Liz Kimmins
Newry and Armagh · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I do not know how it will have affected North Antrim specifically unless the Member is referring to something in particular. We all have a responsibility in climate change and what we do to try to mitigate its impacts.”
“As the Member rightly said, removal of the zero-detriment policy is for the AERA Minister, and I have engaged with the Minister on that, as well as on the removal of the statement of regulatory principles and intent. I recognise that removing that would have detrimental impact on future development.”
“In response, we recently developed and introduced new appraisal guidance, which represents a significant and deliberate shift in approach. Under the previous arrangements, schemes were largely determined by a monetised cost-benefit ratio threshold where, typically, projects that fell below a ratio of one did not progress.”
“A number of significant issues have led to that scenario. I assume that the Member is referring to waste water capacity. I have said that NI Water has suggested that it needs between £3·5 billion to £3·6 billion for the next price control period.”
“Recruitment is a key challenge faced by all Departments. In questions to the Minister of Health, my colleague from Newry and Armagh referred to the recruitment issue that recently impacted on Daisy Hill. The challenge is not unique to DFI. I want to put a focus on ensuring that we build our internal capacity and improve staffing levels.”
“The Executive and the Assembly agree that the Executive's Budget is not adequate, which is why we are in that negotiation. When it comes to the capital budget, we have to factor in a timeline for the legal challenge that we are going through. It is unlikely that we will get a decision from the court on this side of the summer recess.”
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“As we get more information on more concrete timelines, I will be happy to share it with the Member and keep in contact with him. I know how important it is to him and to his constituents, and, more widely, it will serve the needs of the people of the North.”
“It is too early to give precise dates on the reopening of the Knockmore line. It is recognised as a major project in the rail reprioritisation strategy and work will not begin on it until after 2030. Apologies, that is for work on the new line. The historic track on the line and the signalling need to be upgraded to modern standards, as the Member will know. That represents a major investment. Before work begins, it is important that the right solutions are identified. The Member will agree that we have one chance to get that right. It is important that we do so and that I can be confident that we get value for money on that work. <BR /> <BR />The delivery timeline for the Knockmore line will, like all projects, be subject to the availability of funding, approval of the necessary business cases and securing statutory consent.”
“Translink is working closely with my Department to examine the options for reopening the Antrim to Knockmore railway line. A business case is already in development and will be submitted to my Department by Translink later this year. As the Member will have heard me say before, ensuring airport connectivity for communities and businesses is vital to the economy and is an important step towards the delivery of the all-island strategic rail review recommendations. I have met representatives of both Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport, so I know how keen they are to see rail links in the future, because they will be hugely important for their future plans and for connecting our communities and people right across the North.”
“We can all play a small part, and we are keen to do that by working together through all of those issues.”
“The Member may not be aware of this, but enforcement is the responsibility of the AERA Minister; it is not my responsibility. AERA has the remit for water quality. However, as I said in my response to the Member who asked the previous question, I am committed to continuing to work with the AERA Minister because I respect the responsibilities that he has for the remit of his Department, the impact that that has on the remit of my Department and, importantly, the way in which we need to work together to serve everybody we represent to ensure that we are meeting our responsibilities on the environment and on the capacity of our waste water infrastructure. The two issues are interlinked. Our key objective is to find a solution that benefits everybody. No group or sector should be pitted against another.”
“As the Member will be aware, the Minister has outlined his suggestions on SoRPI, and we continue to engage with him on that. <BR /> <BR />It is important to recognise that the removal of SoRPI will have significant consequences if it is not done in a planned and managed way. It was established to recognise the waste water infrastructure challenges that we face. However, I continue to work with the Minister to find a solution that helps us move forward on that, because we all have a responsibility when it comes to environmental protection. I am keen to address the issues that you outlined about NI Water at the earliest possible stage. That will require investment, but I am keen to continue working with the AERA Minister and all Executive colleagues on that to ensure that we can find a solution at the earliest possible stage.”
“There has been extensive engagement with stakeholders, including Belfast City Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and the Housing Executive. That has included completing ground investigation surveys at 11 locations in the Whitehouse and Fortwilliam areas to assess their viability for potential SuDS projects. <BR /> <BR />Two other potential locations have been identified at Drumglass Park, Lisburn Road, and Castle Place in the city centre; that is actually three. Work has also commenced to deliver a natural flood management scheme in partnership with the National Trust at its property at Lisnabreeny and Cregagh Glen and to help to slow the flow of water in the Glenbrook river during periods of heavy rainfall.”
