Committee for Infrastructure

Minutes of Proceedings

8 September 2021

 

Meeting Location: Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings

 

Present:

Mr Jonathan Buckley MLA (Chairperson)

Mr Andrew Muir MLA

Present by Video or Teleconference:

Mr Roy Beggs MLA

Mr Cathal Boylan MLA

Mrs Dolores Kelly MLA

Ms Liz Kimmins MLA

Mr George Robinson MLA

Apologies: None

In Attendance:

Mr Vincent Gribbin (Assembly Clerk)

Mr Jonathan Lawless (Assistant Assembly Clerk)

Mr William Kinnear (Clerical Supervisor)

The meeting commenced at 10:02 am in public session.

1. Apologies

As above.

2. Chairpersons Business

The Chairperson advised members that during the Summer months the Committee agreed, via correspondence, to write to the Department seeking clarity on a range of issues.

3. Draft Minutes.

Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 30 June 2021.

4. Matters Arising

Members raised the ongoing issues around Driver and Vehicle Agency backlogs in respect of MOT tests and driving tests.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to raise these issues at its meeting on 15 September 2021 during the briefing from the Minister for Infrastructure.

5. Correspondence

Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to issued arising from the Committee for Infrastructure meeting on 16 June 2021.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the response and include in the briefing papers for 15 September 2021.

Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to issued arising from the Committee for Infrastructure meeting on 23 June 2021.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the response and include in the briefing papers for 15 September 2021.

Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to issued arising from the Committee for Infrastructure meeting on 30 June 2021.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the response and include in the briefing papers for 15 September 2021.

Department for Infrastructure response to correspondence regarding SR 2021-200 The Parking and Waiting Restrictions (Belfast) (Amendment No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the response and forward it to the residents who contacted the Committee regarding this issue for information.

Correspondence from Mr G O’Boyle regarding SR 2021-200 The Parking and Waiting Restrictions (Belfast) (Amendment No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence and forward the Department’s response for information and comment.

Correspondence from Mr M McBurney regarding SR 2021-200 The Parking and Waiting Restrictions (Belfast) (Amendment No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence and forward the Department’s response for information and comment.

Correspondence from the Department for Infrastructure regarding the laying of Department for Infrastructure and Driver and Vehicle Agency Annual Reports and Accounts.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Correspondence from the Department for Infrastructure regarding the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (NITHC) Annual Report & Accounts 2020/21.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Correspondence from the Department for Infrastructure regarding the Driver and Vehicle Agency Annual Reports and Accounts.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Correspondence from the Department for Finance regarding the Department for Infrastructure and Driver and Vehicle Agency Annual Reports and Accounts 2020- 2021.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Correspondence from Northern Ireland Water regarding the provision of the Annual Report and Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2021.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Correspondence from Waterways Ireland providing their Annual Report and Accounts 2020-2021.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Department for Infrastructure correspondence regarding the Departmental Business Plan 2020-21 End Year Monitoring Report.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department requesting an update on the implementation of the Roads Recovery Fund and on the on-going legal challenges with the roads resurfacing contracts and to advise the Minister that the Committee will seek her views on these issues during her briefing to the Committee on 15 September 2021.

Department for Infrastructure correspondence regarding the Implementation of Strategic Planning Policy on Development in the Countryside.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department to request clarity on what evidence was received that required for the Planning Advice Note to be introduced, how the note has been implemented and received by councils and what changes the advice note makes.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule a briefing on the Strategic Planning Policy on Development in the Countryside.

Correspondence from the Minister for Infrastructure regarding a call for evidence on the Biennial MOT Testing consultation.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to request a briefing from the Department on the results of the call for evidence and for the Department’s timetable for the consultation and implementation of any subsequent proposals.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to request a research paper on international best practise for vehicle testing.

Correspondence from the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the Hazardous Substances (Planning) Common Framework follow up.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Response from the Department for Education to correspondence requesting clarification on the Department for Education use of Class C taxi licence holders for transport of schoolchildren.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the response.

Correspondence from Regency Cabs regarding the tender for Home to School Transport by Taxi (Omagh and Ballymena).

Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward the response from the Department for Education on this issue to the individual for information.

