AQW 19756/22-27
Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford
Tabled Date: 11/12/2024
Answered On Date: 02/01/2025
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the proactive measures that his Department will take to deliver the Executive's agreed Housing Supply Strategy, particularly in relation to (i) water and sewerage; and (ii) public transport connectivity consideration within planning and road infrastructure.
Answer:
I allocated an additional £19.5m capital DEL during October Monitoring to NI Water, specifically to address constraints in wastewater infrastructure and to unlock capacity for housing connections. NI Water has advised me that the outcome of this investment is projected to deliver capacity for some 2300 new properties to connect to the water and sewerage infrastructure during this price control period. I have been working with Executive colleagues to increase wastewater investment and to focus on unlocking further wastewater capacity to enable properties to connect to the sewerage network during this price control period until 2027. The Housing Supply Strategy highlights the importance of locating housing where it has convenient access to key services by walking, cycling and public transport. My officials are currently preparing a new suite of Transport Plans alongside the Councils’ preparation of their Local Development Plans. This integration of transport and land use planning, with accessibility analysis for both active and public transport, is key to achieving sustainable development. The planning system plays an important enabling role in facilitating the delivery of housing. My Department’s Strategic Planning Policy Statement (the SPPS), requires councils, in taking forward their local development plans (LDPs), to facilitate an adequate and available supply of quality housing to meet the needs of everyone and promote more sustainable housing development within existing urban areas. This approach supports the need to maximise the use of existing infrastructure and services, and the creation of more balanced sustainable communities. My Department also provides specialist safety information and transportation advice to the appropriate Planning Authority on road related matters associated with proposed development applications. Major Road Infrastructure schemes are an important part of the work that is delivered by my Department as we seek to reduce journey times, increase reliability and improve road safety. They also offer opportunities to improve public transport connectivity within the region through the provision of improved access to high quality Park and Ride facilities extending travel choices for all sections of the community. My Department has identified a list of priority bus and rail-based Park and Ride sites and further potential sites will be considered within the new Transport Strategy and transport plans currently being developed. Whilst I am supportive of expanding our Park and Ride schemes where needed, the member will be aware that my Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years. As the capital budget for my Department in 2024/25 is less than required, available funding must be prioritised accordingly.
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