, the rail review brings a level of anticipation, but it is also important to recognise that those projects will take time.”
“That engagement sought to gather the public's views about the transport needs in their area and on the draft vision and objectives of the transport plan. My officials are working through that feedback and will apply it as they prepare the draft plan. As I said, the plan will cover a raft of local transport issues and will provide the most detail in Derry and Strabane. It will also consider other local transport issues across the district, and I intend to publish that draft north-west transport plan for public consultation later this year. <BR /> <BR />Rail infrastructure projects often take many years to develop and design before construction begins.”
“I am determined that the north-west transport plan will build on that, creating a cleaner and greener environment. Derry already has the first citywide fully zero-emission bus fleet. I am committed to providing a frequent city service and to having the infrastructure to improve reliability so that buses will not be snarled up in traffic as a result of our giving them more priority to allow for sensibly planned routes and timetables. <BR /> <BR />Peter McReynolds and his colleague asked about the publication of the north-west transport plan. Officials are working closely with Derry City and Strabane District Council and other stakeholders on its development. An early engagement exercise was completed on 5 November, with 92 responses received.”
“When considering local transport in the district, active travel needs to be the first choice for shorter journeys. I realise that that is not practical for everyone or for journeys that are slightly longer, and the role that buses play has to increase. They are the key to moving people efficiently and effectively within and between Derry and Strabane and their satellite settlements, many of which, it is important to remember, are in County Donegal. <BR /> <BR />I am not naive to the financial pressures that are faced, but I recognise buses as the solution to achieving more sustainable transport. The riverfront city deal project, which the council initially led, is starting to reallocate city centre road space to buses and active travel.”
“The north-west transport plan is one of those and covers the Derry City and Strabane District Council area plus its zone of influence. That plan is not being prepared in isolation; rather, it is an integrated plan that is being developed in close partnership with the council as it brings forward its local development plan in parallel. <BR /> <BR />When we think of Derry, we know that much is happening. We have an expanding university, a central riverfront and the Walled City regeneration project. My officials are working with colleagues in the Department for the Economy on the expansion of Magee university to maximise the benefits and establish a structured programme of continuous engagement with local residents and community groups.”
“I thank the Member for her intervention on that. The importance of having Fermanagh as part of that is well recognised, certainly by my colleagues who represent the same constituency as the Member. I hope that, as part of our broader transport plan, we can ensure that Fermanagh is not left behind. It is about looking at how we can improve connectivity right across the island and ensuring that no part of our island is left in isolation. I am keen and happy to continue to work with the Member and other constituency colleagues on that. <BR /> <BR />The remainder of the suite of plans for the north-west transport plan considers the local transport issues, including active travel, public transport, the local road network and parking.”
“The transport strategy is substantially complete, and I plan to publish it for consultation in the next couple of months. The strategy will set out the vision and my strategic priorities for our transport system through to 2035. It will articulate the role of transport as a social, economic and environmental enabler and establish a set of transport priorities for my Department to deliver against. The regional strategic transport network transport plan will consider the strategic transport network, which includes our railways and the strategic road network.”
“Once DAERA's draft optimum remediation strategy is finalised, my officials will be able to develop a delivery strategy and timeline for the A6 phase 2 project. <BR /> <BR />It is important to connect Derry with Belfast, but equally important is the Derry to Dublin connection via the A5. From an economic perspective, improving connections from Derry to our principal cities makes clear business sense. Of course, the principal factor in all of that is the improvement to make it safer. Too many lives have been lost on the A5, and the upgrade will save lives. The project is vital. I am confident that it will help to transform our social and economic geography by promoting the north-west. <BR /> <BR />As many of you are aware, I am bringing forward a new transport strategy along with a new suite of transport plans.”
“<BR /> <BR />Members have talked about the A6. Over recent years, we have constructed many miles of new dual carriageway on the A6. The recently completed Dungiven to Derry stretch was the North's largest ever road scheme. It provides a much improved link from Derry to Belfast and the gateways along the east coast. It has been transformative for the north-west. However, the Member who spoke previously mentioned the frustration of not being able to compete the phase of works that would connect the A6 through to the A2 and the Foyle Bridge to allow quicker journeys around the city, and I understand that frustration. My officials are working closely with their counterparts in the NIEA and other relevant stakeholders to expedite the remediation of the illegal waste site at Mobuoy.”
