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 I said in my previous answers, my focus is on ensuring that people do not have to make claims in the first place, and they should be used only as a last resort in cases where repairs have not been done in a timely manner. <BR /> <BR />We have had an uphill battle in relation to the condition of our roads. Staff have been working extremely hard with a limited budget, and we have tried to enhance that as best we can. There is no doubt that that has made a difference, but there is still a lot more work to do, and I am committed to ensuring that we do everything that we can to get that done.”
“I appreciate that. We have had many discussions about that issue. The other side of that is that this is public money, and we have to ensure that we are following the correct processes, so that money is paid to those who are entitled to it. I am not suggesting that people who have made claims and have been turned down are not entitled to that. However, the Member will appreciate that we have a fine balance to strike in order to ensure that we are doing that correctly. If there are specific cases in which people have been turned down, having provided the evidence that they were asked for, I will be happy to ask the Department to review them. I am also happy to look at particular areas of the criteria that could be tweaked in order to avoid those circumstances.”
“I am happy to provide further information on the detail on how that will be measured to the Member, but the measure of success will be if we are standing here and we see a real difference by this time next year. I hope to be, in that context, able to say that we have seen a change, particularly after a winter period. That in itself will be a testament to its success.”
“It will be when we start to see a real difference in the quality of the roads. As elected reps, we will hopefully see a very different outcome from what we have seen for a number of years — over a decade, I suppose. We have seen it year after year. The Department will use a number of metrics to see what the success is. When we developed the road maintenance strategy, a pilot was done in the Ards and North Down area. Certainly, the feedback that we got on that was very positive, because people saw the impact. Based on that, we are moving forward with this, and we can confidently say that, if we are able to implement it properly, it will make a real change.”
“<BR /> <BR />The strategy also embeds environmental and financial sustainability, including reducing carbon impacts, strengthening resilience to climate change and developing long-term investment plans. Overall, it sets out a comprehensive vision to create a safer, more reliable and future-proofed road network that supports economic vitality, social connectivity and community well-being so that we all have access to good-quality, safer roads. That is my focus. I hope that, with the cumulation of the new strategy, the use of data and the digital survey, enhanced recruitment and staffing, and, if we can get it, enhanced investment, we will see a marked change.”
“As I said in response to a previous question, we are finalising a draft strategy that aims to introduce a more modern, data-driven approach to maintaining the road network and ensure that our resources are used more effectively and efficiently. That is about raising maintenance standards by delivering higher-quality, longer-lasting repairs and targeting investment where it is most needed. I have said before about the impact of going out to fix one pothole but skipping others. Through additional funding in recent months, we have been able to ensure that, when we go out to a site, we do more than that to ensure that we do not have to come back.”
“However, I am happy to speak to officials to see whether we can encapsulate what that impact is, but, at this point, I want their focus to be on getting the work that we need to do done so that we reduce the number of claims in the future.”
“You have clearly outlined the impact that this has across the service that we try to provide. That is why it is important that we do all that we can to ensure that people do not have to make a claim in the first place. <BR /> <BR />I have outlined clearly what I have done in recent months and what I intend to do as we develop and implement the new strategy. We are trying to recruit more staff, which will mean that people can get to the repairs more quickly and have a more responsive approach from the Department, and we are looking at how we can secure additional funding to make sure that we are not in this position next year and that we build that resilience for the future. That is my priority at the moment.”
“As the Member will know, I am also progressing the publication of the Department's new maintenance strategy, supported by a full digital survey of all roads. That is a sustainable way to improve road condition over time, to minimise defects and to reduce the number of claims and the compensation expenditure, while improving safety for everyone who uses the network. It is important to say that we are doing all that with a very constrained budget, as an effort to do as much as we can with what we have.”
“<BR /> <BR />As we have said previously, claims can increase due to external factors that are beyond our control, including the severity of weather conditions in recent years; increased traffic volumes; and greater public awareness of the right to submit a claim, as, for many years, people did not realise that they could. I acknowledge that, alongside that, historical underinvestment in the maintenance of the road network has contributed to deterioration in parts of the network across the North and had an impact. <BR /> <BR />To mitigate the immediate impact on our network of the poor winter and the years of underinvestment, I announced additional funding of more than £40 million, which has gone some way to making long-term improvements.”