Correspondence from the Committee for Finance providing a link to the Report on an Independent Fiscal Council for Northern Ireland.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Correspondence from the Public Accounts Committee regarding Primacy over current Northern Ireland Audit Office Reports.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence and request further information on Northern Ireland Audit Office Reports related to the Department for Infrastructure when available.

Correspondence from the Committee for the Economy regarding a Call for Evidence on the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Correspondence from the Committee for Justice regarding a Call for Evidence on the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Bill.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Correspondence from the Association of British Insurers regarding the obligation for motorists in Northern Ireland needing to carry Green Cards when driving into the Republic.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Correspondence from the Association of British Insurers regarding ABI insurance advice (Green Card) for motorists in Northern Ireland.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Correspondence from Mobile UK requesting to brief the Committee on Mobile Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and the Mobile Action Plan.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence and consider it during its strategic planning meeting.

Correspondence from the Lough Neagh Partnership requesting to brief the Committee.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence and consider it during its strategic planning meeting.

Correspondence from the Lower Oldpark Community Association (LOCA) regarding weed spraying in Lower Oldpark.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to the Department for information and comment.

Correspondence from the Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland (EVANI) providing an Update on EV Charging in Northern Ireland.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note and include in the Committee Inquiry.

Correspondence from Lisburn Chamber of Commerce providing a response from the Minister for Infrastructure regarding Controlled / Charged Parking Zones (CPZ) in Lisburn, Newry (BID) & Belfast.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward the Department’s response on this issue to Lisburn Chamber of Commerce and Newry Business Improvement District for information and comment.

Invitation from the Policy Forum for Northern Ireland to the Chairperson to address the Policy Forum for Northern Ireland keynote seminar: Next steps for infrastructure in NI - Priorities for the NI Infrastructure Commission, funding, connectivity, and cross-border project.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence and include in its strategic planning meeting.

Correspondence from the Transport Hub Alternative Group regarding the plans for the new Belfast Transport Hub.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule briefings from Transport Hub Alternative Group and Translink on this issue in its forward work programme and to explore the possibility of a visit to the site of the Belfast Transport Hub.

Mr Andrew Muir declared an interest as a former employee of Translink.

Report from Assembly Research and Information Service on The Reservoirs Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 – background, comparison, status and issued.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward the report to the Department for comment on the questions raised in the report.

Copy of the Examiner of Statutory Rules Forty-Fifth Report of the Session 2020- 2021.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the report.

Correspondence from Investing Strategy for Northern Ireland providing the Department for Infrastructure - Investing Activity Report - July 2021.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Correspondence from Investing Strategy for Northern Ireland providing the Department for Infrastructure - Investing Activity Report - August 2021.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Copy of correspondence from the House of Lords to Baroness Vere on Brexit NI Protocol - Motor Vehicle safety requirements.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Copy correspondence from the House of Lords to Rebecca Pow MP on Brexit NI Protocol – Batteries / Waste batteries.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Copy correspondence from the House of Lords to Baroness Vere on Brexit NI Protocol – vehicle diagnostic security.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Copy correspondence from the House of Lords to Rachel Maclean MP - Brexit NI Protocol UNECE - vehicle emissions.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

Correspondence from the Sub-Committee on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland - Report publication.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence.

6. Subordinate Legislation - SL1s - Not Subject to Assembly Proceedings

The Committee considered the following SL1’s not subject to any Assembly proceedings.

• SL1 - The Parking and Waiting Restrictions (Antrim) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
• SL1 - The Road Races (Tour of the Sperrins Rally) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 SL1 - The Road Races (Tyrone Stages Rally) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
• SL1 - The Prohibition of Waiting (Schools) (Amendment No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021

Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content with the proposals for the Statutory Rules.

7. Subordinate Legislation - SRs - Not Subject to Assembly Proceedings

The Committee considered the following SR’s not subject to any Assembly proceedings.