“Thank you, Deputy Speaker. I thank the Members who tabled the motion. Transport infrastructure for the north-west is an important topic. I very much welcome the debate. I am sure that everybody here aspires to and wants to see the delivery of a thriving north-west. Certainly, I am keen to see that. My predecessor, Minister O'Dowd, and I are committed to achieving regional balance during the mandate. My party has championed that for some time and will continue to do so. It is important to emphasise the huge potential of the north-west region, which has been described here. My job is to ensure that the impediments that have held it back, and continue to do so, are removed and to ensure that it can reach its full potential. As Infrastructure Minister, I see my role as providing the building blocks that support the region's growth.”
“In addition, my officials are working collaboratively with colleagues in DAERA and DFC to contribute to the aims and objectives of the Executive's housing supply strategy.”
“Absolutely. One of the first engagements that I had when I came into post was with NI Water's chief executive and chair, because it is very important to me that we work closely together to address the waste water constraints. We have a shared aim in achieving that, and this will, undoubtedly, help to facilitate new housing connections in west Belfast and across the North. Working together enables us to focus any additional investment on where it is most needed. We have seen how that has happened in the most recent October monitoring round, where we were able to target waste water constraints and facilitate connections for the housing developments that I mentioned. That additional investment is projected to deliver capacity for 2,300 new properties overall and to connect to the infrastructure during this price control period.”
“Of the additional £19·5 million provided to NI Water during October monitoring, £7 million has been allocated to addressing waste water constraints in the upper Falls area of west Belfast. That investment will facilitate the progression of seven new housing developments, comprising around 1,200 homes, as well as five commercial units. The connection of those new homes to NI Water's waste water infrastructure will be subject to the completion of the capital works in the upper Falls area by NI Water and the delivery of storm water offsetting solutions by developers. Targeted investments such as that will help to contribute to the delivery of the aims and objectives of the Executive's housing supply strategy.”
“Including that of the Member and many others whom the A5 serves, so many families have been impacted on in that way. I am very cognisant of that. I hope that we will see a conclusion to the current legal case at the earliest possible stage. It is listed for hearing in the High Court on 18 March, with an expected time frame of three consecutive days. Whilst there is no defined time frame for the handing down of the court's decision following the hearing, the court has previously indicated the importance of getting the case dealt with as quickly as possible, so I hope that that will also be in the not-too-distant future.”
“I reiterate that I am working really hard and at pace to ensure that the A5 is delivered. We must ensure that the A5 is delivered at the earliest possible stage. I and my officials have been having regular liaisons with our counterparts in the South of Ireland on that critical project. As recently as last week, at a North/South Ministerial Council meeting, officials met our counterparts in the Department of Transport, and I had discussions with Minister O'Brien about the A5. I am committed to ensuring that we continue to move ahead with it as quickly as possible.”
“I can advise that the biennial MOT testing consultation presents a number of options for testing as well as considering road safety, environmental impact, insurance premiums and the potential impact on the local automotive industry. In considering the way forward for vehicle testing, I will factor in the responses from the public and key stakeholders on those important issues and the operational impact of the opening of two new test centres. I can advise that the two centres will provide the capacity to test over 200,000 additional vehicles per annum, which will help the DVA to meet the future demand for the service.”
“It is very important that, at this point, I offer my gratitude to all the staff in our MOT centres. Without the Trojan effort of those workers across the North, we would not see that reduction in waiting times. It has been very important. I know that all our constituency offices have been lobbied heavily on that issue.”
“In each of the past three years, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has conducted over 1·1 million vehicle tests, which are the highest numbers ever recorded. In June last year, my predecessor, Minister O'Dowd, introduced temporary exemption certificates for five- and seven-year-old cars within specified date ranges. That measure, along with the high number of vehicle tests being conducted, means that the average waiting time for an MOT test has fallen from over 100 days at the end of May 2024 to approximately 30 days in February 2025. <BR /> <BR />In 2024, there were only six days of the year on which the DVA did not offer MOT appointments. Disappointingly, on average, around 800 vehicle test appointments are missed each week due to no-shows, placing additional demand on the service.”
