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.”
The complete record
Every one of 2,530 lines we hold for Liz Kimmins, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 37 of 51.
“Since 2021, enforcement action has been initiated by my Department on approximately 28 sites. The number of enforcement actions is restricted by several factors, including Department and contractor resource and a shortfall of funds remaining in the bond. As I have previously mentioned, I am considering new private streets enforcement guidance that may influence how and when enforcement action is taken in the future against developers. Hopefully, I will be able to update the House fairly soon.”
“I thank the Member. I completely appreciate her frustration. I know that the issue has come up in many areas. I reiterate the point that, essentially, the Department's hands are tied. It is the responsibility of the developers who sold the houses. People bought those in good faith and expected them to be finished. I appreciate that it is a very difficult situation, and I have a lot of empathy for all those impacted on by it.”
“Where a developer has defaulted on their agreements by leaving a site incomplete or the company's ceasing to trade, my Department has a discretionary option to commence enforcement by issuing notices under the relevant legislation and using the bond moneys to complete the works necessary to bring the infrastructure to the required standard. If the value of the work necessary to bring a development to an adoptable standard exceeds the value of the bond held, my Department has no legal requirement to complete the work and no funding mechanism to bridge the gap. Unfortunately, unless alternative funding can be identified, a development will remain unadopted.”
“That is an important point to clarify for the record. In my view, where the developer defaults, it is the developer's responsibility. They have been paid for the properties that have been built. <BR /> <BR />As for my Department's responsibility, the statutory basis for the adoption of private streets is provided for in the Private Streets (NI) Order 1980 and the Private Streets (Amendment) (NI) Order 1992. The Private Streets Order requires developers to take out a bond surety, which is a financial guarantee that the developer will meet their obligations. If the developer defaults, the authority may draw down the bond in order to have the works completed to the required standards.”
“That represented the first rise since 2008. <BR /> <BR />In addition, following the 2024 Assembly motion on tackling the high number of unadopted housing developments and roads, a commitment was given to develop more effective private streets enforcement guidance to reduce the risk of new developments being added to the backlog of unadopted sites. I am reviewing that guidance. I met officials in recent days to discuss the issue and consider our next steps, and I hope to be able to make an announcement very soon.”
“It is important to note that the majority of housing developments pass through the various processes of planning, consents, construction and adoption with relatively few issues. Departmental data indicates that over 92% of all housing developments are adopted without the need to engage in enforcement action or have the development added to the list of unadopted sites. However, I fully recognise that a significant number of developments are not completed to the correct standard and remain unadopted. <BR /> <BR />A number of measures have been put in place by my Department over recent years to increase the effectiveness of enforcement. Following approval by my predecessor, Minister O'Dowd, bond calculation rates were raised in 2023 to ensure that bonds would be sufficient to complete construction works should a developer default.”
“My priority is to ensure that we do not put an additional burden on hard-working families and people right across the North who are already struggling with the cost of living. We need to find sustainable solutions. <BR /> <BR />I take on board what the Member said, but it is important that any changes —. On the other point about changing the funding model or how we currently operate, that would require further delays to the progress on our waste water infrastructure. At this time, I am committed to doing as much as I can. That may require taking a phased approach to doing things and basing that on the funding that is available to me. I will make sure that I continue to work with all partners, including NI Water, to ensure that, when more money becomes available, we are ready to use it.”
“At Committee last week, we also talked about the NI Audit Office report, which was published last year. The Department has already undertaken six reviews of funding and the status of NI Water. After all that, we have come to the conclusion that it is best to continue with the existing funding model. The outcome of that work is for the Assembly to consider. It is for the Assembly to choose whether it wants to change NI Water's form or funding model, but that would require the introduction of domestic water charges. No matter how many times we talk about it, that would be the ultimate outcome if we were to change. What I am saying is that we will look at all the suggestions put forward.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Finance Minister announced today a funding allocation through the transformation fund that includes £15 million for urban drainage. That is one way of looking at the innovation that is available to treat rain water, which, as NI Water has said, forms a large part of the water going through treatment systems. At Committee last week, we had a discussion about global practice. We are committed to looking at best practice not just across these islands but across Europe and globally. As I said at Committee, I rule nothing in and nothing out. It is important to recognise, however, that we have a good funding model. We have options that we are considering and working through in the three-pronged approach. We will continue to look at all options that can help to deliver on waste water.”