“There has been an upward trend in expenditure on road-related vehicle damage compensation since the 2020-21 financial year. In the 2023-24 financial year, expenditure on vehicle damage compensation for the North was just under £1 million. During 2024-25 and 2025-26, vehicle damage compensation was just over £1 million. By comparison, the five-year average annual expenditure since 2021-22 was around £810,000 per year. There are a number of reasons for the increase, including rising repair costs. However, the primary driver is the corresponding upward trend in the number of claims received by my Department.”
“To be clear, I have said that we have based our position on previous assessments, but we continue to keep it under review as more evidence and information come to light. As I said, both councils are in the process of developing their transport plans, which is the mechanism for any new proposals. We will work with Ards and North Down Borough Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Elected representatives across the board have raised the issue, so I know that there is an appetite for it. Therefore, it would be remiss of me to say that we are not looking at the issue. It is important that we look at it again and see what is possible. With regard to the provision of a definitive answer on the next steps, we need to get more information and then decide where we go next.”
“That issue was raised with me recently, and I have asked my officials to look at it. As you will know, the ferry continues to provide a dedicated and reliable crossing service between Strangford and Portaferry. During the 2025-26 financial year, at least one ferry was available for 99·82% of all scheduled sailings. That shows its importance. I have asked for a light-touch survey to be carried out to assess the demand for additional sailings and to see whether we could put those in place. I await the outcome of that survey, which will inform my decisions on the next steps.”
“The Member may be aware that I have agreed to visit Strangford this week in an effort to look at the situation. I have been invited down by an elected rep. You will probably get notification of it closer to the time. I confirm my commitment to looking at the potential. I am happy to keep it under review. We will work with everybody involved to see what may be possible.”
“It is also important to note that Strangford lough is subject to significant environmental protections. Any proposal for a major fixed crossing would therefore face additional technical and environmental challenges that would need to be carefully considered as part of any future assessment. <BR /> <BR />Officials continue to engage with the relevant councils and other stakeholders as the transport plans and associated local development plans progress, and they will consider all relevant evidence and representations within that strategic framework. My Department will continue to keep its position under review as those plans are developed and will work with everyone involved to see what the best outcome will be.”
“<BR /> <BR />As the Member will know — we previously debated the issue in the Chamber — the Department examined, at a high level, the case for a fixed crossing at that location. Most notably, the 2013 strategic review of the Strangford lough ferry service considered alternatives to the ferry, including a bridge, and concluded that a fixed crossing could not be justified on value-for-money grounds when assessed against expected demand and the continued availability of the ferry service at that time. More recent, high-level estimates have suggested that the cost of a bridge could be in excess of £500 million. <BR /> <BR />Within the current strategic planning and funding framework, no immediate transport need for a fixed crossing at Strangford has been identified to date.”
“I recognise the view held by elected representatives and the public that a fixed crossing at Strangford could bring benefits of connectivity, support for local businesses, tourism and wider economic opportunities for the Ards peninsula, and I welcome continued engagement on matters of local and regional importance. <BR /> <BR />My Department’s transport plans are the primary mechanism through which future transport needs and investment priorities are identified. The connection between Strangford and Portaferry does not form part of the regional strategic transport network and would, instead, be considered in the eastern transport plan that covers Ards and North Down and the Newry, Mourne and Down local transport plan.”
“I am not overly familiar with the work that the Member specified, but if there is anything further that I can do to feed back to DFI Roads, I am happy to do so.”
“The Member will know that that issue has been raised for some time. We have a process in place to try to inspect the quality of repairs. The Member will appreciate that it is not always possible to get to every repair, but we do take a portion of that. <BR /> <BR />The new strategy is key to delivering things in a more resilient and sustainable way so that we will not have those issues. In some cases, we have seen temporary repairs being done, whether to roads or footpaths, to make them safe until a proper, permanent repair can be done. We appreciate issues of poor repairs being reported and fed back so that we can rectify them, particularly if we need to engage with an external contractor to deal with that.”
“I hope to bring further and more positive announcements on that in the coming months and that we will be better prepared going into the winter period.”
“Around 300 applicants were invited to interview over the course of two days. Once the scheme has been fully evaluated and its benefits documented, that approach may be used in similar recruitment campaigns in the future. <BR /> <BR />I talked to staff on the ground and heard about the impact of the number of vacancies across DFI Roads, and that really struck a chord with me. I recognise that it is something that we can deliver on. I have given the commitment to do that because the more that we can build our own departmental resilience, the more that we will see a marked improvement in our road network and the services that the public deserve and expect. We will also build up the morale in our teams, which have been significantly depleted for many years.”
