Andrew McMurray
South Down · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“Minister, various greenway projects are mentioned in your statement. Those projects are to be welcomed. Recently, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council announced a feasibility study, part-funded by DFI, for a greenway between Warrenpoint, Kilkeel and Newcastle.”
“<BR /> <BR />I hope that the Minister can respond to some of those concerns directly. As I said, Alliance supports the reclassification of trust ports in principle, and we understand that that requires a limiting of the Department's powers. However, I am convinced that we need to have stronger safeguards.”
“Reclassification requires limiting some of the Department's powers, particularly the power to issue directions to trust ports. Several of my constituents have raised that with me as a major concern, and Ms Ennis also referred to it.”
“I will speak first in my role as the Alliance Party's infrastructure spokesperson and then as MLA for South Down. I echo what the Committee Chairperson said about the approach to the Bill. From the outset, it should be said that we support the ports.”
“Kilkeel and Ardglass ports have great potential for ancillary industries, such as the maintenance and security of offshore energy production. I am on the record as repeatedly calling for more investment in those areas and championing the great benefits that the blue-green economy can bring to the fishing ports in my constituency.”
“That will drive the Northern Ireland economy, and it has the potential to aid and drive the economy in South Down. Belfast Harbour would, through its master plan, like to make large-scale investments in renewable energy infrastructure but is currently severely hampered in that regard.”
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“I thank the Minister for her statement. She highlighted the fact that the board did not stay within its budget because it spent what it wanted to spend rather than what it had. Considering the number of statutory functions and obligations that have to be carried out, where does assessed need come into the equation? Given the state of our waste water infrastructure, does the Minister agree that, in reality, the funding requirement could be substantially higher?”
“Does the Minister accept that there is an immediate need for additional action, given that the current approach has made no difference to sewage spills and given the environmental peril that Belfast lough is in?”
“<BR /> <BR />We must ensure that our policies are fit for the challenges of the 21st century, especially when we are becoming increasingly aware of the implications of our actions for the environment and the species with whom we share our resources. Therefore, we support the motion and urge others to do so as well.”
“While the NIEA has indicated that the licences allow only non-intrusive geophysical and geochemical surveys, it has also assured us that more invasive activities will require full planning permission. Nevertheless, the risk of environmental degradation remains a significant concern that we cannot afford to ignore. Our landscapes and ecosystems deserve stronger protections than those currently being offered by the licences. <BR /> <BR />As Members of the Assembly, we hold the responsibility to protect our environment while embracing economic opportunities. It is no longer viable to view those two objectives as opposing forces. The Alliance Party will persist in promoting policies and initiatives that value our natural landscapes, safeguard and improve our environment and foster biodiversity while aiding nature's recovery.”
“Biodiversity is delicate, and, once harmed, recovery is often slow and, in some cases, impossible. <BR /> <BR />The approval of the licences came despite overwhelming public opposition, which has been referenced, with an astonishing 99·5% of respondents expressing their concerns during the consultation process. It is imperative that the Minister for the Economy listens to those expressed views and prioritises a review of the regulatory framework for mineral licensing to ensure that future decisions are rooted in sustainable practices that honour our natural resources. <BR /> <BR />I also want to clarify some issues that do not fall within the remit of the AERA Minister. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is involved only when it comes to the issue of planning.”
“I want to make a few brief comments in support of the motion today. Alongside some of my Alliance colleagues, I am deeply concerned about the recent approval of seven new mineral prospecting licences in Northern Ireland. As we strive to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, we cannot afford to overlook the potential consequences of such actions. <BR /> <BR />The decision represents a troubling regression of our commitment to environmental protection. Mineral prospecting poses significant risks to our natural habitats, including potential habitat destruction, soil and water contamination as well as disruptions to local wildlife. In Northern Ireland, where landscapes are among our greatest assets, we should prioritise the restoration of nature over its exploitation.”
“However, we are happy to support the UUP amendment as it is. Theirs is a much more solution-focused approach, which can help to improve outcomes and take meaningful steps towards delivering homes in communities. <BR /> <BR />To sum up, we have all heard about the practical and tangible issues that are facing housing, so I want to point out, in disagreement with Mr Gaston, that it is very poor form to place the blame for them almost solely on newcomers. Apart from that, it was a good and cordial debate. The other common thread — the main thread — is waste water infrastructure.”
