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
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“Ministers agreed to identify an optimal means of cooperation in order to help deliver on the recommendations of the prioritisation strategy and the rail review, such as through establishing a cross-border working group or expanding the remit of existing governance structures projects. <BR /> <BR />Ministers welcomed the Irish Government's initial allocation in November 2025 through the Shared Island Fund and the progression of the market-sounding exercise in December 2025 to advance the Programme for Government (PFG) commitment to establish air connectivity between Dublin Airport and City of Derry Airport.”
“<BR /> <BR />The NSMC agreed that both Administrations should continue to work collaboratively to progress the A5, Donegal Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and N2 road infrastructure projects through existing forums, such as the cross-border working group, which is considering the practical aspects of the delivery of the tie-in between the A5 and the N2 Clontibret to the border project. <BR /> <BR />Ministers received an update on the joint work to deliver the all-island strategic rail review and the subsequent rail project prioritisation strategy, including details on the identified early interventions for major projects and how those will be progressed in future. The Council welcomed the publication of the rail project prioritisation strategy and affirmed that both Administrations will continue to work together to progress it.”
“<BR /> <BR />Ministers received a joint presentation from officials from both Departments on the cross-border greenways feasibility study and heard about potential opportunities for progressing cross-border greenways through route reviews, stakeholder engagement and reviews of similar infrastructure projects. The Council welcomed the announcement by the Government of Ireland in November 2025 of €2 million in Shared Island funding to support the development of cross-border greenways. Ministers noted that the Department for Infrastructure's appeal against the June 2025 High Court ruling on the A5 is ongoing in the Court of Appeal. The Council acknowledged that both Administrations remain committed to the delivery of the A5.”
“In compliance with section 52 of the NI Act 1998, I wish to make the following statement on the meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in transport sectoral format that was held on Thursday 7 May 2026 in Dublin. <BR /> <BR />I attended the twenty-sixth North/South Ministerial Council transport meeting in my capacity as Minister for Infrastructure, alongside Darragh O'Brien TD, Minister for Transport, who chaired the meeting, and Mike Nesbitt MLA, Minister of Health. The statement has been agreed with Minister Nesbitt, and I am making it on behalf of both of us.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I want to correct the record. The Member for West Tyrone said that a planning application has been sitting on my desk since last November. That is inaccurate, and I want that corrected for the record.”
“<BR /> <BR />From the points that were raised in the debate, I think that there is a collective wish for the master plan to be successful, and my Department will certainly work closely with Belfast City Airport and the Department for the Economy and other stakeholders throughout the process. We have to go through the process as it has been laid out, but I hope that we can get a positive outcome that will benefit people not just in Belfast but across the island, because it is a real opportunity for tourism, business and connectivity. <BR /> <BR />I thank Members for the points that they raised, and I look forward to the continued working with the airport and my ministerial colleagues as the work progresses.”
“The consultation seeks views on policy positions to support a thriving, sustainable aviation sector that strengthens our connectivity, drives economic growth and works with partners to address taxation, skills and decarbonisation challenges. The Department for the Economy acknowledges that it has been initiated later than originally intended: that was due to resource pressures and a number of immediate time-critical departmental and ministerial objectives that needed to be delivered. The Climate Change Act 2022 does not impose direct legal obligations on private organisations such as Belfast City Airport; rather, any decision that is taken by Belfast City Airport as a private organisation will be subject to current planning rules and statutory obligations.”
“The Climate Change Committee has advised the Executive to work with the British Government to ensure that the aviation sector takes responsibility for mitigating its emissions via measures such as the SAF mandate and the ETS, as well as supporting innovation and the commercialisation of low- and zero-emission aircraft. <BR /> <BR />The Department for the Economy and DAERA have engagement with British Government Departments through Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Department for Transport-led stakeholder groups to ensure sight of policy developments and relay to local airports where relevant. Given my Department's roles, my officials engaged with the Department for the Economy on the development of its recently published draft aviation policy.”