“As I said, Roads staffing across the North has seen significant issues for many years now. It is important to note that industrial road workers undertake a vital role in our operational services. The recruitment campaign that the Member mentioned further demonstrates my commitment to improving our network for the benefit of all road users. <BR /> <BR />As I said in the previous answer, interview open days were held in Ballymena on 27 and 28 April, with appointments likely to be in June, following successful completion of the pre-employment process. The new, innovative approach has been piloted in the Ballymena area and has both increased the number of candidates and shortened the recruitment process. There was a positive response to the campaign, with over 500 applications submitted when the campaign was advertised.”
“We are moving through the recruitment process very quickly. As the Member will know, interviews took place at the end of April. We saw really good indications of the numbers that will potentially be recruited. I have been assured that they will make a real difference. I appreciate the Member's raising the issue.”
“As the Member has rightly said, I have talked in the Chamber about the importance of communication with local section offices. I will certainly take the Member's comments back and ensure that the matter is addressed. <BR /> <BR />It is also important to understand the severe resource pressures that there are across our workforce. As I have said, that is why we have a recruitment campaign under way. There has been quite significant interest expressed, so I hope that we will see good results from the recruitment process as we come out the other side. I recently met road workers at the Sprucefield depot to hear from them about the challenges that they face and about some of the depletion of the workforce in the past decade or so. That has had a real impact. I hope that we will see a marked improvement if we can get new people in post.”
“My Department is taking forward addressing those risks through the third climate change adaptation programme (NICCAP3) actions and the development of our first resilient road network plan. It is working with the Climate Change Committee (CCC) and academic partners to keep planning and investment evidence-based. <BR /> <BR />Building long-term resilience into the road network also depends on having in place the right people with the right skills, which is why workforce recruitment and development is a key part of my approach.”
“<BR /> <BR />In addition to the funding and to enhance long-term improvements to the road network, Members will be aware that I am progressing the publication of the Department's new maintenance strategy, which will be supported by a full digital survey of all roads. The consultation on the strategy closed on 30 January. I am now working closely with officials to finalise the draft consultation report. Once it is published, my Department will be in a strong position to progress a modern, data-driven approach to road maintenance across the North. <BR /> <BR />Road network resilience also requires adapting to extreme weather events and reducing multiple risks, including flooding, erosion and slope failure.”
“<BR /> <BR />Crews have been out working hard to repair defects. The figures speak for themselves, with 10,000 repairs having been completed in eight weeks. Repairs have taken place right across the North. I am pleased to note that a portion of them were in my Department's eastern division, which covers the Member's East Belfast constituency. Officials have also undertaken works in that constituency, including large-scale patching on Bloomfield Parade, Mourne Street and Chamberlain Street. A significant resurfacing project was also carried out on the Ballygowan Road, which, along with the other repairs, has improved the quality of roads for the Member's constituents.”
“, I will answer questions 1 and 5 together. <BR /> <BR />The damage that has been caused to our roads by prolonged bad weather at the beginning of the year is well documented. I subsequently established the winter recovery road fund specifically to address the damage in areas that were worst affected. The additional funding allowed the Department to deliver an enhanced package of structural maintenance work. That was predominantly made up of large-scale patching, extending existing resurfacing work and bringing forward work that would otherwise not have been completed in this financial year. Some of that work will have addressed existing recorded potholes and some will have repaired potholes that had not yet met the criteria but that undoubtedly would have become actionable in the coming months.”
“Given those challenges, it is important that we do not exaggerate the sustainable volume of biomethane that can be produced locally. Instead, we must grow its use in an environmentally sound way. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, the motion highlights the opportunity that biomethane presents in the wider context of our energy transition and economic development. We must be realistic, however, about the volume that can be produced in an economically and environmentally sustainable way. The Minister for the Economy remains committed to working constructively with our ministerial colleague in DAERA and others to ensure that the potential role of biomethane is properly considered as part of the delivery of the energy strategy and in a way that supports economic growth, protects consumers and is environmentally sustainable.”
“That emphasises the importance of collaboration between DAERA and the Department for the Economy to establish the right biomethane policy. <BR /> <BR />The core focus of the energy strategy is on delivering self-sufficiency and affordable renewable energy for our homes and businesses. We are all aware of the effects that energy price volatility has had, and is continuing to have, on household living costs and business competitiveness. Paying a fair price for the energy that we produce locally, including biomethane, will protect the most vulnerable in our society and help end fuel poverty. <BR /> <BR />Locally produced biomethane can play a role in our energy future but only as long as we can produce it at the right cost for consumers and manage the waste inputs and digestate outputs in an environmentally sustainable way.”
