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.
I had constructive meetings with the Earl of Shaftesbury on 21 February and 17 July last year, when we discussed a range of issues in connection with Lough Neagh, including ownership and the earl's recent comments that he would like to transfer his estate's ownership of Lough Neagh into community ownership. While the…
I thank the Minister for his answer. I know how much energy and work he and his officials are putting into the matter. What discussions has he had about community ownership of the bed and soil of Lough Neagh?
Thank you, Kate, for your question on a serious issue not just for me but for the people of Northern Ireland and, hopefully, for the people in the Gallery. At the outset, it is important to state that, on the basis of the science and evidence that I have reviewed to date, it is, unfortunately, highly likely that we…
I am conscious of the vires of my Department and its responsibilities, but I get the issues that you raise. I will consider them. It is important that we learn lessons. Far too often in Northern Ireland, we do not learn lessons. We need to learn lessons. There are many examples of where we should learn lessons, with…
Thank you for that, Minister. You will forgive me for saying that, "We will learn lessons" is probably one of the most abused phrases in the lexicon of the Civil Service. I do not anticipate that you will do this, but, given that your Department invested considerable amounts of money in that project, as did DFE and,…
Thank you, Patsy, for your question. Whilst I recognise that the lead responsibility for that will sit with the Department for the Economy, I recognise your concerns, because broadband, particularly in rural areas, is vital so that people can do their jobs and conduct their business, whether that means being able to…
I am working to fulfil my Department's statutory obligations under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007. That will include the publication of the outstanding 2019 and 2023 reviews of sensitive areas and, subject to Executive approval, the identification of the inner Belfast lough…
I am pleased to report that the implementation of the Lough Neagh report and action plan and the environmental improvement plan has been progressing since I received Executive approval for them last year. Those reports contain a comprehensive range of actions to secure longer-term improvements in water quality across…
I am aware of the challenges that relate to Northern Ireland Water being a statutory consultee in planning. We have put staff and new processes in place, but we need to do better. We are looking to recruit additional staff so that we can turn applications around more swiftly. I encourage people who are putting…
In relation to environmental issues, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency's (NIEA) response time to planning applications is dismal, to say the least. What plans does the Minister have to provide more staff to deal with the current backlog?
The impact of high levels of nutrients specifically relates to water quality. That is why we are working with the industry on a way forward. I thank those who are working on some of the initiatives that were brought forward to manage poultry litter, but we need to do a lot more in that regard. That is why we will…
I thank the Member for his important questions. It is essential that we have transparency and accurate information about the movement of poultry litter and manure to the Republic of Ireland. That is needed for animal health and disease control reasons, as well as environmental reasons. DAFM, which is my Department's…
I thank the Minister for his answer. There is no doubt that the poultry and egg industry is already stifled by moribund planning and growth restrictions. Can the industry be confident of the Minister's support regarding further unnecessary bureaucracy not being included in the transportation of that litter? Since the…
Poultry litter is a mixture of poultry manure and bedding material that is derived from commercial poultry houses. It is classified as a category 2 animal by-product, and it must be disposed of in compliance with certain conditions in order to mitigate disease risks. It can be moved to Ireland only under certain…
My view from the Dispatch Box is that polluters who are polluting Northern Ireland's waterways, be that Belfast lough, Lough Neagh, Lough Erne or elsewhere, need to get their house in order. The sewage and other pollution that is happening in Northern Ireland is not acceptable. I am surprised that there is not more…
Does the Minister agree that, until statutory and government agencies get their houses in order to meet the climate and environmental challenges adequately — I think especially about the developing crisis in Belfast lough — it will prove difficult to ask those involved in private business, particularly in the…
Thank you. I will write to the Member about the Connswater river specifically. The water quality in Belfast lough is a concern for me. One of the key contributors to that — the Member referred to it as "matter" — is sewage. There is a need to invest in the waste water infrastructure, but that is the responsibility of…
I thank the Member for her question. I need specific areas, because Belfast lough is a large area. We can write to the Member with detail around that, because it is important to outline that to you. It is also important that I comment on the water quality more broadly in Belfast lough, my concerns around that and what…
I thank the Minister for the answer. The same programme highlighted the fact that some of the matter, when it overflows, flows into the Connswater river. The Minister will be aware that that is where the Hollow is and that events are held there and children play there. The Minister said that tests are held frequently,…
Water quality in Belfast lough is assessed in multiple ways by my Department. Under the Quality of Bathing Water Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008, bathing water quality in Belfast lough is assessed weekly throughout the bathing season, which is from 1 June to 15 September, at Helen’s Bay, Crawfordsburn, Brompton,…
I am aware of that issue, because forestry sits in my Department. The Farming with Nature transition scheme, which will come out this year, is an actions-based scheme and will help with some element of the problem. The further schemes that will roll out next year will have a wider implication for it. The Forest…