“Aviation decarbonisation is addressed via agreed mechanisms such as fleet efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and emissions trading. The British Government set the target of net zero aviation emissions by 2050 via its 'Jet Zero Strategy'. The British Government also introduced and oversee the sustainable aviation fuel mandate, which mandates increased year-on-year usage of SAF blended into jet fuel. The decarbonisation of aviation is already taking place through carbon pricing mechanisms such as the emissions trading scheme (ETS) and the global carbon offsetting and reduction scheme for international aviation (CORSIA). The collective ETS authority is the British, Scottish and Welsh Governments and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.”
“<BR /> <BR />I turn to rail services. As recognised in the all-island strategic rail review's final report, whilst Belfast City Airport is currently served by the rail network via the Sydenham station, the connectivity between Sydenham station and Belfast City Airport could be improved. People currently access the airport by many modes, and it will be important to understand what works best for everyone who uses the airport. In line with the review, Translink and my Department are working together to consider options for improved rail accessibility and connectivity to Belfast City Airport. <BR /> <BR />Given my Department's role, my officials and I have had several meetings with Belfast City Airport at which it has talked about the draft master plan. Domestic aviation accounts for 4% of our local transport emissions.”
“My Department will fully engage with Belfast City Airport through the planning process to offer advice on road safety and traffic progression as it develops detailed proposals for enhanced access arrangements to the site. <BR /> <BR />Outside the statutory roles, my Department is engaged with Translink to consider options for improving connectivity to the site. Last year, over 280,000 passengers travelled on the Airport Express 600 service, which was a 5% growth on the previous year. The timetable that services the airport is extensive. Midweek, buses operate from 5.15 am to 10.00 pm with 20-minute frequencies in the bus service between 7.00 am and 6.00 pm. In addition to introducing new fully electric, branded fleet on that service, Translink continues to work closely with the airport on opportunities to enhance bus services.”
“From 2019, annual performance reports have shown that the airport has never exceeded or come close to that level of noise. As yet, my Department has not received any request to amend the current planning agreement, and I am happy for my Department to engage with the airport on any plans to modify it. <BR /> <BR />As the roads authority, as I said, my Department is a statutory consultee and technical adviser in the planning process. In that role, officials consider a proposed development's impact on the transport network and compliance with transport policy. Given the aspiration to grow passenger numbers and the importance of connectivity to and from the airport, Belfast City Airport has included revised access arrangements to the site as part of its master plan proposals.”
“For example, the airport cannot operate more than 48,000 air traffic movements in any 12-month period. It is restricted to operating hours of 6:30 am to 9:30 pm, with delayed aircraft allowed to operate later only if there are exceptional circumstances. Many of those restrictions have been in place since the late 1990s, when the first planning agreement was signed. The latest modified planning agreement introduced a noise control contour that is in place during the summer months, and it means that aircraft cannot create an average daytime noise level above a set limit over a large area. Airport operations during the summer months are limited by that noise control contour. The area exposed to 57 decibels (dB) average noise level over a 16-hour day cannot exceed 5·2 square kilometres.”
“It also permits statutory bodies to engage effectively early, helping to facilitate the planning process. Given that the proposed development does not meet the threshold criteria specified in legislation for a regionally significant development, any subsequent planning application will be directed to Belfast City Council in the first instance. However, given my Department's role in relation to the current modified planning agreement and its role as a statutory consultee by virtue of being the roads authority, my Department will have significant input into the process. <BR /> <BR />Turning first to the modified planning agreement signed in July 2019, the agreement, which aims to control the noise impact of operations on the amenity of surrounding residential areas, contains a number of restrictions and obligations on airport operations.”
“We therefore welcome the ambitious programme for expansion set out by Belfast City Airport in its recently launched master plan 2040. I was delighted to meet airport representatives to look at that and get a feel for what they hope to do. <BR /> <BR />I believe that, at the outset, it would be useful to set out some context. Belfast City Airport is privately owned by 3i Group plc. It funds operational and facility improvements independently. When an organisation such as an airport plans to significantly develop or redevelop premises, a master plan is a practical way to demonstrate that development has been considered holistically rather than as a series of piecemeal applications. As such, a master plan helps to give a clear, understandable picture of what is proposed and facilitates meaningful stakeholder engagement.”
