Stephen Dunne
North Down · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Does the Minister recognise that the delays are causing a lot of stress to current officers and those who have served in the past and are impacting on the morale of current officers? What level of engagement has she had on the issue in the past, and what are her plans, in that regard, for the future?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. With approximately 15% of the entire Waterways Ireland estate located in Northern Ireland, I am keen to establish any detail that you may have on the scale of immediate safety risks, with regard to diseased trees in Northern Ireland specifically, that are linked to the tree management strategy, whic…”
“All the trust ports support the legislation, as was reflected in the responses to the consultation carried out last year on this important issue. It is also worth noting that trust ports in the rest of the United Kingdom — in Scotland, England and Wales — have been reclassified with no issues.”
“I am pleased to speak in the Second Stage debate on the Harbours Bill. As a member of the Committee for Infrastructure, I support the Bill's general intention, which, ultimately, is to provide all the trust ports in Northern Ireland with greater commercial flexibility. The trust ports are a key part of our local economy.”
“More than 20,000 people are employed in the harbour estates alone, and the harbours support over 15% of our country's total annual output. We can see the developments taking place at the D3 cruise terminal at Belfast harbour through the work that is going on there.”
“That should be the focus for all of us, and something that we can support and get behind. There is no doubt that all our trust ports already deliver significant economic and social benefits, but they are telling us that they can do more, want to do more and are willing to do more.”
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“There is a lot of merit in having the independence of our MOT system and the regulation and so on that comes with that. My colleague Mr Harvey talked about the recent changes to our MOT system and how improvements could be made, including the ability to book physically at our test centres rather than just online. Obviously, digital transformation has changed how so many of us do business, but I think that it is always important to point out that some people do not have that online access. Accessibility is an important point to note, so I thank my colleague Mr Harvey for outlining that. <BR /> <BR />Steve Aiken highlighted the significance of the failing lifts issue and the importance of staff safety. Unfortunately, he is not here to hear my comments.”
“Indeed, the issue has been shared with me recently of how car dealers' livelihoods are reliant on being able to get an MOT for their vehicles. It raises the question of whether there should be a more dedicated system for car dealers, who are dependent on getting an MOT for their livelihoods. Mr Buchanan finished by talking about the worrying statistic that two thirds of our MOT centres are underperforming in terms of vehicles tested over the five-year period from January 2019 to January 2024. Hopefully, the Minister will have heard my colleague Mr Buchanan on that issue. <BR /> <BR />Patrick Brown talked about the call for evidence on biennial testing from the previous Minister, and he spoke of our system being superior to that of GB. That is an important point.”
“Mr McReynolds also talked about the reintroduction of the temporary exemption certificates, and I think that it is worthy to point out how they were useful, particularly during the pandemic. I think that everybody benefited from them, and that was an example of innovative ways and action points that helped people on our roads. <BR /> <BR />John Stewart talked about frustrations and the need for alternatives, and he talked about that during the Committee meeting as well. He also talked about not ruling out a role for car dealerships. I think that it is fair to say that Mr Stewart wanted that to be kept on the table. Keith Buchanan mentioned the previous lift issues and how confidence in our MOT system has been damaged. He highlighted the impact of the most recent cracks on our lifts and the challenges for second-hand car dealers.”
“At our Committee meeting last week, an interesting statistic came through showing that the number of car users is up. I think that that is ironic, given the amount of money that has been spent on discouraging car use through active travel, cycle lanes and so on. Car use is up, and policy needs to reflect that. Mr Durkan, in speaking to his amendment, mentioned biennial testing. <BR /> <BR />Danny Baker talked about the challenges that elderly constituents face in accessing MOTs and about the recruitment issues that are being experienced at a number of our test centres across our country. Peter McReynolds highlighted concerns from his constituents about being unable to get their cars taxed and the need for earlier renewal letters. I think that that is an important point that should be taken on board.”