“<BR /> <BR />Although locally produced biomethane can displace the need to import natural gas, it is important that biomethane production be done in a way that protects our environment. For example, it is important that biomethane production do not increase waste production here for anaerobic digestion feedstock or, worse still, import waste for processing here. One of the unavoidable by-products of how we do anaerobic digestion here is liquid digestate, which is rich in phosphorous and other problematic nutrient content. <BR /> <BR />We have all seen the impact of liquid digestate on our waterways, caused in part by run-off issues, so we must be realistic about the volume of biomethane that can be produced here in an environmentally sustainable way.”
“Effective policy development in that area therefore requires close collaboration across Departments. That is why the Department for the Economy is working with DAERA and the Utility Regulator through the interdepartmental biomethane group (IDBG). <BR /> <BR />The group was relaunched last year to provide a renewed focus and renewed coordination on the issue. It works to bring together expertise across energy, agriculture and environmental policy and is key to the Department's developing a holistic biomethane policy. Some Members talked about the need to consult on the support mechanisms that may be considered. I can confirm that a consultation on a cross-departmental biomethane policy is planned for later this year. As well as that, the IDBG is analysing potential support mechanisms for biomethane producers across the North.”
“That is why the Economy Minister is focused on delivering the Executive's energy strategy vision of affordable, renewable energy, paying a fair price for the energy that we produce locally and disconnecting our energy costs from volatile global commodity prices. The strategy recognises that biomethane could play an important role in that journey by providing a locally produced, sustainable and secure energy source to decarbonise heating and industrial processes. <BR /> <BR />Our region has strong foundations when it comes to biomethane. We have a modern gas network, experience with anaerobic digestion technologies and clear legislative drivers to increase the share of renewable energy in the system. The motion highlights how biomethane cuts across energy, agriculture and environmental policy.”
“I will focus my remarks on the elements that are within the remit of the Minister for the Economy, whilst also acknowledging the importance of compatible agriculture and environmental policy, on which our colleague the AERA Minister leads. <BR /> <BR />Decarbonisation is integral to the Economy Minister's economic vision. Reducing carbon emissions is vital if we are to meet legislative targets, remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy and leave a positive legacy for future generations. It is an economic, environmental and moral imperative. <BR /> <BR />Recent global events have reinforced the need for us to take greater control of our energy future. Continued exposure to international fossil fuel markets leaves our economy vulnerable to price volatility and geopolitical shocks.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“I beg to introduce the Utility Regulator (Support for Decarbonisation Preparation) Bill [NIA 32/22-27], which is a Bill to confer functions on the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation to assist the Department for the Economy in developing plans for the decarbonisation of the energy sector.”
“Translink manages 1,460 bus shelters on behalf of my Department. A business case submitted to the Department proposes the replacement and upgrade of 221 bus shelters across the network. If approved, and subject to available funding, the installation of new shelters would begin within 12 months, with the programme to be delivered over five years. That would include ongoing work in West Belfast, and some of the 221 bus shelters that I referenced are in West Belfast.”
“That is why I stand over my decision not to impose water charges on already hard-pressed workers and families. <BR /> <BR />We will not stand idly by. We will continue to ensure that we stand up for people, and we will stand up to the British Government because it is their responsibility. We pay our taxes. We talk about fuel costs when over 50% of the cost of fuel is tax that goes directly to Westminster. People are angry because they see that the British Government are choosing war over people. We have to get our fair share, and we will continue to work together to ensure that we stand up for people here and get what they are entitled to.”
“As I have said in response to a number of today's questions, I will absolutely keep working to do my best to protect people here from the policy decisions that are taken in London and to have people's backs. That is what we are elected to do. We will do that as far as we can, but the reality is that the fiscal levers predominantly lie with the British Government in London. As I said, that is why, within my remit, I have chosen that, for the second year running, we will not see a fares increase. On the other hand, I can be criticised for the fact that that reduces the income to Translink at a time when it is already struggling. However, we have to be cognisant of the challenges facing people and households. The reality of where that hits is that many people will struggle to put fuel in their cars.”