“I have another minute. That is great. Thank you, Mr Speaker. <BR /> <BR />Certainly, I support the UUP amendment. I am happy to say that. <BR /> <BR />I disagree, however, with the motion's expressing a lack of confidence in the Executive. That will not build a single new home or lead to any extra funding. It does not lead to one bit of help for the thousands of people in housing stress. We need constructive action now. That is why our amendment calls for the Minister:”
“There are also over 4,000 households that have presented as homeless across Northern Ireland. They are not just statistics, as has been pointed out quite well by Mr Durkan. Families and, in particular, single individuals wait far too long for the dignity of a secure and affordable home. <BR /> <BR />Let me be clear: achieving 1,000 new starts is not good enough. I share the frustration and the sense of urgency, but I disagree —.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I share the Opposition's concerns about the slow progress on the housing supply strategy. The Programme for Government sets an important target of commencing at least 5,850 new social homes by the end of the mandate. If we want to meet that target, we need to make speedy and sustained progress right from the start. It is very concerning to hear that the Department will only be able to start work on 900 to 1,000 new social homes this year when the target demands more than twice that number. Even if we meet the target, we will barely touch the sides of the problem. <BR /> <BR />As many have pointed out, in the first quarter of 2025, over 49,000 households were on the social housing waiting list across Northern Ireland. In the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area alone, nearly 4,000 households are on that list.”
“How does the Minister envisage success being measured as a result of the strategy? Will it include targets, benchmarks and timelines that are accessible through a publicly available dashboard?”
“I am sure that, like me, the deputy First Minister will extend to newcomers here — be they my neighbours, those who come to my office or those whom I sit beside on a Sunday — that they are valued, welcomed and appreciated. Will the deputy First Minister provide an update on the Race Relations Order? When will we see an amendment on that before the House?”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. My question about the opt-out was covered by Ms Ferguson. I am content.”
“What is the Minister doing to rebuild public trust in what is a vital service and to reassure cardiac patients and their families that it is safe and effective?”
“Has the Department consulted local authorities or community groups in the north-west about barriers to accessing arts funding?”
“I thank the Minister. Is he able to expand on how drinking water is being protected?”
“What engagement does the Minister plan to have with the UK and EU in advance of any SPS and veterinary agreement being finalised?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. The Minister said that the forward work plan for the transport sector, which was agreed at the meeting, addressed sustainable transport in rural areas as one area of focus. What ideas and inspiration did she take away from that meeting on that area?”
“I thank the Minister. What is her assessment of the impact of the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime since her appointment in 2022?”
“Thank you, Minister. I would appreciate that. Following on from what you said about the needs-based approach, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in my constituency of South Down has the largest number of road surface defects of all local government districts and the worst ratio of defects to road length. Both have worsened in the past year. Can the Minister reassure my constituents that they will see noticeable improvements under her Department's new road maintenance strategy?”
“Minister, I think that you made a slight reference to permanent 20 mph speed limit zones outside schools. I would welcome any further information on that. I also want to draw the Minister's attention to the village of Dundrum — I am sure that she is aware of it — where there is a school with a 20 mph speed limit at one end of the village, but Knockevin School, at the other end, does not have a 20 mph limit. People in that village would greatly appreciate a permanent 20 mph zone. Can the Minister elaborate on that? I would greatly appreciate it.”
“A 75%:25% funding ratio is already in place, but that does not mean that Northern Ireland has only a 25% say in decisions. There is nothing to suggest that a change to that ratio would inevitably affect the rules that govern the decision-making of the bodies. They would also have to continue to undertake work according to the agreed ministerial priorities, and Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive would retain oversight of how the money is spent in their areas of responsibility. If anything, increased contributions from the Irish Government would give the Northern Ireland Executive more resources and control than their contribution warrants. It would be a win for Northern Ireland. I, therefore, welcome and support the motion.”
“However, in light of the huge pressures that we face in Northern Ireland on bread-and-butter issues such as policing, housing, health, social care and waste water, it is simply not realistic to increase our contribution to North/South bodies in the long term. The Republic is in a different place, financially speaking, and it can contribute more. If it is willing to do that, we should let it. <BR /> <BR />The deputy First Minister is concerned that a unilateral increase in the funding could break the balance between contributions from the two Governments. It was also said that it would affect the amount of say that each jurisdiction has in bodies' activities and their funding model. I do not see that as an inevitable outcome.”
“<BR /> <BR />Waterways Ireland and the Loughs Agency deal with a range of economic and environmental matters on marine and inland waterways in the border region. Water quality is a big issue that we need to tackle together. Everything flows in rivers and loughs. It is self-evident that cross-border water bodies can only be successfully managed together. <BR /> <BR />InterTradeIreland is equally important. We all benefit hugely from its efforts to promote trade and business and to increase our global competitiveness on an all-island and cross-border basis, especially in today's difficult global climate. We can only be strengthened by working together. <BR /> <BR />It is right that both jurisdictions contribute to that very important work.”