“That is causing concern, despite what the Minister may have said today. It does create uncertainty, and it raises further questions across our community, particularly given the issues that everybody is so familiar with from a number of years ago. It is alarming, and there is that fear that it will ultimately have an impact on service. Mrs Erskine also highlighted the fact that over half of NI drivers admitted to driving without an MOT, according to a recent survey carried out by Compare NI. She also highlighted the real need for urgent action. <BR /> <BR />Mark Durkan highlighted the stress that is being created for people and the need for people to travel distances to try to get an MOT. He stressed how we in Northern Ireland are highly car-dependent.”
“I also welcome the progress on the new MOT centres and, hopefully, they can be fully opened without any further delays. Mr Harvey might even get 10 lanes if he keeps pressing our new Minister. <BR /> <BR />Another issue that has been raised with me recently is the option of requiring new vehicles to have a first MOT after five years rather than four years. I think that that is a reasonable request, and it is interesting to note that, in GB, it has recently been increased from three years to four years. That shows a direction of travel. <BR /> <BR />I will now turn to remarks that have been made by a number of Members in the debate this evening. The Chair of the Committee for Infrastructure, Deborah Erskine, rightly raised the issue of new cracks appearing on the lifts.”
“I believe that the Minister has an opportunity to demonstrate that he is up for action, and this motion affords him that opportunity. I welcome that he has come here today and made some commitments towards action. <BR /> <BR />It is interesting to note that the Newtownards MOT centre conducted the most tests, with almost 11,900 tests completed during the month of January 2024. That is to be commended. It is the centre that I am most familiar with, and it is used daily by my constituents in the neighbouring North Down constituency. <BR /> <BR />As was mentioned, the incredibly high number of missed appointments, with over 50,000 vehicle owners failing to turn up for their MOT, is a cause for concern. That is undoubtedly a contributing factor to the backlog, and we need to look proactively at ways to address that.”
“<BR /> <BR />Last week, at the Infrastructure Committee meeting, we heard directly from the chief executive of the DVA, who stated that a 72-day wait for an MOT test is now the new normal in Northern Ireland. Indeed, that statistic was carried on a number of local media outlets. Today, however, a constituent, whom I know quite well, contacted me to tell me that although he booked his MOT online today, the first date that he could get at his nearest MOT centre, which is in Newtownards, was 8 August, some 150 days from today's date. That is more than double the new normal, and that is unacceptable. <BR /> <BR />Something has to change, and we need to see innovative ways of doing things coming forward — not just being talked about, but being delivered. We need to see solutions.”
“The fact that that is the highest number of tests ever recorded in any year is testament to that work. Nobody here is disputing the hard work of the staff, and I certainly did not hear that in the comments made over the past hour-plus. <BR /> <BR />The pandemic, as it did across so many sectors, provided unprecedented challenges, but the time for using the pandemic as an excuse for a poor service is long over. Whilst the number of vehicle tests has increased, as was talked about during the debate, I feel that we had a lack of decisive action and solutions from the previous Infrastructure Minister. Many of these issues were on their desk at that time. Hopefully, however, the current Minister will surprise us all and will take real action to deliver an improved MOT service, which is so greatly needed.”
“Trying to get an MOT appointment is a huge challenge for so many people, including for Members. It is one of the most common issues being raised in my constituency office. <BR /> <BR />Some colleagues have mentioned that the way in which the current system operates causes confusion for motorists. That is an important point, and it highlights why we need to see improvements in the system. People are asking whether their vehicles are legally roadworthy, whether they are insured and whether they can get taxed. Those are among the questions facing many motorists every day. <BR /> <BR />As others have rightly stated, it is important to acknowledge the work of the staff in our vehicle testing sites right across the country, and the fact, as was said by a number of Members, that over 1·15 million vehicle tests were completed during 2022-23.”
“I am very pleased to have tabled the motion, alongside my two colleagues Deborah Erskine and Keith Buchanan, on this very important and timely issue. I welcome the constructive debate in the Chamber today; many good and valid points have been made. I thank the Minister for his attendance today; it is appreciated. I thought that, when we saw the article coming through, he might not show and might miss his appointment here. We are glad, Minister, that you are here and we appreciate you listening to us all this evening. <BR /> <BR />There has been general agreement throughout the Chamber that the current system needs to be improved and that it is really not working as it should be, despite the efforts of the hard-working staff, which have been acknowledged here today.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Given that it can be quite a complex, long and drawn-out process for residents, does he agree that it could be made more effective and streamlined, as well as being widened to deal with single problem trees that are over two metres, which it currently does not do?”