“I do not believe that the current funding model is not working. The problem is that we do not have enough funding. I have given answers today on options that Members put forward such as mutualisation and privatisation. There is a concerted effort to push us in the direction of implementing water charges: that will not happen; I am committed to not doing that. The Member is shaking his head. Just to be clear: I am not suggesting that that is what he was saying. What I am saying is that I am looking at all available options. Things have been done. In the October monitoring round, my predecessor, John O'Dowd, provided £19·5 million, which will help to unlock capacity that will build 2,300 homes. When we put our heads together, it can happen. I will continue to do that, working with all colleagues around the table.”
“I will continue to work to the best of my ability with all Executive colleagues to do as much as we can to deliver on our waste water infrastructure and ensure that the homes that we have committed to build are built at the earliest possible stage.”
“I thank the Member for his question. It is important to outline that waste water infrastructure underpins quite a lot of the priorities in the Programme for Government. There is a commitment not just by me as the Minister but across the Executive to deliver on those priorities. As I said in previous answers today, I will continue to work on my three-pronged approach, which involves working closely with all Executive colleagues to deliver the funding needed. The reality, as the Member will know, is that the overall Executive Budget would not be enough to deliver the required waste water upgrades. However, that does not mean that we do nothing.”
“As I said, I believe that mutualisation is essentially water charges by the back door. A mutualisation model would require the Executive to relinquish oversight, which is not the direction in which we want to go. We want to ensure that we have that level of governance over how water is treated and how the waste water system is working. I therefore do not think that mutualisation is a positive option. We have seen that it has not worked well across the water. I want to ensure that we can continue to provide the highest standards of waste water infrastructure while ensuring that we are not creating additional costs for domestic customers.”
“A mutualisation model would result in the relinquishing of Executive oversight, which in itself would be concerning. Given that we have seen examples across the water of where mutualisation has not worked well, achieving it here would require domestic water customers to pay charges. There is no ambiguity about that. NI Water would also be required to secure debt and financing on quite a significant scale. To do that, it would be required to borrow large amounts of money that would have to be financed in some way. For me, mutualisation is just another way of dressing up the introduction of water charges for domestic customers. I am committed to ensuring that we do not place an additional financial pressure on people who are already struggling with the cost of living and everything else that we hear about day and daily.”
“The privatisation and mutualisation models that are favoured in England and Wales require charges to be paid by domestic water customers, however, so they are essentially water charges by the back door. Furthermore, recent evidence has demonstrated that those governance models do not necessarily provide the better levels of services that people expect and can lead to higher levels of debt and to increasing costs. <BR /> <BR />I am keen to see the delivery of improvements to our waste water infrastructure in order to facilitate housing growth and economic development, as well as to help improve water quality. I will continue to work in partnership with NI Water to ensure that we make the most of the funding that we have available for essential public services. I will also continue to work with my Executive colleagues.”
“Furthermore, my predecessor provided NI Water with an additional £32 million of public money in the recent October monitoring round, of which £19·5 million was to fund targeted action to release waste water constraints. In partnership with the Executive, I will be continuing my Department's three-pronged approach by working with colleagues to try to increase waste water investment, by reviewing the policy and legislation for developer contributions, with a view to launching a consultation later this month, and by securing Executive agreement for a water, flooding and sustainable drainage Bill to be introduced in the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />My Department has reviewed water utility company structures across Britain and Ireland for best practice, including the mutualisation model, in which I know the Member is interested.”
“Under the current funding model, my Department fully funded NI Water for the first three years of the current price control (PC) period to the level that the Utility Regulator deemed necessary. We all recognise that there is a need for additional funding for all public services, and NI Water is not immune. Water and sewage infrastructure has suffered from years of historical underinvestment as a result of the austerity policies that the British Government implemented, and we are dealing with the legacy of those policies. <BR /> <BR />My Department has provided NI Water with a budget allocation of almost £0·5 billion in this financial year, which is just under 40% of the total non-ring-fenced budget that is available for the entire Department.”
“The Member knows that the Department has a commitment to reduce emissions from all its vehicles. We are working to do that. We see hydrogen buses all over, and they have been working really well. Likewise, we are updating our vehicles for the Glider service to try to reduce emissions and introduce electric vehicles. <BR /> <BR />We will continue to work to see from where we can secure that funding and whether it can be found within the Department. There is a wider responsibility in overall Executive funding and external funders as well. We continue to look at all options.”
