AQW 2311/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 18/02/2020
Answered On Date: 04/03/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what financial provision she plans to provide in 2020/21 and 2021/22 to address the climate and biodiversity crisis.

Answer:

As Infrastructure Minister, my focus will be on concentrating my efforts and available resources to green our infrastructure and deliver sustainable transport that connects people; unlocks our economic potential; protects our valuable environment; and improves health and well-being, for all our communities across Northern Ireland.

The 2020-21 NI Budget has not yet been agreed. Once my Department's Budget settlement is clear, I will be bringing a clear focus to my priorities including improving connectivity through sustainable transport; to grow the all island economy; to address regional imbalance whilst enhancing our natural environment. Addressing the climate and biodiversity crises will require us to work together, particularly given the current constraints on public finances. I will want to ensure that the climate change dimension is increasingly factored into consideration of investments going forward. Therefore, I will be seeking to avail of the opportunities that arise when we collaborate within and beyond government.