• SR 2021-191 The Road Races (Armoy Motorcycle Road Race) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
• SR 2021-192 The Parking and Waiting Restrictions (Ballyclare) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
• SR 2021-193 The Waiting Restrictions and Urban Clearways (John Street and Kevlin Road, Omagh) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
• SR 2021-194 The Waiting Restrictions (Whitehead) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
• SR 2021-195 The Roads (Speed Limit) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
• SR 2021-200 The Parking and Waiting Restrictions (Belfast) (Amendment No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
• SR 2021-226 The Urban Clearways (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
• SR 2021-227 The Prohibition of Waiting (Schools) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
• SR 2021-228 The Parking Places and Waiting Restrictions (Ballymoney) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
• SR 2021-229 The Road Races (Eagles Rock Hill Climb) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
• SR 2021-235 The Prohibition of Right-Hand Turn (Dungiven) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
• SR 2021-236 The Road Races (Bushwhacker Rally) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
• SR 2021-237 The Road Races (Craigantlet Hill Climb) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
• SR 2021-238 The Road Races (Cookstown 100 Motor Cycle Road Race) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the Statutory Rules with the exception of SR 2021-200 The Parking and Waiting Restrictions (Belfast) (Amendment No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 until the Committee is satisfied that the consultation on the Statutory Rule and its implementation were adequate.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to invite those individuals in contact with the Committee who objected to the SR 2021-200 to brief the Committee.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department to request that it provide the Committee with maps and visual representations of SR 2021-194 The Waiting Restrictions (Whitehead) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 and similar subordinate legislation in future to assist Committee consideration.

8. SR 2021-184 The Water and Sewerage Services (Electronic Communications) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021-184 The Water and Sewerage Services (Electronic Communications) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021. This Order permits notices and documents to be served electronically upon persons who have consented to receive electronic communications for that purpose. The amendment is not intended to replace delivery by post or by hand but provide an additional delivery option.

Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2021-184 The Water and Sewerage Services (Electronic Communications) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules, has no objection to the rule.

9. SR 2021-204 The Trunk Road T6 (A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021-204 The Trunk Road T6 (A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021. The Order provides that 2100 Metres of new road (including two new roundabouts) shall become trunk road and be part of the Aughnacloy/Ballygawley-Enniskillen-Belcoo-Land Frontier T6.

Mr Andrew Muir left the meeting at 10:45 am.

Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2021-204 The Trunk Road T6 (A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules, has no objection to the rule.

10. SR 2021-205 The River Sillees Bridge Order (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021-205 The River Sillees Bridge Order (Northern Ireland) 2021. The Order provides for the construction of a bridge over part of the navigable waters of the River Sillees.

Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered The River Sillees Bridge Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules, has no objection to the rule.

11. SR 2021-206 The River Erne Bridge Order (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021-206 The River Erne Bridge Order (Northern Ireland) 2021. The Order provides for the construction of a bridge over part of the navigable waters of the River Erne.

Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2021-206The River Sillees Bridge Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules, has no objection to the rule.

Mr Andrew Muir re-joined the meeting at 10:47 am.

12. SR 2021-208 The River Erne (Diversion of Navigable Watercourse and Extinguishment of Public Rights of Navigation) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021-208 The River Erne (Diversion of Navigable Watercourse and Extinguishment of Public Rights of Navigation) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021. The Order provides for diversion of part of the navigable watercourse and the extinguishment of public rights of navigation over part of the navigable waters of the River Erne.

Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2021-208 The River Erne (Diversion of Navigable Watercourse and Extinguishment of Public Rights of Navigation) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021. and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules, has no objection to the rule.

13. Forward Work Programme

The Committee considered the Draft Forward Work Programme.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule its strategic planning meeting on 29 September 2021.

14. Any Other Business

Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule a joint briefing from Logistics UK and the Road Haulage Association on the issues leading to a shortage of HGV drivers.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to request a research paper regarding the current issues in the logistics sector regarding driver numbers.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Committee for the Economy regarding the reduction in HGV Driver numbers and stress the importance to the economy of ensuring that there is sufficient training in place to meet the demand.

Agreed: Ms Kimmins agreed to provide the Committee with further information regarding concerns regarding the reduction in the timetable for the cross border bus service from Newry to Dublin Airport.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the DVA stressing the urgency of the need to address the backlog of MOTs which is having an adverse impact on the economy.

The Committee agreed to move into closed session at 11:12 am.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department requesting an update on the commencement of the provisions in the Reservoirs Act and any obstacles impeding its implementation.

The Committee agreed to move into public session at 11:14 am

15. Date, Time and Place of the next meeting

The Committee agreed that the next meeting would be on Wednesday, 15 September 2021 at 10:00 am in the Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings.