Liz Kimmins
Newry and Armagh · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I do not know how it will have affected North Antrim specifically unless the Member is referring to something in particular. We all have a responsibility in climate change and what we do to try to mitigate its impacts.”
“As the Member rightly said, removal of the zero-detriment policy is for the AERA Minister, and I have engaged with the Minister on that, as well as on the removal of the statement of regulatory principles and intent. I recognise that removing that would have detrimental impact on future development.”
“In response, we recently developed and introduced new appraisal guidance, which represents a significant and deliberate shift in approach. Under the previous arrangements, schemes were largely determined by a monetised cost-benefit ratio threshold where, typically, projects that fell below a ratio of one did not progress.”
“A number of significant issues have led to that scenario. I assume that the Member is referring to waste water capacity. I have said that NI Water has suggested that it needs between £3·5 billion to £3·6 billion for the next price control period.”
“Recruitment is a key challenge faced by all Departments. In questions to the Minister of Health, my colleague from Newry and Armagh referred to the recruitment issue that recently impacted on Daisy Hill. The challenge is not unique to DFI. I want to put a focus on ensuring that we build our internal capacity and improve staffing levels.”
“The Executive and the Assembly agree that the Executive's Budget is not adequate, which is why we are in that negotiation. When it comes to the capital budget, we have to factor in a timeline for the legal challenge that we are going through. It is unlikely that we will get a decision from the court on this side of the summer recess.”
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“I appreciate that. Thank you, a LeasCheann Comhairle.”
“<BR /> <BR />Let me be very clear: I can say with hand on heart that, in everything that I have done to date in my role as Minister, the decision to slow things down as a result of the judgement, particularly in relation to the A1 because it is something that is close to me, was probably the most difficult decision that I have ever had to take. I know that this is so important, but I also know that I have to face the people who have lost someone, and I have to explain to them. As John rightly said, in Civil Service terms that means nothing to you if you have lost your loved one, because there is no price that you can put on a life.”
“The scheme is a mature and well-developed project. It has completed the statutory process, including public inquiry and the making of the necessary statutory orders, with only the vesting order process remaining to be made prior to construction, and it has an approved outline business case. Following the decision in July 2024 to proceed, the scheme moved into procurement phase, with preparatory procurement activity already undertaken, including the pre-qualification questionnaires in February 2025 and publication of the restricted list of tenderers in May 2025.”
“Delivering the scheme as a single package remains the preferred way forward, subject to the necessary legal considerations being addressed.”
“Legal challenge carries a real cost, not only in delay but in the diversion of public funds away from delivery and safety improvements, so taking the time to get the approach right is the most responsible way to ensure the fastest delivery of the scheme. <BR /> <BR />I recognise that there have also been calls to progress individual elements of the scheme. However, when the project was developed and announced by John O'Dowd in his role as Infrastructure Minister, it was done as a single coherent package to provide that clarity and certainty and a comprehensive, deliverable solution to long-standing safety concerns. All here will agree that, because of its importance, we want to see it delivered in one go, as far as possible, rather than in bits and pieces. I continue to be fully supportive of that approach.”
“I am working very closely with the Member's colleague the DAERA Minister because we feel extremely strongly about that. The Assembly agreed the climate change legislation, and we were of the strong opinion that we had fulfilled our responsibilities under that. <BR /> <BR />I consider it prudent to reflect on any lessons learned from other major road schemes to avoid further legal challenge, of which there is a significant risk, and further delay and financial risk. As Members know, capital resources are limited, and every pound spent on avoidable legal costs is a pound that cannot be invested in improving safety or delivering infrastructure on the ground.”
“<BR /> <BR />As Members have mentioned, all the major infrastructure projects that are currently within my remit have had to be considered in light of the A5 judgement. Whilst we might have different views on how that can be interpreted, it is important that we allow appropriate time for the completion of the legal proceedings. The Member for Upper Bann asked me specific questions about the appeal and the recent comments of the judge. It would be inappropriate for me to comment until those proceedings conclude as I want to ensure that we fulfil the most robust case that we can to have the best chance of winning the appeal. It is of the utmost importance.”
