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OFFICIAL REPORT (Hansard) Committee for Infrastructure OFFICIAL REPORT (Hansard) Departmental Priorities and the Term Ahead: Mr Chris Hazzard MLA (Minister for Infrastructure) and DFI Officials 28 September 2016 NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY Committee for Infrastructure Departmental Priorities and the Term Ahead: Mr Chris Hazzard MLA (Minister for Infrastructure) and DFI Officials 28 September 2016 Members present for all or part of the proceedings: Mr William Humphrey (Chairperson) Mr George Robinson (Deputy Chairperson) Ms Kellie Armstrong Mr Alex Easton Mr Paul Girvan Mr Declan McAleer Mr Fra McCann Mr Eamonn McCann Mr Daniel McCrossan Mrs Jenny Palmer Witnesses: Mr Hazzard Minister for Infrastructure Mr Peter May Department for Infrastructure Mr John McGrath Department for Infrastructure Dr Andrew Murray Department for Infrastructure The Chairperson (Mr Humphrey): The Minister is joined by Mr Peter May, the permanent secretary, Mr John McGrath, the deputy secretary, and Dr Andrew Murray, the deputy secretary for roads and rivers. Good morning, gentlemen. I hand over to you for your presentation, and then, if you are content, we will take questions. Mr Hazzard (The Minister for Infrastructure): Thanks very much, Chair, for the opportunity to speak with you. Good morning to everybody. The last time I was here, I was just through the door, like many in here; it was early days. It is nice to be back after the first 100 days in post to talk about some of the things the Department has been able to do and some of our priorities going forward. I have some prepared words to go through, and then we will open up to questions, if that is OK. I am sure that the Committee is aware that I have been very clear that my top priority is redressing the infrastructure deficit, particularly in the west. Projects like the A5 and A6 are critical to addressing that historical imbalance. I was delighted to announce recently the £160 million investment in the Randalstown to Castledawson phase of the A6, making a difference for 18,000 commuters every day. Advance work has begun, and I will monitor the progress of the project very closely in the time ahead. Improving connections across the region for people, goods and services is a key enabler of a regionally balanced economy. That is consistent with the direction set by the draft Programme for 1 Government, which, as you know, is focused on outcomes. That approach indicates our strong commitment to working together for a prosperous, more equal society in which our citizens can flourish. It is commonly recognised that infrastructure is absolutely critical to that ambition. As reflected in the outcome, we connect people and opportunities through our infrastructure. Infrastructure also features as a key enabler of many of the outcomes, particularly those related to the economy, the environment, health and well-being. While my Department will have a contribution to make across the whole Programme for Government, we currently have two lead areas: improving transport connections and increasing the use of public transport and active travel. I am keen to ensure that we also have a focus on our water infrastructure in some form in the Programme for Government. Work continues on the delivery plans. Those documents will set out the actions that will make most difference. Road schemes, of course, are only part of the answer; investing in public transport and active travel is also critical. Choosing public transport for longer journeys or walking or cycling for shorter journeys brings social, economic and environmental benefits. I turn now to public transport. I announced a £45 million investment in a modern ticketing system earlier this month, and I am pleased with the progress that is being made on Belfast rapid transit and the work to take forward the Derry transport hub. Phase 2 of the Coleraine to Derry railway track renewal project will be completed by the end of the year. In conjunction with this, I am keen to see improved promotion of the rail link between Dublin and Derry. I have previously set out my strong commitment to the Narrow Water bridge project, and I am delighted that, through the Fresh Start Agreement, both Governments on the island have confirmed that they remain supportive of the concept. It is an exciting project, and I am determined to do everything that I can to take it forward as a priority, but, if we are to realise the maximum benefit for local people and businesses, the project needs to be progressed as part of an integrated programme to unlock the significant economic potential of the area, particularly through tourism. Following the North/South Ministerial Council meeting in Dublin on 4 July, officials from my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in the South have continued to explore options and will meet key stakeholders in Newry next week to look at how the project can best be advanced. The greenway strategy, which members were briefed on recently, and the cycling strategy will set out my plans for how my Department will work with others to enable more people to get out there and get cycling safely and with confidence. That strategy sets the direction of travel, and a critical aspect of the work will be to grow the greenway network during this mandate. You will be aware that NI Water has just published its annual report for 2015-16. It is a very positive report and highlights a number of successes, reflecting the substantial investment in water and sewerage infrastructure to date. NI Water has achieved a record-breaking overall performance score, reflecting the highest ever levels of customer service. It exceeded targets for drinking water, and waste water quality is higher than ever. Pollution incidents continue to be at a near-record low level, contributing to some of the best bathing water in Europe. NI Water has managed to deliver those impressive levels of service improvement while continuing to reduce day-to-day running costs by £5·4 million in the last year. Of course, I am also the Minister for road safety, and one of the benefits of the new Department is that our approach to road safety can now be more integrated with policy and engineering solutions, as well as with the Driver and Vehicle Agency's (DVA) regulation and enforcement role, which are all under my remit. I have announced my intention to commence a review of taxi legislation in the North. I am determined to support jobs and grow the industry through legislation that protects the industry and its customers and am establishing a taxi advisory forum to ensure that the voices of consumers, operators and drivers inform such a review. Metering remains a central plank of how taxis will be regulated, and current requirements will be enforced from next month. I realise that some drivers have left it late to arrange the fitting of their new meters; I have, therefore, instructed DVA enforcement officers to take a light-touch approach to drivers who, by 1 October, can prove that they have taken all possible steps to have a taximeter fitted and, if necessary, tested by the DVA. That is consistent with the approach taken between May and September. I believe that government needs to be responsive to the needs of the citizens it serves. During my first 100 days, I have shown that I am prepared to listen to and act on those concerns. In addition to the review of taxi legislation, I have responded to issues that have been raised by halting the roll-out of 2 domestic water meters, moving forward plans for residents' parking in Derry or reducing the speed limit on the Coshquin Road. I have also listened to concerns about grass cutting, weed spraying, gully emptying and general routine maintenance of the road network and allocated an additional £5 million in June to address the backlog. I hope that people can now see the difference that that investment is making and will make on the ground. I was also mindful of concerns raised by many in rural areas who were feeling increasingly isolated and disadvantaged by the poor condition of roads in some areas. That is why I earmarked £10 million to improve around 1,000 rural roads, with work commencing over the summer. That work is, thankfully, well under way, with over one third of it completed to date. Naturally, I am also concerned about the backlog in my blue badge unit. I am aware that the Chair has written to me about that, and I have responded accordingly. I fully appreciate the needs of people who rely on their blue badge and wish to assure the Committee that we are doing everything that we can to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, including employing additional staff and giving preference to first-time applicants. Furthermore, where blue badge holders have applied for renewal, their expired badge will remain valid while the application is being dealt with. My Department is leading on the Executive's cross-departmental Living with Water programme to develop a strategic drainage infrastructure plan for Belfast. That programme is aimed at reducing the risk of flooding, complying with environmental legislation and tackling long-term drainage and waste water treatment capacity issues so that the city can continue to grow. That will involve a number of parts of government, and I will liaise with my Executive colleagues to drive the project forward. In relation to Woodburn forest, I have announced my intention to consult on a change in the law to make oil and gas outside the permitted development region following the serious concerns that were raised by local residents and environmentalists.
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