“As an MLA for a constituency outside Belfast, I am very conscious that we need to update and upgrade our public transport network right across the North. A transport strategy and transport plans are being developed by my Department. Those take cognizance of all the issues that the Member has raised. This money is ring-fenced through the Belfast region city deal funding, and I have put in the additional funding to secure this particular project. However, that is not at the expense of any other project. I am keen to see greater progress on our public transport network right across the North.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I will come back to you in writing about the Lagan bridge, because I want to give you the most recent update on it. <BR /> <BR />We will work with stakeholders at the earliest possible stage on the issues for businesses that you outlined on delivery and loading bays in order to find the most viable solution for dealing with them as the works commence. We can take that forward, and I will ask officials to actively consider it.”
“As part of the implementation phase of BRT2, a detailed stakeholder engagement plan and associated communication strategy will be developed through the identification, mapping and involvement of key stakeholders in the project and those who live along the route. Regular updates on scheme progress and milestones will be shared on the Department's website through the dedicated BRT2 web pages. Officials will start that process by briefing the business stakeholder reference group this afternoon, as I outlined, and they will schedule meetings with elected representatives in due course. Public information events will also be held as the project progresses through the detailed design stage and into construction.”
“<BR /> <BR />At each stage of the project, we will undertake the necessary consultation as determined by the statutory processes, and we will endeavour to phase the construction works along the route to help minimise the impact on traffic, taking advantage of off-peak and seasonal reductions in traffic volumes where possible. The works will take time. Whilst they are challenging, we have a long-term vision for enhanced public transport services in Belfast, and the BRT2 project will help us to deliver that vision.”
“We will work closely with statutory partners over the life cycle of the construction phase of the project in order to minimise traffic disruption along those arterial routes. As I said, lessons were learned through phase 1 of BRT, and we will continue to have key stakeholder forums to allow information to be disseminated on the delivery stage of the project. As with phase 1, we will establish a joint utilities working group to allow potential issues to be raised, managed and, if necessary, escalated and resolved in a timely manner in order to minimise potential delays to the road network.”
“I thank the Member for her comments and her question. I said that we will look at priority routes for Metro buses to enhance the service that is there, because we recognise the need for additional services. The Member asked about reassuring people about developing the service. We want to do that, and there is a need for it, but it is about getting it right and about putting the funding in place to do it properly. I hope that that gives reassurance, but I am happy to pick up on that later. As part of the engagement with residents, stakeholders and elected reps, we can, hopefully, start to allay some of those fears and work together in the time ahead.”
“I expect nothing else from the Member, because I have heard little positivity. As I said, plenty of areas across the North would love to see that extension, and I will work with all other areas, because we have a commitment to update our public transport, and we will continue to do so. <BR /> <BR />The scheme was in place before I was in post, and it has been delayed due to the Assembly's being down. I will take on board all the comments that have been made.”
“The Member made his feelings very clear through his constant tutting and sighing throughout the statement. With respect, it is my first statement, and I am willing to provide as much information as possible. I did not have the detail to hand and asked Miss McAllister whether I could follow up with it in writing. I am keen to do that with the Member too because I am working through this as best I can.”
“I thank the Member for his question and his kind comments. I am looking forward to engaging with the Committee, hopefully, as you said, sooner rather than later. As someone who is new in the role, I will be looking at fare evasion, but, at this time, I am not aware of any specific plans on that issue. I am happy to follow up in writing with the Member on that.”
“I thank the Member for that important question. As part of the overall commitment on active travel infrastructure, we are looking at all those things because it is important that, as we modernise our public transport, we consider our commitments to active travel. I think that those are key points. When we were out this morning on the Glider, one of the issues that was picked up concerned one of the cycle racks. We will be doing that on an ongoing basis across the piece as part of the active travel plan.”
“Delivery timescales for the full project are dependent on the availability of funding, as was outlined previously. It is possible that the north-south Glider service could become operational by 2030, but it is hoped that the initial phase could be delivered by 2027.”
“Previous decisions on the route were made by my predecessor. However I am assured that all those decisions were taken after everything had been looked at in the round and were based on need. I do not agree with the Member's comments, but I am happy to work with him and address the issues that have been outlined. Hopefully, we can move this forward and, with Executive colleagues' support, secure the funding that is needed to do exactly what we have set out to do.”
“It is very important to take all that into consideration.”