“We were well on track and confident that we would see it proceed in the spring of this year. <BR /> <BR />Many of the other voices that we have heard strongly advocating for the scheme have been shaped by personal loss or serious injury, and I have great admiration for the courage and determination that it takes to continue standing up for change in the face of such tragedy. <BR /> <BR />My focus on safety reflects the serious collision history on that stretch of the A1, and it has been highlighted repeatedly in my responses to Assembly questions. That evidence underpins the case for a comprehensive scheme that delivers lasting safety improvements rather than short-term or piecemeal interventions.”
“I want to make some progress. <BR /> <BR />At the heart of the issue is road safety. That is of the utmost importance to me because behind every one of those statistics is a person. There is a family and a community whose lives have been changed forever. Every single death on our roads is one too many, and reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured remains one of my foremost priorities. <BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to the long-standing efforts of Monica Heaney and the other campaigners who have not only stood up for everyone in our communities but turned their grief and their loss into something that will protect others. I visited New-Bridge Integrated College last year and gave it my commitment that the project will go ahead as planned.”
“<BR /> <BR />Improving safety, reducing those conflict points and providing a safer environment for all road users remain the central objectives of the scheme, and I reaffirm that the project continues to be regarded as a priority in my Department's major roads programme and something that I have factored in for the next three years in the hope that we get a multi-year Budget as that also will be critical to the delivery of the scheme.”
“With that level of use comes a responsibility to ensure that this corridor is as safe as possible for everyone who relies on it. The A1 phase 2 scheme has been developed to address those long-standing safety concerns at the key junctions, including the closing of approximately 100 gaps in the central median along the 25-kilometre stretch where the risk of collision has been well established. Barely a week goes by when there is not a near miss, and many of them have been close to me. It is very evident for all to see just how crucial this is.”
“I am determined that lessons are learned so that projects can progress on a sound footing and be delivered with confidence. I am clear that the A1 is one of the most strategically important transport corridors on the island. It is a key part of the eastern seaboard corridor; it provides a vital link between Belfast and Dublin; and, as Members have said, it carries a significant volume of traffic every day, including commuters, freight and those making cross-border journeys.”
“I was proud that my colleague John O'Dowd took the definitive action and the decision to proceed with the A1 project and get it moving after years upon years of waiting. That is how important it is to all of us. As Members have said, the concerns of residents, businesses and those who use the A1 regularly are well understood but no more so than by those who have been impacted on by the loss of a loved one along it. As a constituency MLA, I took part in the public inquiry, because I recognised that that was another important step in getting the road built and addressing all the issues that have been articulated here this evening. <BR /> <BR />I am acutely aware of the level of Assembly interest in and scrutiny of the issue, including the questions on the legal and environmental robustness of major road schemes.”
“I thank Eóin Tennyson for securing this important debate. This issue is of the utmost importance to me. I have personally campaigned on it as a constituency MLA. I travel the A1 road every day. I have met and know families who have been affected, and I know Monica very well. This is not just another debate; it is on an issue that I hold very dear. I do not want to be in this position. If there were a simple solution, as Members here tonight seem to think that there is, we would not be having the debate. <BR /> <BR />I recognise the strength of feeling, locally and across the North, about the A1 scheme. There are strong similarities to the situation with the A5 in the rationale for wanting to see the A1 upgraded.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“As you will be aware, the Department is working on transport plans for all the council areas across the North. There is the eastern transport plan, which takes into consideration a number of council areas. Outside of that, individual council areas will work on that. That is a prime opportunity for areas to have input and identify where there are significant issues, of which parking is one, while enhancing public transport access, active travel routes and all those things to ensure that we offer many different modes of transport and keep our towns and cities moving.”
“It is mainly targeted at commuters or others who park outside homes and affecting residents' access in a sustained way that is causing serious issues, not just for residents' own access but access for emergency services and other services that need to access properties throughout the day.”
“School pickup times are probably not the same as the issue that we are talking about. We are thinking of a more sustained situation that lasts a number of hours. I think that the minimum is about five hours, but I will get clarification on how long someone can park outside a property. It is very much targeted at the areas of highest need where there is long-term parking by people who are not from the area that is directly impeding local residents. However, if there are specific areas where that is a long-term issue, we can take that into consideration. As I said, once the information goes live, it will, hopefully, be clearer as to what exactly is included and whether the examples that the Member is aware of meet the threshold.”