“I am therefore considering the issue at the minute, but I hope to be able to announce something fairly soon.”
“Yes. I hope to see that happen in the fairly near future. I will keep members of the Committee for Infrastructure updated. As I have said, road safety is a huge priority for me, because we are witnessing the highest number of deaths on our roads, many of whom, sadly, now are pedestrians. It is therefore incumbent on us all to do what we can to reduce the numbers to as low as possible, and ideally to zero. We do not want to see anybody lose their life on our roads. For me, the scheme is very important, as it is about protecting our children as they go to and from school and about protecting people who live in residential areas. I am considering the issue very seriously, but I want to ensure that we get the maximum benefit from whatever I announce next.”
“I thank the Member for raising the issue. It is something that I lobbied for strongly prior to my becoming Minister. It is a piece of work that, like my predecessor, I am very keen to see rolled out where possible. I met officials at the end of last week to look at the review and to discuss where we go next. I have a few questions, however, about how we progress the scheme further and about its potential limits. I therefore hope to be able to make an announcement in the near future.”
“Absolutely. It goes without saying that we should not be seeing raw sewage on any of our public footways or in areas that the public use. The Member has reiterated why there is a real need to progress the scheme more quickly. The reality is that the funding is not there, but that does not mean that we stand still. We have to keep going. I continue to work with Executive colleagues to look at other natural drainage solutions. I will be introducing a water, flooding and sustainable drainage Bill, and we are also looking at developer contributions. Although none of those is a silver bullet in isolation, we are committed to looking at all solutions to help move the situation forward.”
“I do not know the specifics of the scheme. As I said earlier, a key priority for me is to ensure the delivery of waste water infrastructure. I continue to work with NI Water to progress that work, which is essential. I recognise the significant financial constraints, but we must keep going with what we have in order to ensure that we continue to deliver, albeit at a slower pace than we would like. I am happy to look at the matter in further detail. If the Member wishes, I am happy to meet him. My approach to all waste water issues is to progress development.”
“There has been early engagement on a number of schemes, including the Ravenhill Road BCN scheme and the Glenavy to Crumlin active travel improvements. The views received at those events have been extremely valuable in helping our teams to shape and develop detailed design proposals.”
“Absolutely. As I have said to other Members through the course of today's Question Time, the Department is committed to ensuring that we engage with the community at every opportunity. It is important that they have their input. We are committed to ensuring that we give people the choice to walk, wheel or cycle for many of their shorter, everyday journeys, regardless of their age or their ability. Local communities are best placed to tell us what they need to help make that a reality. <BR /> <BR />Stakeholder engagement is at the core of this scheme development, with the new design guidance for active travel infrastructure embedding meaningful stakeholder and community engagement throughout the design process.”
“Design work is ongoing for the majority of the other short-term schemes, including Ravenhill Road; north Belfast city centre connections linking York Street train station to the Cathedral Quarter and Ulster University; Limestone Road/Cavehill Road; Durham Street linking to Belfast Grand Central station; and Dublin Road/Botanic Avenue linking the southern side of the city centre to Queen's University.”
“I thank the Member for the question. Lagmore Avenue Belfast cycling network scheme is programmed to start on site on 10 March. West Belfast greenway phase 1A is also programmed to start this financial year but is dependent on the land agreement that is currently being finalised. Scheme designs are complete for Island Street and Sydenham greenway phase 1. My Department is preparing to commence statutory consultation on those schemes in the coming weeks. <BR /> <BR />Officials are working to resolve a number of objections received during the statutory consultation for the Montgomery Road BCN scheme.”
“Yes, without getting into the detail of the case, it is important that we recognise that. It is an important part of the scheme. However, I have a responsibility to ensure that anything that is approved by me or through the Department meets the criteria required. I understand that this is a very important scheme that will lead to the significant development of housing in that area, so I want to ensure that whatever is approved is fit for purpose and will not lead to further issues down the line in years to come. That is not to say that I foresee that. I want the Member to understand that I want to consider carefully the proposal that is put in front of me, so that I can be confident in whatever decision I take.”
“I thank the Member for his cordial words. I recently met officials in relation to that scheme. The upgrade and signalisation of Caw roundabout is the responsibility of the developer, as included in the planning consent for the adjacent H30 development. The Department continues to work with the developer on the matter. <BR /> <BR />On 15 November and 12 December last year, the developer submitted further information on the traffic assumptions and modelling updates. Additional design information was received on 17 February this year. I met officials on receipt of that, and it is currently being reviewed in line with the Department's responsibility to protect road safety. I hope that we will be able to make further progress on that very soon.”
“My Department also works closely with councils to support them in the delivery of their greenway and active travel priorities. In the Ards and North Down Borough Council area, funding of £6·4 million has been committed by my Department to deliver greenways connecting Comber and Bangor to Newtownards. I recently attended an event marking the commencement of the construction for the Newtownards to Bangor greenway. My officials continue to work with their counterparts in council to finalise the design for the Newtownards to Comber greenway.”
“My Department has developed a draft active travel delivery plan including draft network maps for our larger towns and cities such as Bangor, Donaghadee and Holywood in the North Down area. Public consultation on the draft plan closed on 28 February, and I thank everyone who took the time to respond. My officials will now review the submissions received and make any necessary amendments to the plan before submitting it to me for final approval. When it is complete, the plan will complement the Belfast cycling network delivery plan to provide a firm basis for prioritising the delivery of improved active travel infrastructure in our towns and cities, providing enhanced sustainable connectivity for the next 10 years and beyond.”
“Yes, that is critical. From the outset, we want to ensure that areas do not get a reputation that goes before them in a negative way. We all have a responsibility to play our part and ensure that, where such issues arise, we work together to resolve them. The most important thing is to put an end to such issues. No one should feel unsafe going to their daily work. That consultation — that piece of work — is critical to protect workers and ensure that the people of that area have access to the public transport services that they need and deserve.”
“I outlined initially that, when such incidents happen, we will continue to work with communities and elected representatives in the areas where they happen. Translink would be in a better position to answer the question about the safety of its workers and to talk about lone working policies and things like that. I am happy to get further clarity on the policies that are in place and get back to the Member in writing.”
“Public transport connects and enhances our communities, providing a convenient, flexible and accessible way to travel. The safety of our public transport workers and passengers is vital. Indeed, our public transport workers deserve to feel safe doing their job and should not be subjected to attacks, whether verbal or physical. Translink initially withdrew services from the area in 2018 due to an antisocial behaviour incident. It engaged with the local community and elected representatives and reintroduced services up until 6.00 pm. That service was restored, as there was not deemed to be demand for a service after 6.00 pm. With additional housing development in the area, however, Translink is reviewing its service offering and will continue to work with local elected representatives to extend the service into the evening.”
“I am still here. Just give me a second. <BR /> <BR />Yes, I am committed to increasing investment in active travel. I have to do that, if we are to meet the requirements of the Climate Change Act 2022. In addition to the delivery of active travel projects, my Department routinely invests in existing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, as we have discussed. Work is ongoing to analyse the overall transport budgets and identify all areas of departmental spend from which pedestrians and cyclists benefit. When that analysis is complete, it will allow my Department to report a comprehensive position of overall active travel spend against the requirements of the Climate Change Act.”
“Patching repairs have been carried out in the past, but the current investment will upgrade the facilities along the route for pedestrians and cyclists for many years to come. It is an important part of the work that we do, but it does not take away from the need for the further new schemes that we are committed to delivering across the North, not just in Belfast.”
“The Member has potentially answered his own question, because, given that it is so well used, it is important. It has been surveyed, and it is important to those who use it to invest in maintaining our existing pedestrian and cycling facilities to ensure that infrastructure remains safe, effective and attractive to users as we continue to encourage that behavioural shift towards walking, wheeling and cycling. <BR /> <BR />As the Member alluded to, the cycle track at the Stranmillis embankment has been in place for over 25 years, and this is the first time that this level of investment has been required. The surface of the existing footway has deteriorated to the extent that sections may present difficulties to pedestrians, especially those using mobility aids or prams.”