“I am disappointed that the Member feels that the announcement is underwhelming, because plenty of people in other parts of the North would be highly delighted to see such a scheme in their area. I appreciate the frustrations, and we can see the impact of underfunding on our public services across every Department. I have committed to doing what I can to secure the funding to ensure that the extension happens. The reality is that it is not viable at this point. We want to make sure that what we do is done right and that it causes the least disruption to residents and businesses.”
“A period of urban regeneration, through the 'A Bolder Vision' initiative, has the potential to change that by re-stitching and reconnecting the city centre to local neighbourhoods to create a tapestry that encourages living, working, socialising and active travel, as well as addressing the social, economic and health inequalities that are a huge challenge for any city.”
“As part of my commitment to the provision of active travel infrastructure, I will bring forward the design and construction of Bankmore Link to provide key linkages to the Belfast cycle network and strengthen the connection between the river and the city centre through the provision of the new Lagan pedestrian and cycle bridge. <BR /> <BR />Planning and redevelopment in the 1960s and 1970s segregated communities from each other and from the economic potential of the city core, resulting in the disconnection of the city core from communities. That also meant that no housing was built or developed in the city centre. Belfast city centre is made up of and surrounded by inner-city, working-class communities.”
“I thank the Member for that question. It is important to say that my Department is proud to work alongside our partners in DFC and Belfast City Council to deliver the 'A Bolder vision for Belfast' initiative, which seeks to fundamentally reimagine how our streets and public spaces are used, making them more vibrant, more accessible and, most importantly, safer for all users. The BRT2 project will align with that initiative through the design and construction of the northern civic spine of the city, which runs along Donegall Place and Royal Avenue. It will include the city centre bus priority measures mentioned in the statement to deliver the commitment to a more efficient public transport network. <BR /> <BR />The 'A Bolder Vision' initiative also prioritises spaces for people who walk, wheel and cycle.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I will follow up with her in writing with more detail on the access points in north Belfast. I mentioned the O'Neill Road location for the park-and-ride site, and I will follow up in writing with any additional information that is required, if that is OK with the Member.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The park-and-ride facility that is proposed at O'Neill Road has a significant number of spaces, so we hope that such facilities will address the need in the areas in which they will be available. As I mentioned, just this morning, I got the Glider in from one of the sites that has a park-and-ride facility. I could see that it is very well used, which is a success story. We will engage with elected reps and listen to people on the ground: that is part of the engagement process that will be available to all residents, stakeholders and elected reps throughout the delivery of the project. We will monitor it and, as issues arise, hopefully, put in place solutions to alleviate them.”
“We have learned lessons from projects in the past, and it is important that we use foresight to ensure that we have as smooth a delivery as possible. The BRT2 team in the Department can be contacted through its dedicated mailbox, details of which can be found on the website. We are keen for anybody to engage with us.”
“I thank the Member for her question. It is a very important question, given that we have learned lessons from the original BRT project. Regular and meaningful engagement will be undertaken with stakeholders from the outset of the project. That will take the form of a regular, formal briefings and ad hoc meetings with individuals and interest groups. Public information events will also be held as the project progresses through detailed design and delivery. <BR /> <BR />During the implementation of the scheme, we will use additional communications to the travelling public through variable message signage, our Traffic Watch NI page and the BRT2 website. Consideration will also be given to the timing of necessary roadworks to ensure that they take advantage of seasonal and off-peak traffic volumes, where possible.”
“I thank the Member for his invite. We can certainly consider that, because it is important for us to be out on the ground to understand the local concerns and, hopefully, allay them. The proposal is for the site that is situated on lands adjacent to the O'Neill Road recycling centre, which is just south of Glengormley. The site extends to approximately five acres, with the potential to accommodate in the region of 500 parking spaces. Hopefully, we will see the benefits of that. I am happy to take that up with the Member afterwards.”
“I hope that the project will encourage students, staff and other people who travel in and out of that area on a regular basis, including those with hospital appointments, to see the benefits of using the Glider service. There are huge benefits to come out of what is being announced today. However, I recognise that more work needs to be done and more funding is required, and we will continue to work to secure that.”
“As I said, the shortfall is quite significant. The overall project is £48 million, so there is a shortfall of approximately £100 million, given that the estimate is around £142 million to £148 million in total. It is a huge amount of work, and we recognise that that is a significant shortfall. However, it is not unachievable. There are definitely things that we can do. If there is a phased approach, we will continue to work through that. <BR /> <BR />The Member outlined the connectivity to the hospital and the Queen's University area. They are key aspects of the project. We have seen the congestion around our university areas.”