“As I have mentioned, the Department has secured £15 million from the transformation fund for that four-year period from 2025-26 to 2028-29. The allocation of £370,000 during 2025-26 has already been fully spent, and £4·625 million has been allocated for this financial year. That funding will be used to support the nature-based solutions pilot project over the next four years. The overall target for the project is to provide approximately 10,000 cubic metres of temporary storm water storage by retrofitting those nature-based SuDS interventions into urban areas to reduce the pressure on our constrained drainage and waste water infrastructure, which will help to reduce flood risk and spills from sewers. <BR /> <BR />Work during the first year of the pilot project has focused on identifying suitable locations.”
“That is why it is so important that, when we are around the Executive table, all Ministers have a good understanding of what the consequences of not investing in NI Water will be for delivering the upgrades that are needed. Not only does that impact on capacity when it comes to development, but, as the Member has set out in her example, it has an environmental impact, particularly on Belfast lough. <BR /> <BR />In my previous answer, I set out the steps that I am taking to move us closer to making progress. I continue to work with NI Water to find solutions, because that is what I am focused on: solutions. It is not about sitting on my hands but about ensuring that we find ways in which we can make progress, albeit with the challenges that we all face financially.”
“The requirements when it comes to the investment that is needed to deliver the Living with Water plan for Belfast are well rehearsed at this stage. It is important to recognise that the challenges that we face are the result of a significant increase in costs — 50% over two years — from the original figure of £1·2 billion to £1·6 billion. That is a significant jump from what we were expecting originally. That having been said, we have looked at how NI Water can deliver those projects with the funding that is available, working through that at a pace that is more achievable. That is not easy, and I think that that is well recognised.”
“I have also been successful in securing £15 million of transformation funding to progress a pilot project in the Whitehouse area to retrofit SuDS interventions, such as swales and rain gardens, into the urban environment. Those nature-based features help to store and reduce the flow of rainwater entering the sewerage network during periods of heavy rainfall, and therefore reduce the volume of water that is spilled from combined sewer overflows. While that alleviates pressures, I accept that it does not solve all our problems. I hope that that gives you a clear outline of the work that we are doing in an accumulative way to really help to deal with the issues, particularly in the challenging financial situation.”
“As part of my three-pronged approach to waste water issues, I will continue to work with the Executive to try to secure the appropriate investment that we need to ensure that NI Water can unlock capacity as well as improving the environmental performance of its assets, such as the one impacting on the Shore Road. <BR /> <BR />In parallel, as the Member will be aware, my Department is progressing developer contributions to waste water infrastructure upgrades on a phased basis, beginning with a voluntary scheme, which I announced earlier this year. That is complemented by the progression of my Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill to make provision for future regulation on sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and natural drainage options.”
“The recurrent flooding on the Shore Road near Mill Road is caused by a combined sewer overflow on the NI Water sewerage network. That overflow should discharge directly to the nearby watercourse that flows into Belfast lough but is instead surcharging directly on to the Shore Road. That is due to deficiencies in the existing sewerage network. Officials from my Department and NI Water have been working together to develop a joint solution to that complex issue, and NI Water hopes to be in a position to have the works completed by October this year. <BR /> <BR />More widely, the water quality issues in Belfast lough can be solved only through sustained, significant long-term investment in the waste water infrastructure that services the entire city, and those needs are set out in the Living with Water in Belfast plan.”
“If there are issues that have not been addressed or assessed, I am happy to look at them again. Everything that we do is about striving to ensure that we improve road safety across the North. The Member will know that everything is a priority but that, due to budget, it is not always possible to fulfil everything. However, we work hard to ensure that we do what we can and do it in good time. <BR /> <BR />I am more than happy to take that issue away and speak to officials to see whether more can be done in those specific locations. If there are sections along the Saintfield Road that the Member wishes me to give particular attention to, I am happy to do so.”
“However, everything that we do is related to budget, and, hopefully, we will get an agreed Budget in the not-so-distant future.”
