AQW 21852/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 20/07/2021
Answered On Date: 29/07/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail her Department’s New Decade, New Approach commitments (i) yet to be delivered; and (ii) the timescales for delivery.

Answer:

The infrastructure commitments made in ‘New Decade, New Approach’ include –

Narrow Water Bridge

Ulster Canal

Belfast to Dublin Connectivity

Low emission buses

Living with Water Programme

York Street Interchange

These will be transformational and I am committed to doing all that I can to deliver on them.

The proposal for a bridge at Narrow Water is a key priority for me. I am delighted with the Irish Government’s allocation of €3m euro from the Shared Island Fund which will allow Louth County Council to advance the project to the procurement stage, working in close partnership with my Department. An initial meeting of stakeholders took place on 23 July 2021 and further meetings are planned in September to advance the project.

My officials will also be working with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to ensure that new active travel infrastructure is in place to complement the bridge to increase connectivity and maximise the tourism potential of this cross border region whilst, protecting the natural environment in an area of historic and ecological significance.

My Department is committed to the restoration of the Ulster Canal as far as Clones. The restoration project is being delivered over three phases; Phase 1 has already been completed, phase two is currently underway, and phase three is expected to complete in 2027.

In respect of the commitment on Belfast to Dublin connectivity, in April 2021, I, along with the Transport Minister, Eamon Ryan TD, announced an All Island Strategic Rail Review that will allow us to consider our rail network across this island and how we can improve it for everyone. I am delighted that a service provider has now been appointed to carry out the Review and I look forward to regular updates from ARUP as they progress work over the next 12 months. .

My Department has been allocated funding to deliver a step change in cleaner, greener public transport as we tackle the climate crisis. I am delighted that we have been able to invest in 100 zero emission vehicles as a result of this funding. I can confirm that these buses have been ordered and will come into service in spring 2022.

The Living With Water Programme is a 12 year, £1.4 billion investment plan to provide drainage and wastewater management infrastructure in the greater Belfast area. I launched a public consultation on Living With Water in Belfast in November 2020 and I intend to publish the final Living With Water in Belfast plan in the coming weeks.

My Department is committed to investing in wastewater infrastructure which is at or nearing capacity in many places across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, limiting growth. The level of investment needed to address capacity issues and ensure an effective, 21st century water and wastewater infrastructure will be determined through an independent statutory process by the Utility Regulator. The challenge for the Executive, including in the context of its ambitions for sustainable and inclusive growth, will be how to ensure the investment deemed necessary by the Regulator is secured.

In the summer of 2020, I announced a short, sharp review of York Street Interchange to ensure the scheme is fit for purpose and fit for the future. Having considered the outcome of the review, I accepted in full its six recommendations which I published on 26 March 2021. I have asked for some further work to be carried out, particularly around place making and to maximise ambition in terms of what can be delivered for communities, connectivity and the wider living places agenda. Work is progressing well and I have asked the consultants to report in the autumn of 2021.

My officials are working towards the publication of a new Environmental Statement Addendum, in connection with the A5 Western Transport Corridor, with a view to a reconvened public inquiry next year. It is hoped that the final Report on the inquiry proceedings can then be delivered by the Planning Appeals Commission later in 2022. Subject to a positive outcome from this Report and the completion of all the necessary statutory procedures and environmental assessments, construction could start in 2023.

On the A6, a very significant milestone was reached at the end of May 2021 when I announced that the final section of the 15 km Randalstown to Castledawson scheme was fully opened. The 25.5km Dungiven to Drumahoe scheme is expected to complete in 2022 largely as planned.

The progression of Phase 2 of the A6 Derry to Dungiven Road project that extends from Drumahoe to the A2 Caw roundabout will depend on a range of factors including future budget settlements.