Every imported question, contribution and motion, with its classification. Unflagged, uncertain and not-yet-analysed records are all included so the analysis can be checked independently.
As I said, officials are working on a new approach to road maintenance that will focus on delivering higher-quality repairs instead of trying to spread resources too thinly. That will contribute to a more reliable and safer road network where we intervene. The use of modern technology will help direct our investments…
I came into post at the end of the financial year, so I probably do not have all the answers to those questions. The Department looks to put additional funding into road maintenance at every opportunity. It is a critical issue for all of us. We all use the roads every day, and we all recognise the huge challenges.…
Roads are crumbling. There have been warm words about delivering a new road maintenance scheme using technology. The major roads prioritisation programme has been delayed. There has been an increase in the number of claims because of potholes. Road safety has been put in jeopardy as a result of the poor maintenance of…
I have not taken decisions on the 2025-26 budget as yet. I am in the process of considering allocations, including the allocation for road maintenance, in line with my priorities, the wider Executive Programme for Government commitments and equality considerations following the closure of my Department's equality…
As I said in my previous answers, there will be an application process. I suggest that the Member encourage residents in the areas in which a residents' parking scheme would, he believes, be suitable to apply for it through that process or through his constituency office. The Department can look at the specifics and…
Will the Minister outline her assessment of the merits of introducing a residential parking scheme or zone around Boat Street in Newry and Daisy Hill Hospital?
I thank the Member for raising that. I could probably share a lot of examples from my area that are similar to those that the Member has highlighted. In the application process, it is important that we have quality evidence to show what will work well. As I said, I am finalising that — there is a paper with me. We…
I am grateful for progress on this issue. The Minister will know that there are areas in Belfast that lend themselves to schemes such as this. I think immediately of Pasadena Gardens, for example: bin lorries cannot travel down that street because of the parking, and Ballyhackamore is just a nightmare. What will be…
As I said, the process for implementing a residents' parking scheme is resource-intensive. As highlighted by the recent review and given the significant budgetary constraints in the Department, I must be sure that any scheme proposed for implementation is considered value for money. Before any residents' parking…
Following the introduction of the first residents’ parking scheme in the North on Rugby Road and College Park Avenue in Belfast, my Department completed a review of the scheme and our wider approach to residents' parking. Whilst the review found that the scheme introduced on Rugby Road has been generally well received…
The strategy acknowledges the recommendations of the all-island strategic rail review and the high-level time frames that it presents up to, as the Member will know, 2050. The review provides the evidence-based framework to inform future investment in railways across the island of Ireland. This high-level strategy is…
Minister, I hope that you can give a specific pledge on the night buses. I appreciate that you are still meeting about the matter, but, further to Mr Brett's point, we would like to see specificity on it. Will the transport strategy include actions from the all-island strategic rail review? It would be illogical to…
As the Member is aware, following the debate on the pedestrianisation of Hill Street, I had a brief engagement with him and some city centre stakeholders. I am due to meet the Economy Minister and others to further explore having a better night-time service for the reasons that he mentioned. As we move through that, I…
Minister, the transport strategy aims to increase the use of public transport. One of the key ways to do that is to provide a late-night service from Belfast city centre all year round, not just at Christmastime. Last month, the Minister met stakeholders about bringing forward a business case for Translink to deliver…
As I said, the strategy is a significant piece of work. We are trying to ensure that it is inclusive of all the needs of our society. The transport strategy has an important role in the preparation of the new suite of transport plans by providing the overarching strategic context, consistency and rationale for…
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a freagra. I welcome the emphasis in the strategy document on increased access for people with limited mobility and the overall approach to inclusion. How will the strategy relate to local transport plans?
I am pleased to advise that it is my intention to publish the new transport strategy to 2035 for public consultation in the coming weeks. In the past month, my officials provided a briefing to the Infrastructure Committee in advance of finalising the text of the document. The drafting of text is now complete, and…
As I have said, we are looking at improving safety around schools in general. I have mentioned the further roll-out of 20 mph speed limits. Included in that is our active travel delivery plan and how we link communities with schools and other facilities that are well attended. We want to encourage, in particular, our…
A number of schools in my constituency would welcome the extension of the speed limit scheme. Off the back of that, will the Minister commit to exploring the implementation of school streets schemes that would temporarily restrict traffic around schools to improve safety and encourage active travel?
I thank the Member for raising that. As an MLA and prior to my role as Minister, I lobbied on the issue for a long time after coming to the Assembly in 2020. My child's school has a 60 mph zone outside it. I am acutely aware of just how dangerous that is and of the impact that that can have. It is something that we…
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…
I thank the Member for his question. He asked about the timelines for its being introduced. As I said, I am finalising the draft programme of which schools will be included in the next tranche. I hope to be in a position to make a formal announcement very soon. Following that announcement, formal engagement and…
I welcome the confirmation that the scheme will be progressed, and I encourage its swift roll-out. Will the Minister provide an update on the exact timings of when the new signs will be in place? Does she agree that poor maintenance by her Department can also compromise road safety, through the fading of signage and…