“Absolutely. The criteria very clearly lay out what will constitute nuisance parking. There are variations of that for different circumstances. For example, during the week, there is a lower threshold, but, at weekends, the issues are more likely to be in line with what the Member describes because there may be more tourists, for example. All those things will be taken into consideration. As I said, the information will be online from today, and that, hopefully, will set out very clearly for people who have unique circumstances where exactly they will fit into the process.”
“As the Member may be aware, my officials regularly attend the university community engagement forum to discuss a residents' parking zone for the Magee area. We have held a number of events dedicated to that. Based on the feedback that has been obtained through those engagements, including with residents' groups who have engaged directly with households, an updated proposal was shared with the engagement forum. Following the most recent meeting of the forum, officials are now undertaking the agreed amendments to the proposal ahead of further planned engagement events. That will hopefully ensure that progress continues and that we see implementation in the not-so-distant future.”
“As I said, the application process is due to open next month, so I encourage anybody who has an issue to look at the information that will go live on the website today so that they can get up to speed with what is required and what the criteria are and can prepare themselves for the application process. The timeline for implementation will very much depend on the level of demand. A number of stages have to be completed to get approval, and every area will be treated in that way when going through the process. It is important that, during this lead-in time, people get as much information as possible, prepare the required evidence and then get their applications in at the earliest possible stage. We will certainly endeavour to process applications in the timeliest manner possible.”
“To address your earlier points, the idea of developing the process is to ensure that we find solutions for residents who have been particularly impacted by nuisance parking and an inability to park close to their homes. I am, obviously, familiar with many of the areas that you mentioned.”
“We have looked at a threshold of 50% plus one to ensure that minority voices are heard and recognised. The example that you have given is one of the issues that has arisen in the past. I hope that we can address that to ensure that local residents in the area can get a solution that will benefit them more widely. As I said earlier, we will be looking at the process continually to see if there are ways in which it can be strengthened. Matthew O'Toole gave the example of short-term lets, and we will be looking at things like that. Hopefully, as we go through the process and get the applications in, we will get a better sense of whether more work is required in relation to unique issues.”
“This is a scheme that seeks to ensure that people are able to park closer to their homes. I hope that it will benefit anywhere where there is a problem with people from outside the area nuisance parking, or preventing someone who needs cross-pavement access for charging from doing so. These schemes will operate within restricted hours. They will look at the peak times for particular problems with commuters, or whomever it may be, parking in residential areas and impacting on residents. I hope that that will be a natural mitigation for people who require cross-pavement charging.”
“The Department is committed to giving consideration to a residents' parking scheme to address the emerging pressures that are faced around the Ulster University campus area in Belfast. As part of that, officials will undertake feasibility work for the potential of the scheme in Lancaster Street, Thomas Street, McGurks Way, Portland Place and part of Great Georges Street. Any further progress will be subject to satisfactory completion of the same legislative process that I outlined in relation to Iveagh.”
“That will very much depend on the demand for schemes. As I said earlier, it is a resource-intensive process. There are various stages: application, assessment and implementation. As we go through the process, we will be able to work out exactly what enforcement capacity we will need. In areas in which a number of schemes will be in place, staff will not be required to be in one location for 24 hours a day or anything like that, but we will be able to manage our resources to meet the need. We are at the earlier stages, but, as we go through the process and once the application window closes, we will have a better sense of what is required and what resources we will need to deliver the schemes.”
“We looked across all jurisdictions to see what has and has not worked well and at our experience of the previous process. We very much took the view that the process should be based on good practice in areas where we have seen such schemes run smoothly. One of the developments as part of that work is that the schemes will be designed very much from the Department's perspective, because one of the challenges in the past was that the design went back and forth between residents and kept changing, and we then did not make any progress, because it was very difficult to agree on something that suited everyone. The support will absolutely be community-led, but the Department will design the schemes to ensure a more efficient and effective process.”
“The scheme represents a good step forward, because I know that parking is a particular issue there, and people have been waiting a long time for a scheme. We developed the process because what existed previously did not meet the needs of communities, so, hopefully, the various schemes will help create broader benefits right across the North. <BR /> <BR />On the scheme for the Iveagh area, the proposals for the residents' parking zone are being finalised to enable officials to carry out a formal consultation. Any further progress made on that will be subject to the satisfactory completion of the legislative process.”
“I hope that that answers your question, but if you need more specific information, please let me know. <BR /> <BR />I assume that there are similar impacts in rural areas. Where there are challenges, I encourage people to have a look at the application process and submit an application, because we will look at everything in the round and take on board the unique circumstances that may affect certain areas.”