“As the Member will know from my response to his questions on that issue, that predates me, so I cannot speak to the decisions that happened at that time. However, as the Member will also be aware, we do not have an agreed Budget, and that will factor into Budget discussions. I have met the consultants to discuss the York Street interchange in recent months, and I know that they are looking at options. I know the importance of it. I come along the Westlink every day when coming here to work, and I know how significant the congestion is. Any challenge along that route creates bigger problems not just for people on the route but for the wider city and for people coming to and going from Belfast. That issue is very much still on the agenda, and it is about looking at what we can do.”
“Once that is published, my Department will be in a much stronger position to progress a more modern, more data-driven approach to road maintenance across the North. <BR /> <BR />As I have said before in the House, I am prioritising building long-term resilience into the road network, albeit in a constrained financial environment. That is why we have also included workforce recruitment and development as part of that approach. That puts us in a good position to make a real, tangible difference to our road network and what the people whom we represent see day-to-day.”
“As the Member may be aware, the consultation on the draft road maintenance strategy ran from 2 December and closed at the end of January 2026. I am grateful to all those who provided feedback to the consultation, because it has been overwhelmingly positive. I am working closely with my officials to finalise the consultation report and update the draft road maintenance strategy to reflect the feedback from the consultation. I hope to publish the consultation report and the road maintenance strategy in the coming weeks. The new strategy will ensure that my Department can deliver road maintenance in a more organised way, which will improve effectiveness and enhance our ability to respond to incidents and weather events that impact on our road network.”
“We can dedicate our resources to that, but it takes time because we are required to work with external parties, such as landowners. I have seen that in many other projects, and it has been a learning curve for me since I came into the role, having dealt with constituency issues where it has been difficult to comprehend why things take the time that they do. <BR /> <BR />I assure the Member that we will not be found wanting in terms of the pace of this, and we will ensure that it keeps pushing forward. It has been strongly acknowledged that the junction requires the improvements that have been approved, and we will work hard to make sure that the improvements are delivered at the earliest possible stage, with all the work that is required.”
“First, we take this very seriously, particularly given that there have been fatalities. In my response, I acknowledged that the Department is treating the junction as a priority. Unfortunately, a complex process is needed to do exactly what we need to do, which is a full upgrade and improvement of the three locations that I have mentioned. However, we need to make sure that we do it right. In my previous response I stepped the Member through the work that is required to get to that stage, which is why we have commissioned the interim works to increase safety until the work is completed. For example, it can take some time to engage with landowners about land acquisitions, and it is not within the Department's control.”
“<BR /> <BR />In recognition of the timeline associated with the full junction improvement scheme that is required, we have already taken proactive interim steps to improve safety at the junction. Most recently, during nearby roadworks, we carried out roadway and drainage cleaning, renewed road markings and cut back vegetation. We have also started work to renew the high-friction surfacing and upgrade the road markings with increased performance road markings at the junction, as well as cleaning signs and replacing catseyes in the area, all of which will support road safety while the full junction improvement scheme is being progressed.”
“Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and address the needs of all road users. I fully recognise the concerns about the junction, which have been raised with my Department by a number of elected representatives, including Michelle Guy. My officials have identified this junction, along with Ballymacbrennan and Crossan’s Crossroads, as three locations where improvements are being developed. Those works are considered to be a priority, and a consultant has been commissioned to take the proposals forward. However, Members will appreciate that progressing junction improvements of that nature involves detailed design, land acquisition, engagement with landowners and procurement, so delivery will take some time.”
“As I said in response to previous questions on the issue, my focus at this point is on the appeal. That is also what my officials are focused on. <BR /> <BR />The Member's points about the Climate Change Act are not the answer to all of the issues that we are dealing with at this time. We will consider everything in the round, as I said, but we have to ensure that it is carefully considered so that we can move forward and make good progress.”
“As I have said since the day after the court ruling last year, we are looking at other options. It would be irresponsible to go into the detail of them at this stage because our focus is on the appeal. Appealing the judgement on the three grounds on which we were unsuccessful last year is the quickest route to getting the road built. I assure the Member and the House that my focus is, ultimately, on getting the road built. We have said that we will look at other options. The situation is not as straightforward as Members portray; there are a number of factors that we have to look at, and I want to make sure that all of those are carefully considered as part of the process.”
