Committee for Infrastructure
Minutes of Proceedings - 14 February 2024
Committee for Infrastructure - Minutes of Proceedings 14 February 2024.pdf (275.57 kb)
Meeting Location: Room 29, Parliament Buildings
Present:
Mrs Deborah Erskine MLA(Chairperson)
Mr John Stewart MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Danny Baker MLA
Mr Patrick Brown MLA
Mr Keith Buchanan MLA
Mr Stephen Dunne MLA
Mr Mark Durkan MLA
Mr Peter McReynolds MLA
Apologies:
Mr Cathal Boylan MLA
In Attendance:
Mr Philip Pateman (Assembly Clerk)
Mr Peter Hall (Assembly Clerk)
Mr Jonathan Lawless (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Mr William Kinnear (Clerical Supervisor)
The meeting commenced at 10:01 am in public session.
1. Apologies
As above.
2. Committee Composition
The Chairperson welcomed the Committee Members to the first meeting and introduced the Clerk and Committee team.
3. Chairpersons Business
None.
4. Declaration of Interests
The Chairperson reminded members of their responsibilities under Standing Order 69(5) that all Assembly Members are required to register any relevant financial and other interests in the Register of Members’ Interests and the requirement to declare, at various times, any relevant financial or other interests which relate to the work of any committee of which they are a member.
No interests were declared.
5. Committee for Infrastructure Legacy Report 2017-2022
The Committee considered the Legacy Report which sets out the key activities, outputs and achievements of the previous Committee and also highlights a range of issues that this Committee may wish to take account of when considering its priorities during this mandate.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the report.
Agreed: The Chairperson raised the issue regarding MOT testing as highlighted in the Legacy Report and members agreed to explore this and other relevant matters at a future scheduled meeting with officials from the Driver and Vehicle Agency.
The Committee moved into closed session at 10:13 am.
6. Committee Procedures and Practises
The Committee considered and noted the following documents in relation to Committee practises and procedures:
- Arrangements for Committee meetings;
- Outcomes of an effective Committee;
- Committee procedures;
- Protocol on conduct and courtesy in Committee meetings;
- Committee approach to meeting preparation;
- Committee approach to dealing with correspondence and meeting requests;
- Guidance on timescales for interaction between Committees and Departments; and
- Committee approach to social media.
Agreed: Meetings will, as a rule, be held in public session, unless the Committee agrees that there is an overriding reason for proceedings to be held in closed session.
Agreed: The broad approach to be adopted for meeting preparation was agreed.
Agreed: The broad approach to be adopted in dealing with correspondence and meeting requests was agreed.
Agreed: The protocol on conduct and courtesy was agreed.
Agreed: The Committee Clerk will be responsible for promoting the Committee’s work on social media.
7. Scrutiny of/Introduction to Subordinate Legislation - Overview briefing on the role and functions of the Examiner of Statutory Rules
The Assembly official joined the meeting at 10:23 am.
- Miss Angela Kelly, Examiner of Statutory Rules
The Assembly official provided the Committee with an oral briefing.
A question and answer session followed.
The Chairperson thanked the official for her briefing.
The Assembly official left the meeting at 10:43 am.
The Committee agreed to move into public session at 10:54 am.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure, under Standing Order 43, resolves to delegate to the Examiner of Statutory Rules the technical scrutiny of statutory rules referred to the Committee under the above-mentioned Standing Order.
The Committee further resolves that in carrying out this function the Examiner shall be authorised to report her technical findings on each statutory rule to the Assembly, and to the relevant Department, as well as to the Committee itself and to publish her report.
8. Draft SR 2023-0000 The Period Products (Department for Infrastructure Specified Public Service Bodies) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered the SR 2023-0000 The Period Products (Department for Infrastructure Specified Public Service Bodies) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered the Draft SR 2023-0000, The Period Products (Department for Infrastructure Specified Public Service Bodies) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and recommends that it be affirmed by the Assembly.