“In residential areas where there is a particular issue with commuter or nuisance parking, with people parking for long periods, which affects the ability of local residents to get access to or park close to their home, the aim of the scheme is to mitigate those challenges. <BR /> <BR />I appreciate your point about the different car parks that are there, but the schemes are looking at residential areas specifically. For example, in Belfast, people park in residential areas that are near their workplace. I know that there are particular issues in some student areas and suchlike. It is therefore about trying to strike a balance so that residents are not forced to park very far away from their home because of people from outside the area coming in and parking there all day.”
“As I mentioned, one of the considerations that will be taken into account when doing an assessment for a scheme is whether there is off-street parking, such as a driveway, available. That will be looked at in the round. We also have to ensure that proposed areas for a scheme have a workable solution. For example, is there enough space to deliver the scheme properly? That will be worked out through the process. We will look at the requirement for 1·2 parking spaces per property. A bit of methodology is involved in how that is worked out, but it will be taken into consideration to ensure that there is ample parking for everyone involved.”
“It is an annual fee. That will be kept under review to establish how sustainable it is.”
“We recognised that issue during the development of the new process. The cost of a resident permit or business permit is currently £30. That is valid for a year. That will, however, be reviewed periodically to ensure that it remains sustainable. There will be exemptions wherever some of the proposed schemes are wholly or partially in neighbourhood renewal areas, and permits will be issued to residents and blue-badge holders, free of charge.”
“I recognise that effective enforcement is an integral part of the success of any residents' parking scheme. It is important that that enforcement helps to ensure that the scheme is respected and delivers the intended benefits. As happens with the scheme that is in place on Rugby Road, enforcement of further schemes will be implemented by our departmental traffic enforcement teams, which are responsible for ensuring compliance with all parking restrictions and regulations across the North. As with any breach of parking regulations, a penalty charge notice will be issued. Enforcement will, therefore, be delivered through our teams, but we will also engage with the PSNI on broader delivery.”
“Everyone will have to make a new application, because we have done a lot of work to streamline the process. Whilst we have pre-committed to a number of schemes, which I mentioned in my statement, all areas that would like to apply now will have to put in a new application.”
“Absolutely. I can think of examples in my constituency of where parking like this can impact on householders and local residents' ability to get access to emergency services and other services that are critical to their day-to-day lives. I hope that the scheme will alleviate some pressures by freeing up access. In the case of domiciliary carers, community nurses and other things like that, the local health and social care trust or independent providers of domiciliary care can apply on behalf of the staff who deliver care to people. The carer permits will be issued free of charge.”
“Whilst it is not possible to outline specific timelines at this stage, we have an approximate timeline for how long each stage of the process will take. It will depend on demand for the scheme and how departmental resources are directed. Once the application process closes, we will have a better idea of the sort of time frames that we can expect.”
“That is an integral part of the entire process.”
“As I outlined, it is resource-intensive. We will have a team of officials working on it. We have put in certain parameters to try to manage demand. I think that there will be a significant demand. There will be a lead-in time before the application process opens. The information will be up on the website from today, ahead of the application process officially opening. I hope that that will help to ensure that people have plenty of time to get their head around what is required and to assess whether this is the proper pathway for them and their area. <BR /> <BR />I have forgotten the second question.”
“I appreciate the issues that the Member has raised. Officials will continue to explore any further measures to strengthen the process. I recognise that there may be anomalies. The 50% plus one threshold was brought in to recognise that there will be areas that have significant support, and we really want to ensure that they are properly considered. There may be differences in student areas, for example, but we have been working on a similar scheme in the Magee area of Derry. That will help to guide how we move things forward.”
“Alongside that demand-led pathway, which will launch in April, I remain committed to continuing to develop schemes where work has already commenced, such as those in Derry and the Iveagh area of Belfast. My Department will also give consideration to a scheme that could address the emerging on-street parking pressures in the vicinity of the Ulster University campus in Belfast.”
“<BR /> <BR />The process of assessing, designing, consulting on and potentially implementing a residents' parking scheme is resource-intensive. Introducing a five-year interval will help to ensure that resources are used efficiently and are not repeatedly directed towards areas where there is insufficient support or where a scheme is not viable. This approach aims to deliver workable community-backed residents' parking zones that improve neighbourhood liveability while making best use of available resources. <BR /> <BR />The delivery of more schemes will also help to persuade those who currently drive into our towns and cities and park all day to use more active or sustainable modes of transport.”