“We are always looking at what we could consider for Shared Island funding, and there are projects with a cross-border element that could be eligible for it. There are discussions around all those projects, and Buncrana Road could be one of them. It has a cross-border benefit and could obtain that funding. We are discussing the projects that are there and will keep that on the agenda. Buncrana Road is a key one that could progress that way, if we were successful.”
“Media plans for pedestrian, seat belt wearing and anti-drug-driving campaigns are being finalised and will run once the existing campaigns conclude. That approach reflects emerging priorities, including the fact that seven pedestrians have been killed this year. Anti-drug-driving is a relatively new campaign, having run for only a short period in November, but it addresses a growing and widespread issue. There is also increasing concern around seat belt use, with anecdotal evidence linking the non-wearing of seat belts to recent fatalities and serious injuries.”
“Alongside our road safety partners, we focus on priority areas, including, among others, policy and legislation; enforcement; communication and awareness; and active travel. The action plan, which has been developed in collaboration with a wide range of road safety partners, including Departments and blue-light organisations, faces into priority and emerging road safety issues. <BR /> <BR />Following the recent increase in fatalities, I have committed further funding in 2026-27 to ensure that vital road safety campaigns are relaunched as soon as possible. This month, three campaigns, called "Priorities", "Bike Speed" and "Bike Aware", were aired, focusing on driver behaviour and motorcyclist safety as an initial priority.”
“We aim to reduce road deaths by 50% by 2030. The strategy is steered by the road safety strategic forum, members of which include representatives from the PSNI, the Fire and Rescue Service, the Ambulance Service, DAERA, DOJ, the Department of Education and the Public Health Agency (PHA). Our latest road safety strategy action plan, which is to 2027, was launched in January and outlines specific steps and initiatives to be progressed until the end of March 2027 that will contribute towards the aim of reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads. The action plan includes strategic interventions that are acknowledged to be effective, long-term policy developments and actions that will contribute to the strategic aims of safe roads, safe vehicles and safe people.”
“The key point that the Member has made about border areas is that it is so important that we are aligned on an all-island basis on what we are doing about road safety. Things do not change once you get to the border; we all experience the same challenges. Road safety is a key priority for me. As I have said previously, one death on our roads is one too many. This year already, 30 people have lost their lives on the roads; that is 30 families that have been devastated by a knock on the door. It is approximately one person every four days since the start of the year. My thoughts are with all the families and communities who are impacted on by a fatal road collision. <BR /> <BR />You will be aware that we launched our road safety strategy in the North in 2024, working with our road safety partners.”
“As the Member is aware, we had a site meeting a number of weeks ago. I understand the concerns, because, as he said, we share that constituency. I go up and down that road regularly, whether I am going to Gosford or coming to and from the matches. I know how busy the road is, particularly at that junction. The Member and I talked at length when we met on-site. As he knows, officials are looking at what options are available to improve safety. I have not had the feedback from that to date. Officials may have further updates when the Member meets them later this week. At this stage, it would be remiss of me to make a call on that until I see all the analysis of the options that we discussed on the day.”
“It is fair to say that, when we had our guests down there last month for the signing of the contract, they were absolutely blown away by what they saw. It really is something to be proud of. I look forward to building on that momentum and making sure that we further enhance our rail network for everybody.”
“It was welcome that both jurisdictions were able to approve the joint final business case for the Enterprise fleet replacement programme and to have the ceremonial signing of the contract last month for the purchase for a new fleet of eight trains for the flagship Belfast-Dublin Enterprise service. For me, it is a momentous opportunity for public transport, particularly for that significant route between Belfast and Dublin and that economic corridor. It is transformative. <BR /> <BR />The cross-border investment of almost £560 million, over £200 million of which comes from my Department, underlines my commitment to improving public transport. It is an exciting time. Grand Central station is the game changer that it promised to be when it opened in autumn 2024.”
“We know that they are really important projects that bring so much not only for the local economy but for tourism, health and all of that. I want to continue to make progress in this key area. We also continue to explore the Sligo-Enniskillen greenway, which I mentioned; the Ulster canal greenway; Lifford to Derry via Carrigans village; Derry to Buncrana; Lifford to Derry on the River Foyle's east bank; and Warrenpoint to Newcastle via Kilkeel, which is, obviously, in the Member's constituency.”