9. SR 2022 – 113 The A6 Castledawson By-Pass (Abandonment and Stopping-Up) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022
The Committee considered the SR 2022-113 The A6 Castledawson By-Pass (Abandonment and Stopping-Up) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2022 – 113, The A6 Castledawson By-Pass (Abandonment and Stopping-Up) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule a briefing from Departmental officials to provide some further detail on the general issue of procedures for abandonment and stopping-up orders.
10. SR 2022 – 117 The B3 Main Street, Markethill (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022
The Committee considered the SR 2022-117 The B3 Main Street, Markethill (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2022-117 The B3 Main Street, Markethill (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
11. SR 2022 - 239 The Motor Vehicle (Exchangeable Licences) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022
The Committee considered the SR 2022-239 The Motor Vehicle (Exchangeable Licences) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2022-239 The Motor Vehicle (Exchangeable Licences) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
12. SR 2022 – 273 The Coshquin Road, Londonderry (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022
The Committee considered SR 2022-273 The Coshquin Road, Londonderry (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2022-273 The Coshquin Road, Londonderry (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
13. SR 2022 – 274 The Whitehouse Road, Londonderry (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022
The Committee considered SR 2022-274 The Whitehouse Road, Londonderry (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered The Whitehouse Road, Londonderry (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
14. SR 2022 - 280 The Plantation Mews, Lisburn (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022
The Committee considered SR 2022-280 The Plantation Mews, Lisburn (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022, the purpose is to abandon an area of 240 square metres of road comprising footway at the entrance to Plantation Mews, Lisburn.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2022-280 The Plantation Mews, Lisburn (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
15. SR 2022 - 282 The Footpath linking Hollyhill Link car park and Tempo Road, Enniskillen (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022
The Committee considered SR 2022-282 The Footpath linking Hollyhill Link car park and Tempo Road, Enniskillen (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2022-282 The Footpath linking Hollyhill Link car park and Tempo Road, Enniskillen (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
16. SR 2022 - 293 The Motor Vehicles (Access to Driver Licensing Records) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022
The Committee considered SR 2022-293 The Motor Vehicles (Access to Driver Licensing Records) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2022-293 The Motor Vehicles (Access to Driver Licensing Records) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
17. SR 2023/8 The Level Crossing (Cullybackey South) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-8 The Level Crossing (Cullybackey South) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-8 The Level Crossing (Cullybackey South) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
18. SR 2023-9 The Level Crossing (Cullybackey North) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-9 The Level Crossing (Cullybackey North) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-9 The Level Crossing (Cullybackey North) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
19. SR 2023-10 The Level Crossing (Cullybackey Station) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-10 The Level Crossing (Cullybackey Station) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-10 The Level Crossing (Cullybackey Station) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
20. SR 2023-37 The Planning (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-37 The Planning (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-37 The Planning (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023. and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
21. SR 2023-70 The Road Traffic (Fixed Penalty) (Offences) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-70 The Road Traffic (Fixed Penalty) (Offences) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-70 The Road Traffic (Fixed Penalty) (Offences) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
22. SR 2023-71 The Road Traffic (Fixed Penalty) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-71 The Road Traffic (Fixed Penalty) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-71 The Road Traffic (Fixed Penalty) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
23. SR 2023-95 The Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-95 The Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-95 The Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
24. SR 2023-100 The Circular Road, Larne (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-100 The Circular Road, Larne (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-100 The Circular Road, Larne (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
25. SR 2023-123 The Taxi Drivers Licences (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-123 The Taxi Drivers Licences (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-123 The Taxi Drivers Licences (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
26. SR 2023-124 The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (Test Fees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-124 The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (Test Fees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-124 The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (Test Fees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
27. SR 2023-125 The Public Service Vehicles (Licence Fees) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-125 The Public Service Vehicles (Licence Fees) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Mr Stephen Dunne left the meeting at 11:33 am.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-125 The Public Service Vehicles (Licence Fees) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department to ascertain if the current system represents value for money for operators and consumers arising from the increasing fees.
