AQW 44694/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 24/04/2026
Answered On Date: 12/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Assembly Commission whether it will consider (i) the use of swift bricks; and (ii) the installation of a swift tower, at Parliament Buildings.

Answer:

The Assembly Commission remains committed to enhancing and protecting the biodiversity of Parliament Buildings and the wider Stormont Estate.

In 2013, the Sustainable Development Office engaged with swift specialists from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Northern Ireland Swift Group. As part of these discussions, it was identified that the roof refurbishment project presented an opportunity to install swift bricks in support of an RSPB conservation initiative. Following agreement on suitable locations, a total of 12 swift bricks were installed.

To support their use, an audio system was installed to play swift calls on a timed sequence during the breeding season, in line with specialist advice, to encourage investigation by passing swifts.

At present, there are no plans to install a swift tower at Parliament Buildings. However, this matter will be kept under review.