“In that current context, we cannot justify an increase in fares that will hit workers and families, many of whom will now need public transport more than ever as they struggle to put fuel in their cars. I am pleased to announce that, in addition to freezing public transport fares for last year, I intend to freeze them for this financial year. It is important to note that Translink has had a record year of passenger growth in the past year, so it is important that we keep fares affordable. However, as the situation continues to evolve, I will keep it under review to see what else we can do and engage closely with Translink and others to see how we can further support people to use more public transport where they need to and ensure that we continue that trajectory of passenger growth.”
“I have been engaging closely with officials, particularly as we are in the new financial year, to see how we can further maximise our staffing levels because the more internal staff we have, the better the position that we are in to respond to the emerging issues, particularly in relation to our roads network, where we see the challenges increase. <BR /> <BR />I am acutely aware of the challenges that are being faced across all the divisions, but I hope that the Member is reassured that we are taking decisive action to get to grips with that. The most recent example is one way in which we are doing that.”
“To strengthen our workforce planning arrangements internally, we have established a people subcommittee, ensuring that workforce capacity risks are identified and managed as best we can. To build long-term resilience, we are investing in innovative recruitment approaches, particularly the example that I gave around the pilot in Ballymena. That campaign was launched using the TalentDog model, and I think that that will go some way to enhance our resource capability to repair road defects such as potholes and to increase maintenance. <BR /> <BR />Competitions are also under way using the already successfully established academy and apprentice approach to recruit new civil engineering staff.”
“As I said in response to a previous question, the Department continues to face significant resource challenges, particularly with the recruitment and retention of staff. We face particular challenges with specialist roles such as industrial road workers and civil engineers, and, undoubtedly, that has impacted on our ability to deliver essential services and infrastructure projects. Road maintenance is probably one of the most glaringly obvious areas of work in which we have challenges. <BR /> <BR />The Member referenced the western division, and it is experiencing similar vacancy levels to those across all divisions in my Department's transport and road asset management group.”
“<BR /> <BR />There is only the one open day because the new approach to the recruitment campaign is being piloted in the Ballymena area and aims to increase the number of candidates and shorten the recruitment process. If that approach is successful, we will consider using similar recruitment campaigns in the future, as we use other methods of recruitment currently across the Civil Service. That is the rationale behind there being only one location, but we are mindful that, particularly given the interest in the campaign, there will be others who do not have the means to get there on those days, and we will consider that going forward.”
“I am glad that the Member has raised that question. She has written to me on the issue as well. I was pleased to note the advertisement of the recruitment competition for industrial road workers that closed at the end of March. The Department received hundreds of applications, which is promising. Our industrial road workers undertake vital operational services. The recruitment campaign demonstrates my commitment to improving our network for the benefit of all road users. As the Member knows, interview open days are planned in Ballymena on 27 and 28 April, with appointments likely to be in June 2026. It is a fast-tracked way of ensuring that we can recruit and recruit quickly, following successful completion of the pre-employment process.”
“As I said, this matter is for council planning departments and enforcement teams to take action on in relation to any issue that may arise around enforcement or planning permission. The Member is fully aware of that. The decision would not be taken by the councillors either. It is important to clarify that.”
“As the Member is aware, planning policy is a responsibility of local government, as is enforcement, so there is no role for my Department on that.”
“<BR /> <BR />An observational study on buses and school journeys across the North is under way. Officials have been travelling on school buses across the North in rural constituencies and our rural areas particularly. Schools have been surveyed, and focus groups are being established to inform the development of the educational programme.”
“It is important to re-emphasise that legislation alone will not eliminate danger for children on journeys to and from school. I have been clear on that, from taking up post and from my first engagement with Stella and others. The safer journeys to school programme adopts a whole-system approach that will combine education, behaviour-change activity, evidence gathering and enforcement readiness with legislation. My Department is progressing a broad educational package. I have met the Education Minister in relation to this, and officials are working across Departments to ensure that the package is informed by extensive research, through engagement with key partners and concerns expressed by parents and guardians, schools and communities, to ensure that it is evidence-led and therefore effective.”
“It is anticipated that the first pillar to prohibit overtaking of a stationary bus in clearly defined dangerous circumstances focused on situations where passengers may be exposed to harm will be taken forward through secondary legislation within this mandate. The second pillar, which includes several options for further development designed to mitigate the risks associated with vehicles passing buses during boarding and alighting, including from the opposite direction, will require primary legislation.”