“The Member will be aware that I have committed to provide funding to support the development and delivery of cross-border greenways that are being taken forward under the Shared Island Fund for greenways, including an allocation of £126,000 last year to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to support geotechnical survey work on the northern section of the Sligo-Enniskillen greenway and £400,000 over the next two years towards early development of a number of other potential schemes. Further funding allocations will be subject to the submission and consideration of individual project business cases. <BR /> <BR />The Member will be aware of the successful Carlingford lough greenway, which was recently completed. It has been transformative.”
“I will not comment on those legal proceedings, as we are in the middle of the appeal. I will not, however, take lectures from the DUP, whose Ministers have taken it on themselves to intervene in many legal cases, with Grand Central station being one. I will leave it at that. <BR /> <BR />My focus is on winning the appeal and ensuring that we get the road built. I appreciate that the Member has put forward some suggestions, but we are appealing on three grounds, and that suggestion does not resolve all of them.”
“Delivering the four projects alongside a shift towards rail travel — we see more and more people really wanting to use rail services — will unlock significant benefits for the North and on an all-island basis. We see the growth in numbers. Completion of the feasibility studies is a critical first milestone in defining the projects and their viability. However, progressing all or any of the projects will require significant funding that has not already been allocated, and we will be subject to future budget availability. We continue to work with our colleagues in the South to find out how we can fund the projects, because we all agree that we need to realise the progress from the review and get on with it as best we can.”
“The report outlines a vision for the future development of the rail network in the North and aligns with the ambitions of the all-island rail review. The findings provide a case for investment in a modern and sustainable rail network, subject to the availability of capital and resource funding. Part of the wider network vision is to double the number of rail passengers through improved network accessibility, enhanced regional connectivity and reduced interurban journey times. <BR /> <BR />As I have said in the House before, I have provided £1 million of additional funding in the last financial year to maintain the momentum on those strategic projects.”
“As I have said, we continue to work with our counterparts in the South to ensure that we have the capacity and capability to jointly progress the rail review. At the same time, we need to continue to work collectively to ensure that we get support from the Executive so that a credible, long-term funding strategy is developed and agreed. That will be key to making the progress that we all hope to see. <BR /> <BR />The project prioritisation strategy, which I mentioned in my previous response, was a summary report of the main findings from feasibility studies on the four major projects: the Antrim to Lisburn link, with a link to Belfast International Airport; the Portadown to Armagh line; the Portadown to Derry line; and the electrification of the line between Belfast and the border. That was published on 17 December last year.”
“There is a real appetite to see delivery of the all-island rail review in full, and I have outlined the prioritisation within that.”
“The Irish Government's allocated Shared Island funding supported the introduction of the new hourly Enterprise service that commenced in October 2024. Officials are engaging extensively with their counterparts in the South and the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) on the progress of the Enterprise fleet replacement project, which we signed the contract for just last month. <BR /> <BR />The investments will improve the experience of people travelling by train. The greater frequency and capacity will encourage others to use those services. It will make it even easier for people to connect and make greener transport choices, which will bring economic and social benefits for us all. We continue to work on that and on how we can progress at pace.”
“There are positive discussions around that. The Government in the South are really keen as well, and we continue to work with our colleagues in the Department of Transport. It has secured support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) advisory service to help progress the implementation of the recommendations of the all-island strategic rail review. As the Member will know, the project prioritisation strategy was published in December. Both Departments are building on their positive working relationships to explore additional interdepartmental working groups that can work collaboratively to achieve the recommendations of the rail review. Collaboration continues on the Enterprise service as well.”
“As the Member will know, we have just closed the speed limit review consultation. We hope to be able to publish the outcome of that fairly soon. That is a key area, particularly when we look at residential areas around schools. I have made my view very clear that we should see a lower speed limit in those areas. We have seen the success of the temporary 20 mph zones outside schools. That can really improve road safety. <BR /> <BR />As well as that, officials are looking at drink-driving legislation and drink-driving limits. That work is ongoing. I hope to be able to update Members as we get through it.”