“Although the business case for BRT2 is still being finalised, it is anticipated that it will bring similar benefits and yield a modal shift away from private cars. I travelled to Stormont on the Glider this morning, and, as someone from an area outside Belfast, where we do not always have access to such modern and effective modes of public transport, I can certainly say that I was delighted to have the opportunity to use it and to see how effective and efficient it is. <BR /> <BR />I hope that we can see a resolution to the congestion, but the works being undertaken are for the benefit of everyone across the city.”
“I thank my colleague for his question. I am acutely aware of the issues with city-centre traffic congestion while essential works are undertaken at Belfast Grand Central station and on the A2 Sydenham bypass. Those works are necessary, however, as we seek to provide an enhanced public transport network. Although I appreciate that the situation has been difficult, the delivery of the new Belfast Grand Central station will hopefully encourage the public to use alternative means of transport into the city centre, thus increasing the use of sustainable transport and removing congestion. <BR /> <BR />The success of Belfast Rapid Transit phase 1 as a sustainable transport solution resulted in a 70% increase in patronage along that corridor and provided an additional, attractive, alternative and modern mode of travel into the city centre.”
“I thank the Member for her question. In October 2022, there was a collapse of the Assembly. That has to be factored in. My predecessor had nevertheless endeavoured to bring the statement to the House earlier, but, given some of the recent weather incidents, it had to be delayed. We have tried to get the statement out as quickly as possible. <BR /> <BR />As the Member knows, I continue to work hard with Executive colleagues to make the case for every funding envelope. I give her a commitment today that we will work to deliver the project in its entirety. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that we secure the funding that is needed in the time ahead. We are heading into a new financial year and continue to look at and work through the options that are available to us.”
“I thank the Member for his question, and I understand the frustration. As I said clearly in my statement, the full funding is not available. It is my view that we should do as much as we can with what we have, but it is important to reiterate that this is only the first step. If we want to do it, we have to do it right, and my Department is considering all options to make Glider phase 2 viable. We want to see those linkages being delivered, and we will continue to work with Executive colleagues and all other Members to make sure that we see them realised at the earliest possible stage.”
“<BR /> <BR />I reassure Members that I remain fully committed to progressing the entirety of the scheme, and I will continue to work with Executive colleagues and the Belfast region city deal partners to ensure that the appropriate level of investment is made available to deliver the project. This is just step one to get the project on the ground. I very much hope that everyone will now get behind this much-needed and long-awaited scheme in the interests of the greater good of our communities and of future generations. Officials will brief the business stakeholder reference group this afternoon to inform it of my decision and will meet elected representatives in due course.”
“<BR /> <BR />To demonstrate my commitment to sustainable transport and to provide attractive alternatives to the private car, I have committed an additional £13 million from my future departmental budgets to deliver a park-and-ride site on the O’Neill Road, as part of the advance phase. Whilst it will not be served by Glider vehicles at this stage, Translink Metro buses will provide a service to and from that site. Park-and-ride is a key enabler to improving connections, increasing public transport use, promoting sustainability and encouraging behavioural shift and in helping to drive down congestion and emissions, change travel patterns and protect our environment. The advancement of the BRT2 scheme will be subject to the approval of the outline business case (OBC), which is at an advanced stage.”
“As part of my commitment to the provision of active travel infrastructure and through the £35 million funding available for BRT2, I will bring forward the design and construction of Bankmore Link to provide key linkages of the Belfast cycle network and connectivity between the new Lagan pedestrian and cycle bridge and Grand Central station. Aligning with the aspirations of the Bolder Vision and Belfast Streets Ahead blueprints and working in partnership with our colleagues in DFC and Belfast City Council, we will design and construct the northern civic spine of the city, along Donegall Place and Royal Avenue, which will include the city centre bus priority measures required for BRT2.”
“I am also committed to enhancing our public transport infrastructure and, as part of this early phase, will deliver bus priority measures from Clifton Street to Innisfayle Park along the Antrim Road and from Ormeau Road to Park Road on the southern route, in readiness for the full BRT2 scheme. <BR /> <BR />As a key element of the Climate Change Act 2022 and in its own right, active travel will play a crucial role in empowering people to make more sustainable choices, particularly for shorter everyday journeys and in combination with public transport for longer journeys. With safe, reliable and accessible active travel infrastructure, individuals are more likely to embrace healthier alternatives to driving.”