All of Ms Liz Kimmins’s imported questions, contributions and motions in this mandate, newest first, including those assessed as not flagged, uncertain or not yet analysed.
The Member will be aware that an appeal is live and ongoing and that, at this point, we have to respect that process. We see FOI requests all the time, and redactions are made for a reason under legislation and guidance. Whilst I appreciate the frustration of Members and others who cannot access all the information,…
As I said in my answer to your colleague further along the Benches, all that is being looked at in considering what can be done in the interim; however, I must reiterate that the ultimate aim is to get the road built. That is not to take away from the fact that we will do what we can in the meantime to make the road…
Safety risks are routinely considered across the entire road network, including the A5, through analysis of the accident statistics available to us to identify significant accident clusters. Additional analysis is carried out to highlight any contributory risk factors, such as vehicle speed, road condition or road…
I reiterate that my ultimate aim is to ensure the delivery of the A5 flagship project. I remain committed to doing all that I can to see that it happens and that no more lives are lost on the road. The most important point made by the court was the need for a new and safer A5 dual carriageway so that no other family…
As I said, the legislation is clear, and I have outlined how it is applied. I am aware of your party colleague's private Member's Bill on those issues, particularly flags and other issues that have arisen. We all deal with such things regularly. I have had meetings with the PSNI about the nature of some signs and…
The billboard to which the Member refers is mounted on five posts, some of which appear to be situated on my Department's land. The rest of them are on privately owned land, so the billboard is not fully on DFI land. The erection of advertising signs within the boundaries of a public road is an offence under article…
In 2015, the majority of planning functions, including the processing of local and major applications, transferred to local council planning authorities. The devolution of planning powers to local councils was intended to provide democratically accountable decision-making at a level where local knowledge and…
My officials will carry out a speed limit assessment on Strahans Road at the school, in line with the Department's policy, to determine whether the existing speed limit remains appropriate. I can ask officials to keep the Member informed of the outcome.
I thank the Member for his question. I can confirm that the developer responsible for the construction of the school is required to erect "safer routes to school" signage and appropriate road markings as part of the approved planning permission. I can also advise that an instruction to complete the required works was…
Sometimes, I feel as though I am saying this for the first time in the House. I have outlined repeatedly the steps that I have been taking, as did my predecessor, John O'Dowd, to find solutions. That is where I am: I am solution-focused. At present, the Executive cannot provide the investment that is needed. That is a…
Absolutely. By integrating nature-based drainage solutions into future housing developments, we can lessen the demands on existing sewerage systems and, at the same time, lessen the impacts of climate change and potentially reduce pollution, thereby helping to protect water quality in our rivers and loughs. Earlier…
I have been working with Minister Muir. His comments were disappointing to say the least, given that I have shown a very clear commitment to working closely with him and his Department, for all the reasons outlined. I am keen to play my part in improving our water quality and addressing water pollution, which impacts…
NI Water invests in detailed modelling of catchments and collection systems, along with much more empirical data from advanced instrumentation, to better understand when storm overflows are operating and the impact on the receiving waterbody. Further investment in those areas will provide NI Water with a better…
The all-island strategic rail review sought to provide a strategic vision for rail right across Ireland, including how rail could contribute to the decarbonisation of transport; promote sustainability and connectivity into and between major cities; enhance regional accessibility; and support balanced regional…
Yes. As I said in my initial answer, one of the things that is included is increasing the frequency of journeys on that Belfast to Derry line. I recognise how important that is, and we are considering that. It is part of a package of measures that the Department is looking at as part of the Belfast to Derry route…
I do not agree with the Member that there has been a failure because, as I have said, we are considering the updated business case. I take this very seriously, and I recognise the importance of regional balance. I have set out very clearly that I am committed to that. There is no doubt that funding has been a huge…
I fully recognise the need to address regional imbalance and to better connect our communities, including those in the north-west. As the Member will be aware, Translink submitted a revised business case in September this year for the provision of additional services on the north-west rail corridor to ensure that the…
The Belfast to Derry route enhancement programme is a collection of railway infrastructure works that are required to be delivered in order to maximise potential and efficiencies of service on that key rail corridor, which maintains connectivity between Belfast and Derry. The programme aims to examine opportunities…
I have said how much weight is being attached to it. Traffic is a constant issue, so we are always looking at what can be done to minimise disruption. The Department, as the Member knows, is in the process of developing the new transport strategy, which will help shape the vision and strategic priorities for transport…
I have been in Ballykelly and met elected representatives in recent months. I do not underestimate people's frustrations. We have heard them right across the North when there are major roadworks. We are very cognisant of the impact that roadworks have, and officials have worked very closely with the contractor to…
The £2·6 million active travel improvement scheme along the A2 Clooney Road is part of my commitment to enhance and expand our active travel network across the North. On completion, the scheme will provide significantly enhanced cycling and pedestrian facilities between Ballykelly and Greysteel and is part of a…
Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I thank Kate Nicholl for securing the Adjournment debate. Kate, it is great to have you back in the Chamber, and I hope that all your babies are doing well after your short maternity leave. I thank all Members who contributed. Their passion and heart for the area are…
Translink operates under a public service agreement with my Department that sets out service delivery expectations and performance indicators. As a public corporation, Translink has substantial operational independence, but my Department retains oversight through governance frameworks and performance reviews. My…