“If they cannot, we need to be open to changing them and to finding a solution that works. The deputy First Minister has said that she can see no reason to change the current funding model, but it is clear that the funding that it can provide year after year is not enough. I cannot see how that is not a good reason to look at a different funding model. <BR /> <BR />It will not come as a surprise to anyone to hear that I value cross-border cooperation and want to see a thriving shared island. It is regrettable that the North/South Ministerial Council has not always lived up to its potential, but that does not take away from the very important and necessary work that its North/South bodies do. That is work that can be done through cooperation and from which we all benefit as a result.”
“It is no secret that our public finances in the Executive are under severe strain. Every Department is looking for additional money, but it is not easy to come by. We need to look at doing things differently and see where we can establish new sources of funding. We cannot be precious about reviewing funding models and accepting additional money where it is offered. <BR /> <BR />It was good and welcome that the Minister for Communities was able to match the one-off funding allocation by the Irish Government earlier this year to allow both Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency to benefit. However, we all know that scrambling for mid-year injections is not a sustainable way to operate. We need to look at funding models to see whether they can consistently deliver what is needed.”
“Minister, what will the invasive species work sector focus on?”
“My thoughts are with those who were caught up in the incident at the victory parade in Liverpool last night, which included a large number of Northern Ireland-based Liverpool fans. I turned on the news channels to see and enjoy the parade, only to be confronted by the breaking news of the unfolding situation. It was saddening, to say the least. What was supposed to be an evening of celebration quickly turned into one of horror. It was particularly shocking not only for the four children who were involved but for all those who bore witness to it. No football fan, or, indeed, any sports fan, should go somewhere to show support for their team and return injured. I hope that the people — the fans — who were involved have a speedy recovery.”
“Third time is a charm. Does the Member or others worry, especially given the context that we are in, that there is a fine line between migration from legitimate concerns to legitimate targets in the racism that we have had?”
“Thank you very much. Minister, has the Department undertaken any financial or workforce modelling to assess or mitigate the impact of such potential changes?”
“Given that the progress that has been made between the EU and the UK has been done, in part, through engagement and rebuilding relationships, what further engagement does the Minister plan to undertake with the EU?”
“Will the Minister outline how funding decisions for cultural and artistic output balance freedom of expression with public accountability?”
“Thank you, deputy First Minister. When will an international relations strategy be published that takes into account the specific needs of the film industry as a source not just of economic growth but of cultural output?”
“<BR /> <BR />I want to give thanks to the rescue and recovery efforts of the RNLI, the coastguard and the entire Buncrana community. Listening to the efforts that were put in by the RNLI and the community, as described by Mr Joyce, was incredibly moving. Anybody who takes part knows the physical, emotional and positive attributes that come with outdoor swimming, but the danger of entering the water must not be underestimated. It is incumbent on us to educate our families, our loved ones and the wider community, where we can, on the dangers of entering the water.”
“I thank the Member for bringing this tragic subject to the House. On behalf of Alliance, I associate with the comments previously made and extend my deepest sympathy to the families of Matt Sibanda and Emmanuel Familola. It was an absolute tragedy and is difficult to process. I was listening to the news in the car on my way here this morning, and it was incredibly difficult. Listening to the tributes from the schools of the two boys — Scoil Mhuire and Crana College — about the positivity that they had in their time in the Buncrana community was quite uplifting. Similarly, the services that were held showed incredible community support. I am not from Buncrana, but I know it from holidaying there, and that community spirit was quite something to behold.”
“I am pleased to hear that DAERA already engages regularly with councils and the animal welfare sector to help create a standardised and joined-up approach. As my colleague John Blair pointed out, that is where we need to direct our efforts to, ultimately, improve animal welfare.”
“<BR /> <BR />On the motion, the Minister has made it clear that he is committed to exploring the need to inspect and license rescue and rehoming organisations and to bringing forward relevant legislation thereafter. He has also explained why the licensing requirements for dog pounds are already adequate. It is clear that the Minister is playing his part, as far as he is legally able, in looking at policy and legislation. We have to recognise that enforcement of animal welfare is a matter for councils not DAERA. That is rightly the case, and the Minister has outlined clearly and compellingly the reasons why it would not be appropriate for his Department to direct councils on how to carry out their duties. That does not preclude working together to advance welfare standards in the sector.”
“It is for that reason that I commend the work of the many rehoming organisations and charities, including those that are represented here today, that look after dogs and other pets that are in need with such dedication. <BR /> <BR />I commend the Minister for the actions that he has already taken to improve animal welfare. He has pledged to introduce Lucy's law to Northern Ireland, which will greatly improve the welfare of puppies and kittens, and he is prohibiting the use of shock collars as training devices. The Minister is also bringing forward an animal welfare pathway, which will include a new expert advisory group on dog breeding standards. We look forward to seeing the details of that new pathway.”