“The Lagmore Avenue scheme is programmed to start on site in the coming weeks. The west Belfast greenway phase 1A is also programmed to start very soon — sorry, I have lost my train of thought. The joys of technology. <BR /> <BR />It is dependent on land acquisition being finalised. There are other schemes for which the design is substantially complete, and officials are preparing traffic regulation orders for statutory consultation. Design work is ongoing for the majority of the other schemes on the short-term list in the Belfast cycling network delivery plan, and the public will be informed through upcoming engagement events as scheme designs progress.”
“Work to upgrade the eastern footway and cycle track on Stranmillis embankment commenced on 27 January this year and is expected to take approximately 15 weeks. It is a sizeable investment to upgrade our existing cycling infrastructure in Belfast, with investment from my Department of £580,000. I recognise the value of maintaining the route to a high standard to ensure that the facilities remain attractive to users. It is one of the most important cycling routes in Belfast, connecting the north and south of the city, through the Lagan towpath, the riverside path and the M2 foreshore. It is one of the first schemes to benefit from new intuitive red surfacing and splayed kerbs to increase safety and the usable width for cycling. The footway reconstruction will also significantly improve the pavement surface for pedestrians along the route.”
“Initial outcomes from the study suggest that there is sufficient forecast demand between Armagh and Belfast and in the local urban corridor of Portadown, Lurgan and Lisburn and that journey times will be competitive with the car. It is anticipated that the feasibility study report will be available in the coming weeks, and I will study its recommendations when I receive it.”
“I thank the Member for his comments. The Enterprise service that he alludes to has been highly successful. We have seen a 49% increase in passengers, which is a success story in itself for public transport. <BR /> <BR />The Portadown to Armagh line, with an onward connection to Mullingar, was identified as a medium-term intervention in the all-island strategic rail review in support of the recommendation to develop the railway to boost connectivity in the north midlands. The feasibility study builds on an initial study that was funded by the Department and carried out by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in 2022.”
“Yes, I am aware of that line in particular, given that it goes through my constituency as well. With all of the projects, engagement and consultation with communities are critical. While we await the outcome of the feasibility studies, we will consider, in the next steps, what that consultation will look like. I hope to see further progress on that in the very near future.”
“<BR /> <BR />In addition to the reopening of the Knockmore line, Translink has other feasibility studies ongoing that are linked to recommendations in the rail review and are due to report by spring/summer this year. I will then need to consider which projects to prioritise as funding opportunities become available. The outcomes from the EIB work and the ongoing feasibility studies will help to inform that. Just last week, I attended my first North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meeting and was delighted to meet my counterpart in the South, Minister O'Brien. That issue was high on the agenda. I look forward to continuing that work with my colleagues in the South.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cholm. My Department continues to work with our colleagues in the Department of Transport, supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), to consider the recommendations in the review and identify the rail interventions that could be well advanced or delivered over the next decade to 2035. Rail services on the island are already being developed towards the report's vision. That includes an increase in the hourly train service between Dublin and Belfast, while procurement has also started on a new faster and more sustainable Enterprise train fleet for the Dublin to Belfast route. We hope to see that in place by 2029.”
“Maybe I could come back to the Member on that in writing. I have not become aware of any since I have come into post. I can double-check that with the Department and come back to you in writing.”
“I confirm that Translink received funding through the Department for Transport's Union connectivity fund to undertake a feasibility study regarding the reopening of the railway line between Lisburn and Antrim. As well as considering engineering requirements, demand forecasting and cost estimates, the study is considering reopening the three stations previously in operation on the line at Ballinderry, Glenavy and Crumlin. In addition, three locations for a new station at Belfast International Airport are being appraised to identify the preferred option. The report is due to be completed in spring 2025, so, hopefully, in the next few weeks. I look forward to reviewing its recommendations on how to improve connectivity across our island.”
“At this point, it would be remiss of me to pre-empt what will come out of the current review. I hope to be able to provide the Member with further updates at the earliest possible stage.”
“I thank the Member for that question. That demonstrates just how challenging the issue is, and I have committed to reviewing the guidance and, hopefully, updating it so that it is more streamlined and shows clearly what we can do within our remit to bring the issues to a resolution at the earliest possible stage. That has been recognised, and that is why we are where we are. I hope to be able to provide further information fairly soon.”