“Millisle needs further investment, and I trust that today's well-supported petition will play a part in securing the future of the Ballycopeland windmill and cafe, which is a wonderful tourist attraction and amenity that is filled with rich history and heritage and has so much potential for further growth.”
“Earlier this year, unfortunately, those staff were advised that their employment will cease at the end of March 2024. Understandably, that has sparked concern around the future of the cafe and the site. The petition, which has been signed by 2,689 people, demonstrates the strength of feeling across the area and beyond to retain a cafe facility at this famous windmill. I thank those who have organised the petition, including Jacqueline Adeoye, Jo Scott from the Millisle and District Community Association and Kay Boyle from the health and well-being group. I thank local councillors Robert Adair, David Kerr and Nigel Edmund for their work, as well as former councillor Eddie Thompson, who has campaigned in support of the windmill for many years.”
“After much lobbying for restoration from across the local community, the Ballycopeland windmill reopened in June 2022, following an investment of £1·7 million from the Department for Communities, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and Ards and North Down Borough Council, which all worked constructively together to deliver this transformation and revitalisation project of the windmill, as well as the kiln room and the miller's cottage, complete with an interactive visitor experience that is enjoyed by many visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond. It has brought a real boost to the village and the surrounding area. <BR /> <BR />The windmill and cafe have welcomed many visitors since opening, and the Ability Cafe has provided real employment opportunities for many local young people with disabilities.”
“I rise today as an MLA for North Down to present a petition of 2,689 signatures from across the local community that demonstrates the affection and support for keeping the doors open at the Ballycopeland windmill and cafe, which is such a landmark in Millisle and the surrounding area. The Ballycopeland windmill was built in fields outside Millisle between 1790 and 1813, well over 200 years ago, when that part of County Down was known as "Little Holland" because of the number of windmills in the area. The windmill is a very important part of our local history and heritage, and it is one of the few remaining windmills across the whole island of Ireland with its original working mechanism still in place; indeed, it milled produce for animals and people to eat up until 1915.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Last week, senior officials briefed the Infrastructure Committee, and one key issue that was highlighted was the high level of vacancies — over 28% — particularly in technical roles. The officials outlined that they were considering more innovative ways of addressing the vacancies. Does the Member agree that Departments such as the Department for Infrastructure should take the lead on that issue and do more by creating more apprenticeship places in their Departments and practising what they preach?”
“As the Minister said, it is vital that our public transport network be accessible and affordable. The consultation on the concessionary fares scheme closed over six months ago, in August 2023. Will the Minister provide an update on the future of free travel for the over-60s?”
“Unfortunately, more than 40 people have died while waiting on a decision on their application. What more can the deputy First Minister do to streamline the process and, ultimately, to get more payments out to those who are eligible?”
“<BR /> <BR />Through the all-island strategic rail review, we have an opportunity to address decades of underinvestment in the rail network. I trust that the Minister will take action on that and support bringing the public transport system into line with that of the rest of the UK. <BR /> <BR />I will support the motion if amended. as we seek to improve our rail infrastructure and make it fit for purpose for the future. It is my hope that those improvements will be accompanied by similar investment in our roads network, ports and airports as we seek to make Northern Ireland an even more attractive place to live, work and invest in.”
“I thank Mr Stewart for that intervention. I agree with him. There is great potential to do more, even with the rail links that exist, and to build on that, including by providing greater frequency of trains and, indeed, more routes and stops. <BR /> <BR />That ties in with my next point about how it is alarming that, since the 1950s, our rail network has been cut by almost 450 miles. That is an alarming statistic, indeed. We have suffered historical underinvestment in the rail network compared with the Republic of Ireland and other regions of the United Kingdom. <BR /> <BR />I very much welcome the focus on improving connectivity to the three airports, including the George Best Belfast City Airport, which neighbours my constituency and is a vital part of our connectivity to the rest of the UK and beyond into Europe.”