“Engagement will take place with the PSNI and the relevant local council, and traffic and parking surveys will be commissioned to establish viability before moving to the design and statutory consultation processes under the existing policy framework. Any applications that do not meet the required criteria at any stage of the process or fail to garner the necessary resident support when balloted will not be reconsidered for a residents' parking scheme for another five years, unless there has been a significant change in circumstances in the area. That aligns with best practice in other jurisdictions, where similar cooling-off periods are used to manage demand and encourage well-considered and community-backed applications.”
“Each household and business in a proposed scheme will be issued with a ballot addressed to the occupier. A return rate of at least 50% plus one of those balloted in support of a proposed scheme will be required for a scheme to progress. <BR /> <BR />Securing an overall majority of residents' support for a residents' parking zone within specified areas is a fundamental part of the demand-led application and assessment process to ensure that more schemes can be delivered across the North going forward. That reflects a balanced approach and underpins the fact that schemes are community-driven, while being deliverable and sustainable. <BR /> <BR />Following the confirmation of support for a scheme, my Department will verify that off-street parking access is below 50% and that there is sufficient kerbside capacity to design a workable zone.”
“In order for any scheme to be eligible for consideration, proposals must demonstrate persistent commuter or nuisance parking; cover adopted public streets only; have fewer than 50% of properties with access to private off-street parking such as driveways; and include evidence of local support for a scheme. <BR /> <BR />Further information on residents' parking zones, including guidance on how to apply, will be published on nidirect and on my Department's website. The resources will provide any potential applicant with as much information as possible to allow them to consider whether a scheme is suitable for their area before submitting an application. <BR /> <BR />Following the application stage, my Department will confirm that a majority of residents living in the proposed area support the introduction of a scheme.”
“That approach follows recommendations from the residents' parking review report, which confirmed that residents' parking zones can work well where there is a clear local need but identified changes required to deliver schemes more effectively. To ensure effective management of the application process, the window for applications will open initially for a period of three months and will reopen on a cyclical basis. That approach will allow my Department to better coordinate the assessment and prioritisation of schemes so that the process is managed in a structured, transparent and efficient way. <BR /> <BR />The demand-led pathway will allow applicants to submit requests for their area to be considered for a residents' parking zone, providing my Department with information about the nature, extent and timing of parking pressures.”
“<BR /> <BR />Following publication of the review, there has been significant interest in the establishment of residents' parking zones. Given the demand and ongoing budgetary and resource constraints, my Department has developed an application and assessment process for residents' parking schemes that will ensure a streamlined process for considering, assessing and prioritising requests for schemes going forward. <BR /> <BR />In April 2026, my Department will open the new, demand-led application process that will enable individuals and communities to bring forward proposals for residents' parking zones for formal consideration.”
“I wish to provide the House with an update on how my Department will assess and deliver future residents' parking schemes across the North. I am very much aware that parking is an issue of concern for residents in many areas, and, along with my officials, I have carefully considered the best ways of addressing that. <BR /> <BR />Members will recall that, whilst the residents' parking review published in November 2024 found that the scheme for Rugby Road/College Park Avenue in Belfast had worked well, it identified challenges that resulted in other schemes not being able to progress. Those included the resource-intensive nature of the current departmental process and the inability to secure the level of buy-in from residents and businesses required for schemes to progress to implementation.”
“I recognise that we have to take major steps forward to meet our environmental responsibilities, and that is something that I am absolutely committed to doing. We have to do that in a realistic way that recognises the budgetary constraints and the scale of the issues that we are dealing with. I will continue to work with the Minister on that.”
“The SORPI arrangements were put in place to recognise the ongoing challenges faced by NI Water, so I do not agree that it is a get-out-of-jail-free card. It is realistic, given what is happening and how we can manage that, particularly given the financial constraints. I have been engaging with the Member's colleague the AERA Minister on his proposal to remove the SORPI arrangement. He gave a statement to the Assembly today on that, and there needs to be further ongoing engagement in relation to that. We have to balance that with the impacts on the ability to meet the required standards if that is introduced. <BR /> <BR />There are so many consequences to absolutely everything that we do.”