“Thank you, Principal Deputy Speaker, and thank you, Minister. I am in broad agreement with the sentiments that have been expressed about dogs and other animals and the companionship that they give. Apart from the differences between the motion and the amendment, the main difference between Mr Martin's views and mine is that, in my house, poor Max would not get very far in trying to lie on the couch. Do you know what I mean? If that is the biggest difference between us, we will be all right. <BR /> <BR />Like everyone else who has spoken, I wholeheartedly support the sentiment of the motion. I want to see all those involved do what they can to protect and advance animal welfare, whether of farm animals, wildlife or pets.”
“Thank you, Minister. What engagement have you and your Department had with the UK and Irish Governments on climate change?”
“Will the Minister tell us how re-wetting peatlands can help to control the spread of landscape fires in the Mournes?”
“I have been lucky enough to spend a lot of time exploring the inland and coastal waters. I have also been lucky in that I have not had to call on the services of the RLNI. That said, while not by any stretch a safety blanket or, indeed, an excuse for taking out a boat with poor training or a lack of skills, it has always been a reassurance that those committed men and women of the institution are in place, should an unforeseen accident occur. Thank you and happy birthday to the RLNI's Newcastle station.”
“Launching the all-weather lifeboat on a shout requires 12 to 15 people. The boat generally launches within 10 minutes of the pagers going off. If a demonstration of teamwork was ever needed, the launch of those boats would be a good start.”
“More recently, two members, Shane Rice and Trez Dennison, were awarded the Royal Humane Society award for the life-saving response that they made to the call of a local resident who had fallen not at sea but in his house. The crew members attended the scene and ensured that treatment was given until medical attention was received. That saved the man's life. <BR /> <BR />On Thursday past, I visited the station and met the crew as they took the Mersey and D-class out for their weekly practice.”
“Other incidents included the stranding of the Great Britain in 1846 and a call-out that, according to old log books, was made to a Spitfire in the bay during the war effort of the 1940s. <BR /> <BR />Newcastle station operates two lifeboats: a D-class inshore lifeboat, which it has had since 1994, and a Mersey-class all-weather lifeboat. The Mersey will be retired later this year and replaced by an Atlantic 85, a state-of-the-art, inshore lifeboat with a top speed well over twice that of the Mersey-class lifeboat. As Newcastle is a busy coastal town with many visitors, the D-class is the busier of the two Newcastle lifeboats. <BR /> <BR />Thirty RNLI medals for gallantry have been awarded to the station: four gold, 19 silver and seven bronze.”
“Yesterday was the 200th anniversary of the Newcastle Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) station. The RNLI is the largest of the lifeboat services operating around the coasts of the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man as well as in some inland waterways. <BR /> <BR />The station was established in 1825 in Rossglass in Dundrum Bay under the auspices of the then County Down district association of the institution. It was moved to St John's Point coastguard station, where it remained until 1843. There was no lifeboat in Dundrum Bay until the institution placed one in Newcastle in 1854, following numerous wrecks. One tragedy of note was in January 1843, when 73 men from Newcastle and Annalong lost their lives in a storm at sea.”
“With the greatest respect for the authors of those reports, I say that none was an expert on funding models for water and waste water provision, and only some of them were independent. That is why the NI Audit Office encouraged the Department and NI Water:”
“It does not sound as though they looked at alternative frameworks at all, because doing so would mean looking outside the existing policy framework. <BR /> <BR />Yesterday, during Question Time, we heard that the Department has reviewed other funding models but only to evaluate whether they are compatible with the current funding model, which, of course, they are not. We were also told that officials are reviewing alternative models against three key tests, which, again, the current model cannot meet. <BR /> <BR />There were two Research and Information Service (RaISe) research papers and an NI Audit Office report. The latter focused on Northern Ireland and gave only a cursory look at alternative funding models.”
“<BR /> <BR />NI Water will still need significant investment. To be precise, compared with what it got last year, it will need an extra £269·5 million of resource and capital funding every year — that is the scale of the problem — and the three-pronged approach cannot and will not fix that. NI Water will never be in a sustainable financial position as long as the Minister clings to that funding model, which leaves our water system without the investment that it needs, and refuses to look at alternatives. <BR /> <BR />The Minister wrote to the Committee recently, stating that several reviews had already been carried out, but those reviews were led by civil servants and were internal policy development submissions that provided advice within the policy framework for funding NI Water, as endorsed by the Executive and the Assembly.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. Yes, schools, hospitals, small businesses, medium-sized businesses, large businesses and homes are all affected. We know the socio-economic impact of that, so I cannot disagree. <BR /> <BR />Chronic underfunding is the cause of those capacity issues. If we are to address them, the underfunding must stop. The Minister is on record as saying that she believes not that the model is not working but that the problem is that we do not have enough funding. We put it to the Minister that that funding will never come. It is wrong to continue to cling to a model when its basic conditions cannot be met and the consequences for our environment, our economy and our basic needs are so dire. We have to accept the reality that we live in, and we have to address it.”