“In 2022-23, that figure increased to over 540,000 journeys, confirming the demand that exists for rail travel into the city centre and beyond.”
“With a rough cost estimate for NI-related projects recommended by the draft review report equating to over £5 billion at 2021 prices, it would be foolish to believe that the Executive could support those projects without the aid of the UK Government. It is in that respect that the absence of any reference to the UK Government in the SDLP motion is peculiar, to say the least. <BR /> <BR />As an MLA for North Down, I see the very real value and importance to the economy of having a rail link that is used every day by thousands of commuters to and from Belfast city centre and beyond. Figures that I received from Translink this week show that, during the year 2021-22, there were over 320,000 journeys on the Bangor to Belfast rail line.”
“<BR /> <BR />Today's report from the Northern Ireland Audit Office, which my colleague Mrs Erskine mentioned, states, after analysing 77 projects across various Northern Ireland Departments, that delivery of major public infrastructure projects here will cost almost £2·5 billion more than planned. That is a real and stark reminder of the very real fiscal challenges that exist for major infrastructure projects such as the ones that we have been discussing. <BR /> <BR />As we move, hopefully, closer to the delivery stage of those potential improvements, it is imperative that contributions from the UK Treasury are discussed before bringing forward a costed implementation plan.”
“which is, indeed, welcome. <BR /> <BR />It is clear that the current rail network is outdated, as quite a number of Members have said, and is in real need of investment. I welcome the opportunity to support the motion as amended, as we look to ensure that the public transport system is fit for purpose for today and the future. <BR /> <BR />Improvements to connectivity with our single largest trade market in Great Britain is just as important as investing in cross-border rail projects. Indeed, that is why, in our agreement with the Government, my party ensured that there were commitments to improve the physical connections that link Northern Ireland to Great Britain, including delivery of the A75 improvements and a new £10 million fund to boost investment in ports.”
“The connectivity report also recommends that the UK Government look at providing:”
“There is no doubt that transport connectivity and a modern and accessible rail network are vital to economic growth, job creation, developing tourism, building houses and social cohesion. That connectivity is crucial, whether that be east-west or, indeed, North/South. I very much welcome the commitment in the Union connectivity review report, which was published in late 2021 by the UK Government. It stated that a key priority is:”
“How long will it take for all sessions to move to 22·5 hours?”
“<BR /> <BR />No family should ever have to face the additional heartbreak of not being able to bury a loved one. I commend the family of Lisa Dorrian for their bravery, dedication and courage, 19 years on, as they fight for justice for Lisa.”
“She, too, was tragically murdered and her body secretly buried. If passed, this law would impact on a perpetrator's parole and include incentives for their cooperation in disclosing where they have put the victim's body. Lisa's family has been heartened in recent weeks by the Justice Minister's commitment of her intention to legislate in support of Charlotte's law as part of the upcoming sentencing Bill. I certainly welcome that, and I urge the Minister to move at pace to deliver that much-needed legislation, which will bring some hope and comfort to families. It will support the tireless work of families like the Dorrians and the Murrays in their search for justice, truth and peace. Importantly, it will give families that peace to grieve properly for their loved ones.”
“I particularly pay tribute to Lisa's sister Joanne, who I have met a number of times, for all her ongoing efforts and campaigning to find Lisa. The family has worked very closely with many other families who are in similar circumstances, from right across the country and beyond, to look at ways that they can support each other and give each other hope through the most trying of the circumstances that they face. The investigation remains open. I encourage anyone with any information at to contact the PSNI immediately. <BR /> <BR />Recently, Lisa's family has backed the campaign to introduce Charlotte's law, which would see murderers face tougher sentences if they do not disclose the location of their victim's remains. The campaign is named after Charlotte Murray, who, similarly, went missing in 2012.”
