AQW 47233/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 28/05/2026
Answered On Date: 09/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice whether she will consider making swift bricks mandatory on any new build capital projects under her Department's remit.

Answer:

The Department recognises the importance of supporting biodiversity and protecting species such as swifts, whose nesting habitats have declined in recent years.

While there are currently no plans to make swift bricks mandatory across all new build capital projects in Northern Ireland, the Department will continue to consider opportunities to incorporate appropriate biodiversity measures, including swift bricks, within new build capital projects where reasonably practical. This will be considered as part of the planning process, including consultation with the relevant statutory authorities, and informed by site specific circumstances and ecological surveys. In doing so, the Department remains supportive of proportionate and evidence-based measures that contribute to biodiversity enhancement.