“Absolutely. Thankfully, they have said that they are absolutely committed to their funding part. As the Member will know, the A5 is ring-fenced as an Executive flagship project. The commitment from the Irish Government is to part fund the project by around €600 million. As I said in my previous answer, my focus at this time is to get the appeal concluded with a successful outcome so that we can get on with the work, hopefully sooner rather than later.”
“I am fairly sure that I have answered that question already as well. I said that very clearly when we received the disappointing High Court ruling on the A5 in 2025. That is well on the record. At this time, my focus is on the appeal, as we are in the thick of it at the minute. That is the quickest route to resolving the three grounds that were challenged in the ruling last year. At all stages, however, I have said that we will continue to look at all other options that will get the road built. My priority is getting the road built and the quickest way to get that done because, ultimately, it is about saving lives. That is what I am committed to doing. We will focus on the appeal, but we are looking at everything to see what else can be done in the event of an unsuccessful outcome. My view is that we need to win that appeal.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have set out very clearly to the House on numerous occasions, and to the Committee in response to correspondence, what we are trying to do about road maintenance within a very constrained budget. We are trying to make really good progress. We are seeing progress and roads being resurfaced, albeit not at the pace that I would like. I can do only what I can with the resources that I have. However, I am determined that we will make a real difference and that, this time next year, we will be in a better position than we have been in for some time.”
“It is a bit of a stretch to link that issue to the statement. However, I will give it a go. <BR /> <BR />Look: road conditions have been well discussed at this stage. I have set out very clearly the work that I am doing with officials to improve those conditions and make a difference that will actually have a lasting impact. I am really sorry to hear that a constituent has had that experience. Nobody wants that situation. Everybody should be safe on our roads regardless of whether it is to do with the condition of the roads. The road safety issues that we are talking about today relate to driver behaviour and put a key focus on the issues that we know are the main causes of road deaths and serious injuries as a result of road collisions. Road conditions are a separate issue to what we are talking about today.”
“Ministers agreed to explore opportunities for greater collaboration and coordination in order to raise awareness, particularly of driver behaviours such as speeding, intoxicated driving, distracted driving and seat belt wearing. The Council noted that details of road safety campaigns for 2026 will be shared and that a communications workshop to explore opportunities for collaboration will be held by the end of June 2026. It agreed to explore opportunities further for the alignment of road safety messaging in future years, where appropriate and where such opportunities arise. <BR /> <BR />The Council agreed to hold its next meeting in transport sectoral format in winter 2026. My officials and I look forward to working with the Minister for Transport and his officials on all areas of cooperation across the sector.”
“<BR /> <BR />The NSMC noted that Departments will continue to engage on the development and implementation of relevant plans and strategies, such as the transport strategy 2035, the national sustainable mobility policy action plan and the Moving Together strategy. Ministers agreed that officials will continue to participate in further information-sharing sessions, addressing themes of mutual significance. <BR /> <BR />The NSMC agreed that road safety is a key priority for both Administrations and welcomed the ongoing engagement on road-user safety between officials from both Departments. It noted that road safety officials will continue to engage on the implementation of road safety action plans, including any lessons learned that will help inform the development of future plans.”
“<BR /> <BR />Ministers welcomed the progress that has been made as a result of the Belfast to Dublin hydrogen refuelling study, which is currently developing two business cases to support the assessment of options for demonstrator stations. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted the work being done in both jurisdictions on emissions modelling and decarbonisation planning, as well as the intention to continue knowledge exchange and collaboration in that regard. The Council welcomed the information-sharing session that took place in March 2026 between officials who are working in sustainable mobility and climate-related areas to share information on current work streams and to identify potential areas for future collaboration.”
“The Council welcomed the approval by both jurisdictions in February 2026 of the joint final business case for the Enterprise fleet replacement programme and the ceremonial signing of the contract for the purchase of the new fleet of eight trains for the flagship Belfast to Dublin Enterprise service. <BR /> <BR />Ministers noted that the mini-tender process for the Shared Island sports club EV charging infrastructure scheme has made significant progress, with several grant agreements having been issued. The NSMC noted the findings of the jointly led transport biodiversity workshop, which identified the potential for transport corridors to be connected to ecological corridors in order to support the restoration of biodiversity.”