“This week marks the nineteenth anniversary of the tragic disappearance of Lisa Dorrian from a caravan park in Ballyhalbert in County Down in 2005. Lisa's disappearance left an irreplaceable hole in the lives of her loving family and her many friends. Lisa's body has not been found. Her family has led a courageous and dignified campaign called "Let's Find Lisa", as they seek to bury her with her mother, Patricia, who sadly passed away in 2015 with a broken heart following her daughter's disappearance. <BR /> <BR />I commend the Dorrian family for their bravery and resilience in continuing to search for justice and fighting to bring their beloved Lisa home. Their dedication to getting truth and justice for Lisa is as strong today as it was 19 years ago.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer and congratulate him on his appointment. Last summer, as he will know, Brompton bay, Donaghadee bay and Ballyholme beach all failed minimum water quality tests and were given a poor rating by his Department. With the popularity of open-sea swimming and the European yachting event, does he feel that, as he stated with Lough Neagh, it could take decades to solve?”
“We need to see a greater level of town and city centre living going forward, particularly to meet the significant housing challenges that are faced across Northern Ireland from our capital city through to every rural corner of our great country. <BR /> <BR />I am happy to support the motion, and I thank my colleagues for tabling it.”
“We also need to give our home-grown businesses confidence that they can carry out that expansion to their business or build that new factory, should they so desire. <BR /> <BR />There needs to be stronger engagement across industry. That includes businesses, business organisations, architects and, indeed, planning consultants. Planning reform needs to have strong and consistent input from architects and consultants, as they are at the coalface of the Northern Ireland planning system day and daily. <BR /> <BR />Our towns, villages and city centres are also changing, with hybrid working, the ever-increasing rise of online shopping and out-of-town retail centres bringing new challenges to our country. It is imperative that our planning system is agile and reflects the changing landscapes and needs across society in 2024.”
“Consultees play an important role in providing specialist views and advice in their respective areas of competency. The current 21-day target for consultee responses is just that: a target. If a statutory consultee exceeds the 21-day target to respond, there is no recourse or sanction. Stronger deadlines for statutory consultees are a must if we are to see real change and streamlining in our planning system. <BR /> <BR />The Planning Appeals Commission is also in need of attention to address the backlog, which has, for a number of years, been blamed on COVID. In the first five months of 2023 alone, the PAC completed only 3% of appeals within its target timelines. We need an improved, more efficient planning system in order to really stimulate economic growth. We need to give investors that much-needed confidence.”
“I know that a number of councils have not yet adopted their local development plans despite councils being solely responsible for planning for almost nine years. <BR /> <BR />While it is important that planning processes are agile to reflect the varied needs across Northern Ireland, there should be greater consistency in our planning system and across our councils. The Department should consider greater oversight of council performances and monitoring. Statutory consultation delays can lead to real frustration among applicants and investors and, in some cases, can be the difference between a project going ahead or having to be withdrawn due to time issues and ever-rising costs. We see that now more than ever, given the costs of inflation, construction and so on.”
“<BR /> <BR />There is disparity across Northern Ireland in processing times for planning applications, and that is often frustrating for applicants and objectors — it is important to say that too — who look across at other council areas and see similar planning applications being progressed much more quickly. It is alarming that none of our 11 councils met the statutory target for making decisions on major applications during 2022. The average processing time for major applications is supposed to be 30 weeks, but, across all our councils, the average time taken during 2022 was over 57 weeks. Indeed, in Ards and North Down Borough Council, the average time was 104 weeks across its three major applications. We have 11 councils, 11 different systems and 11 different local development plans that are all at different stages of implementation.”
“<BR /> <BR />A recent NI Audit Office report concluded that our planning system is not working efficiently and, in many aspects, is failing to deliver for our economy, communities or the environment; indeed, many other representative bodies share similar concerns and have carried out detailed reports on this important subject. While we recognise the work of the Department's planning improvement programme to address some of the concerns, I believe that there is much more to do to improve our planning system and make it fit for purpose in 2024.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the matter, and, indeed, I thank my colleagues for tabling the motion today. It is great to see the cross-party support that is developing as the debate goes on. <BR /> <BR />Planning is such a crucial aspect of our economy, and an effective planning system is vital to instil confidence in the market for investment and economic prosperity. We need to see real change and transformation to develop our infrastructure through greater connectivity, investment in services and, indeed, a stable energy sector. There is no doubt that the current system is too slow, and, often, statistics for local applications, such as house extensions, can mask the real problem, which is that larger applications and major projects can face delays for many years.”
