AQW 36053/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 21/11/2025
Answered On Date: 10/12/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the rationale for, following three years of engagement through the Pre-Application Discussion process, DfI Roads has not issued its statutory consultee response within the required timeframe, for the planning application for the new build of Forge Integrated Primary School on the former Knockbreda High School site.

Answer:

My officials engaged fully with the pre-application discussions for the planning application submitted by the Department for Education for the development of a new primary school building for Forge Integrated Primary School. The full planning application was lodged in 2025, and the Department’s pre-application advice in relation to access, movement and parking was not reflected within this submission.

My officials are currently undertaking a robust analysis of the documentation submitted in support of full planning application for this site and will respond to the planning authorities consultation in the coming weeks.

The Department are supportive of the development of the site, however, road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users. We are acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads, particularly around schools and this must be integral to our assessment and response.