“That was quick. I thank Members for bringing the motion to the Assembly today and for their contributions as part of the debate. As Minister with responsibility for the transport network, including our gateway ports and airports, I will respond to the motion and will speak on behalf of my colleague Caoimhe Archibald, the Minister for the Economy. <BR /> <BR />As outlined in my Department's draft transport strategy, I recognise that our airports are a gateway for tourism, business and regional connectivity. I am committed to working alongside Minister Archibald and the Department for the Economy to ensure that our airports have the necessary support and legislative basis to sustainably grow their operations while meeting the climate change commitments and other regulatory requirements.”
“In relation to the question on waste water, the Member is aware that there are closed catchments across the North. We are looking at how NI Water can address those through targeted investment. Therefore, it is something that I can speak to NI Water about and get further detail on that issue in particular if it affects the ability to eliminate those vacancies and, obviously, improve businesses in the area. I am happy to come back to the Member on that.”
“On the first part of the question, I have been getting a lot of correspondence on this. I am happy to continue it. We had a fulsome discussion on the issue a number of months ago.”
“I will be more than happy to look at any specifics that we can provide feedback on.”
“I am not sure what the Member is alluding to, but I will be happy to receive more information if there are specific cases where that has been an issue. Importantly, planning was devolved to councils because councillors, who are democratically elected, have a real grasp of their areas. The Member and I were on councils at the same time, so we know that, at the grassroots level, councillors are best placed to understand local needs, particularly when it comes to planning. They have provided valuable input in the 11 years since planning was devolved, and that has to be reflected on. We, as the Department, have to ensure that the policies that are set out are adhered to. That may come across as "copy-and-paste", but it is important that we outline why decisions are taken and what they refer to.”
“I will be happy to provide the Member with further information, but please be assured that we have been looking at this for some time, because I want to see significant improvements in the planning system.”
“As the Member may know, we have been working on a planning improvement programme for the past year or so. We have seen good results so far. It will take time for that programme to be properly felt on the ground, but we have seen early indications that, in recent months, our major projects have met their targets for the first time, which is a clear indication that the concerted, ongoing work with councils is having an impact. <BR /> <BR />I recognise that issues around statutory consultees remain a challenge. We implemented the statutory consultee forum in an effort to address that challenge and to work with all consultees to understand the issues regarding delays and how we can work to solve or address them. We are seeing improvements, and I continue to get feedback about those improvements.”
“The delay that the Member talks about from 2027 to 2030 was as a result of a collapse of the Assembly that his party instigated. Since coming into the post, I have ensured that we have moved ahead with this. Phase 1 is on track for delivery by 2030. Both routes were assessed during the process. We discussed why the Shore Road is not the proposed route when I first made the announcement last year. I stand by that. We are committed to continuing with the work and making sure that we get it delivered.”
“Phase 1 is progressing at pace and is due for completion by 2030: on-site surveys got under way in June last year; the outline business case was approved in December; and detailed design began in April this year alongside land acquisition activity. I am determined to build on that progress so that we can get it delivered within the originally outlined time frame. Any deviation from that would only cause further delays. It is much required and people really want it, so it is important that we continue to move forward on the agreed position.”
“The Member will not be surprised to learn that I absolutely do not accept that. Our efforts to combine on the appeal show how determined we are to get the road built. A huge amount of work went into the original case, from which there was a very disappointing outcome. However, we are determined that we will get through this, and we will get the road built. As I have said previously, for me, the priority is saving lives. We will continue to move forward on this. We will use all our resources to submit the strongest appeal, and, hopefully, we should get a positive outcome. My commitment is that, regardless of the outcome, we will continue to move forward to get the road built and ensure that no more lives are lost.”
“Well, as the Member will know, that position has been beyond my control. It has been through the courts, and we are now in the middle of an appeal. I absolutely wish that the road had been built by this stage, and it should have been built. However, there has been a concerted effort, resulting in delay after delay, from people who just do not want to see it built. It is important to say that it is a huge amount of money, but there is no price to put on a life. Therefore, we have to continue to work hard to make sure that the road is delivered, and that is certainly my focus.”
“<BR /> <BR />My approach is that I recognise that, at this time, I do not have all the funding needed and that it is not likely to come any time soon. However, I have to keep making progress. We are not moving at the pace that I would like to see, but my commitment is absolute to making progress on this important issue and to working with everyone who will work with me to get there.”