“Last year, in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area in my constituency, 3,800 potholes were reported, while the council received the lowest funding allocation across all councils. That left many roads across Bangor, Holywood, Donaghadee and Millisle in a truly shocking, disgraceful and dangerous condition. Will the Minister commit to reviewing the intervention level for DFI to repair potholes and changing it from 50 millimetres back to 20 millimetres, to truly start getting on top of the pothole crisis?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and congratulate him on his appointment. In my constituency of North Down alone, quite a number of schools, including Crawfordsburn Primary School, Priory Integrated College, Holywood Primary School and Bangor Central Integrated Primary School, have all had plans in place for many years for new builds and are in real need of investment. Will the Minister assure the House that he will make every effort to ensure that those schools will not be forgotten?”
“Steven also enjoyed a very successful club career, chalking up 742 club appearances in top-flight football in England and Scotland, winning trophies with his boyhood club, Glasgow Rangers, and excelling for many years in the Premier League with top clubs such as Southampton, Fulham and Aston Villa. <BR /> <BR />Thank you for your incredible service, Steven Davies MBE, and enjoy a well-earned break. I have no doubt that Steven will continue to make a major contribution to football in Northern Ireland for many years to come.”
“Steven Davis has always been an outstanding professional, role model and exceptionally gifted footballing talent, who has inspired so many people throughout his glittering career. Steven was rightly honoured with an MBE by the late Her Majesty The Queen for services to football back in 2017. He is greatly admired across the football fraternity in Northern Ireland and beyond, and has given us all so many great memories over the years, not least leading our country to qualification and into battle in the European championships in France back in 2016; an unforgettable experience and journey for so many of us.”
“Congratulations, Mr Speaker, on your elevation. <BR /> <BR />I take this opportunity to pay tribute to one of our all-time footballing greats, who has recently retired from professional football: Mr Steven Davis MBE. He will go down in history as one of Northern Ireland's greatest ever footballers — up there with the late, great George Best; the safe pair of hands, Pat Jennings; and our record goalscorer, David Healy. It is fitting and appropriate that his recent retirement from professional football be marked in the House today. <BR /> <BR />During his remarkable career, Steven earned 140 caps for Northern Ireland, playing for his country for almost 20 years since his debut back in 2005. Steven is also the most capped British player in the history of football, which is an exceptional achievement for a player from our wee country.”
“On a similar theme, what lessons have been learned by the Department following the Court of Appeal's ruling that the Department engaged in a clandestine preferential process that caused significant delay to quite a number of significant road resurfacing schemes across Northern Ireland?”
“I thank the Minister for the statement. I, too, concur with Members on P&O's disgraceful treatment of long-serving and loyal staff. Is the Minister concerned about supply chains in light of recent activity?”
“I thank the Minister for the positive update on the much-needed new building at Priory Integrated College for Holywood and the wider North Down area. Can he provide an update on other capital projects in the North Down constituency?”
“<BR /> <BR />Amendment No 30 creates a new clause that, as the Minister mentioned, future-proofs the Bill and gives the Department important powers to change or modify regulations when required. <BR /> <BR />I am happy to support the tabled amendments, and I believe that they will strengthen this important legislation.”
“Indeed, the pandemic reinforced that there is a need to be flexible, because nobody can predict what is coming for us. <BR /> <BR />Over the COVID pandemic, the various lockdowns and restrictions left many people spending more time at home, feeling more isolated and vulnerable. Unfortunately, as we heard from victims' support groups during the Committee Stage, which the PSNI statistics back up, there has been an alarming rise in domestic abuse over the past two years, reinforcing the need for action to be taken. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 26 to clause 2 states that the Department must report on the first anniversary of the commencement of the regulations and at least once every three years thereafter. That is an important step forward for accountability.”