“Over £1 billion is required, and that cost keeps going up the longer it takes to get there. We have made some progress, and it is important to say that, both when John was in post as Infrastructure Minister and since I have come in, we have been able to secure in-year funding, which unlocked capacity. You will be aware of the Derry housing schemes of over 3,000 units. We are already above what was targeted in the original PC21 set out by NI Water, but we have still so much more to do. The scale of the challenge varies across the North. I have been trying to get that plan in place so that we can step through it and also so that, when additional funding is available, we are ready to hit the ground running and work with NI Water. It is also looking at innovative ways of doing more with less funding and trying to make progress.”
“— and appreciate the scale of the challenges that we face.”
“They are very aware of the significant investment that is needed, and we continue to raise that case loudly and clearly so that they know. Without the investment needed, and if we cannot get to grips with the challenges around waste water, everything else is impacted on. It is not just an issue for me in the Department for Infrastructure; it is an issue for housing, for development, for health and so on. <BR /> <BR />There is a real onus on all of us to move this forward. I am certainly committed to doing that. I will continue to work with Executive colleagues, but the British Government need to get real. They need to understand —”
“I have been working with Executive partners to look at what else we can do to address some of the water quality and pollution issues at Lough Neagh specifically. I am working with NI Water to see not just what it is able to deliver out of the funding that we have but what it could do if we were able to secure more funding so that, should more money become available, we have a plan in place that is ready to go. <BR /> <BR />I have also been speaking to colleagues in the South. We had North/South Ministerial Council meetings last week at which we discussed how we could work across this island on other ways in which to make a real impact and to secure additional funding. Through our engagement with them, the British Government and Treasury know that funding is a major issue.”
“The shortfalls in waste water infrastructure investment are well documented. We continue to work with NI Water and others to try to secure the investment that is needed and to find other ways in which to address the issue. The Member will be aware that I recently introduced the Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill — better known as the "SuDS Bill" — which looks at other ways in which to tackle our waste water challenges. In isolation, that legislation will not resolve all the issues, but it will help. I attended a Rivers Trust workshop last week, at which there was a real appetite for doing more of that work on a larger scale. It could really make a positive impact. <BR /> <BR />We continue to lobby for additional funding.”
“That call also needs to be made very strongly to the British Government so that the Executive Budget is increased to reflect properly what the people of the North deserve and what we should be able to deliver for them.”
“I have just explained what my commitment is, and what it has been for some time. We are working extremely hard. The resources are simply not there, but are we trying to make a difference? We absolutely are. We are looking at how to do so differently, within a very constrained budget. Investment, staffing, and ensuring that what we do is of a high quality and uses all the new innovations and technology available to us are key. I have outlined time and time again in the Chamber all the steps that my Department is taking. <BR /> <BR />I will continue to seek further investment. I want the roads to be brought up to a standard that is rightly expected and needed, but I hope that every Member will support me when I look for additional funding. That is key to getting us to where we need to be and to getting what the public deserve.”
“I have outlined in responses to previous questions the steps that I am taking to ensure that we make a difference before we enter the next winter period.”
“I do drive on the roads of Newry and Armagh, as I do on the roads right across the Six Counties. A significant amount of work is being done on roads right across Newry and Armagh, which I am sure that the Member has seen. It is well documented at this stage that we have significant issues because of underinvestment in our roads for many years. As I have said before, the issue has not arisen just this year. I have been focused on ensuring that we get additional investment so that we can try our best to tackle the issue within the resources that are available to us. <BR /> <BR />The scale of the problem is huge. There is no doubt about that. I have, however, seen a marked improvement in many areas. There is still a lot more to do, and I am committed to doing it.”
“The two that I mentioned have done so. <BR /> <BR />As I said, not all councils have faced the same level of HMO development. Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, for example, has not identified it as a local planning issue. Instead, it will rely on general housing and amenity policies in the plan to manage impacts on residential character, environmental quality and amenity. I expect that, on some of the councils on which the Member has colleagues, such issues will be brought forward. They will then be considered as part of the work that councils are doing.”
“As I said, the responsibility for preparing LDPs rests with councils, reflecting the intent of planning reform and transfer to place plan-making and decision-making with the democratically elected representatives on those councils. We devolved planning to councils to allow those who probably have the best knowledge of their area to be part of that decision-making. Nothing in the Department's strategic planning policy statement, the regional planning policy or legislation prevents councils from bringing forward locally tailored HMO policies through LDPs, where evidence supports a policy response, as every council area will have different characteristics, different issues and different needs. It is important to note that not all councils have yet published planning strategy documents.”
“My officials have engaged with Belfast City Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council plans, which introduced specific policy measures to address HMO overconcentration. Those approaches were examined through independent examination, and both were found to be sound prior to adoption.”
“My Department has a statutory consultee and oversight role in respect of local development plan documents that are prepared by local councils. In that role, my Department engages with councils on local planning policies across a wide range of topics, including where plan documents incorporate specific policy for managing the impacts of houses in multiple occupation, or HMOs, as they are more commonly known. <BR /> <BR />Responsibility for preparing LDPs rests with individual councils, reflecting the intent of planning devolution in 2015 to place plan-making and decision-making with democratically elected local representatives. LDPs remain the most appropriate mechanism by which to manage the location, scale and concentration of HMO development through evidence-based local policy that responds to evidence of localised impacts.”
“I was absolutely not trying to pass the buck. I outlined the processes that are required for any new transport proposals for council areas. That is the purpose of the local development plans: they feed into and align with our wider transport plans. If things are done in isolation and do not take into consideration the wider network and wider development in council areas, that can have a negative effect and be counterproductive to what we are trying to achieve across the board. I was saying that the proposal that is put forward through the development of the council's local development plan will help to inform where we go next on the issue.”
“I thank the Member for raising the matter. I do not have the information in front of me, but I will respond in writing to give him an update. Hopefully, that will help to move things on.”
“The main structural works have been completed, and the Department has no plans for a new bridge at present. However, we will continue to engage with the council on that and on its work on its local development plan to see what comes from that.”
“As I said, I fully recognise the significant impact of the bridge closure on residents, businesses and the wider Kilrea community. I understand why the council is seeking to look at longer-term solutions for the area. I absolutely welcome the council's engagement on the matter. As with the Strangford issue, there is a desire to reflect local needs and future transport considerations through the council's emerging local development plan. Any decision on new transport infrastructure must, of course, be considered through the appropriate strategic planning and prioritisation processes. In that context, any proposal brought forward through the council's local development plan should be consulted on in the normal way to ensure that it aligns with my Department's emerging strategic transport plans. As I said, Kilrea Bridge is now open.”
“It is about trying to get the right balance between the work having to happen and managing the wider public's expectations, being conscious of the impact and how we best mitigate that in order to minimise disruption as far as possible.”
“We have seen lots of instances across the North where major works have been required and, undoubtedly, caused disruption. In recent months and since I came into post, I have been contacted by a number of representatives about not only Kilrea Bridge but some of the other major works across the North. I fully appreciate that communication is absolutely key, and where that has not met the expected standard, I will always take that back to ensure we can rectify that or learn from it. <BR /> <BR />Businesses have been impacted on, as have people's daily lives and commutes, so communication has been vital. If there is anything else to learn from that project, I will be happy to take that on board. We always have to be conscious of the impact on people. The other side of that is that the bridge repair was essential work.”
“In the interest of public and workforce safety, I continue to appeal to motorists to comply with the ongoing restrictions on the bridge until the works are complete.”
“I was pleased to note that Kilrea Bridge reopened to traffic on 18 February 2026, following the substantial repair works that were required. Whilst the main structural works to stabilise the wall have been completed, with width and weight restrictions lifted, a number of minor construction activities continue, including masonry repairs, masonry parapet construction, the repointing of the south-west wing wall, kerbing and resurfacing. During this period, a temporary barrier remains on the carriageway in order to protect the workforce and road users. <BR /> <BR />Any further traffic management measures that are required in order to undertake the works will be of short duration and will be carried out during off-peak hours to minimise any further disruption.”
“The Member will appreciate that I do not have that information in front of me, because his question is quite specific. If he wishes to submit a question for written answer, we can get accurate figures. If there are any trends or patterns that relate to specific areas, we can look at them.”