28. SR 2023-126 The Goods Vehicles (Testing) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-126 The Goods Vehicles (Testing) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-126 The Goods Vehicles (Testing) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
29. SR 2023-127 The Taxis (Taximeters, Devices and Maximum Fares) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-127 The Taxis (Taximeters, Devices and Maximum Fares) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Mr Stephen Dunne re-joined the meeting at 11:36 am.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-127 The Taxis (Taximeters, Devices and Maximum Fares) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department requesting further information regarding fares in respect of the different classes for licensing.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule oral/written evidence in the forward work programme from representative groups from within the taxi industry.
30. SR 2023-128 The Taxi Licensing (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-128 The Taxi Licensing (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-128 The Taxi Licensing (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
31. SR 2023-129 The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-129 The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Mr John Stewart left the meeting at 11:41 am.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-129 The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
32. SR 2023-130 The Motor Vehicle Testing (Amendment) (Fees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-130 The Motor Vehicle Testing (Amendment) (Fees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-130 The Motor Vehicle Testing (Amendment) (Fees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
33. SR 2023-153 The Killinchy Road, Comber (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-153 The Killinchy Road, Comber (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-153 The Killinchy Road, Comber (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
34. SR 2023-159 The University Road, Belfast (Footway) (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-159 The University Road, Belfast (Footway) (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-159 The University Road, Belfast (Footway) (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
35. SR 2023-168 The Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-168 The Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Mr John Stewart re-joined the meeting at 11:46 am.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-168 The Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
36. SR 2023-177 The B28 Ardress Road, Cranagill, Portadown (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-177 The B28 Ardress Road, Cranagill, Portadown (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-177 The B28 Ardress Road, Cranagill, Portadown (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
37. SR 2023-185 The Taxis (Taximeters, Devices and Maximum Fares) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-185 The Taxis (Taximeters, Devices and Maximum Fares) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-185 The Taxis (Taximeters, Devices and Maximum Fares) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
38. SR 2023-191 The Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-191 The Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-191 The Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
39. SR 2023-200 The Areema Drive, Dunmurry (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-200 The Areema Drive, Dunmurry (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department to ascertain at whose request this abandonment originated from and who will be liable for the area once abandoned.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-200 The Areema Drive, Dunmurry (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
40. SR 2023-217 The Market Square, Lisburn (Stopping-Up) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023
The Committee considered SR 2023-217 The Market Square, Lisburn (Stopping-Up) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-217 The Market Square, Lisburn (Stopping-Up) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
41. SR 2023-8 The Annesborough Industrial Estate, Lurgan (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024
The Committee considered SR 2023-8 The Annesborough Industrial Estate, Lurgan (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-8 The Annesborough Industrial Estate, Lurgan (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
42. SR 2023-12 The Greengraves Road, Dundonald (Abandonment and Stopping-Up) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024
The Committee considered SR 2023-12 The Greengraves Road, Dundonald (Abandonment and Stopping-Up) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-12 The Greengraves Road, Dundonald (Abandonment and Stopping-Up) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
43. SR 2023-13 The Cairnmartin Crescent, Belfast (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024
The Committee considered SR 2023-13 The Cairnmartin Crescent, Belfast (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-13 The Cairnmartin Crescent, Belfast (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
44. SR 2023-14 The Castle Lodge, Randalstown (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024
The Committee considered SR 2023-14 The Castle Lodge, Randalstown (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024.
Agreed: That the Committee for Infrastructure has considered SR 2023-14 The Castle Lodge, Randalstown (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report, has no objection to the rule.
45. Correspondence
Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to issues arising from the Committee meeting on 2 March 2022.
Agreed: The Members agreed to write to Northern Ireland Water to seek an update on the issues contained in the Minister’s response.
Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to issues arising from the Committee meeting on 9 March 2022.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the response.
Copy correspondence from the Minister for Infrastructure to the Public Accounts Committee regarding the Regional Planning Commission.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to issues arising from the Committee meeting on 16 March 2022.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the response.
Copy of a written statement from the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the Award of Contracts for Asphalt Resurfacing 2015: Independent Investigation Report.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the statement.
Correspondence from the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the planning decision in respect of land of approximately 3km west of Swatragh in the townlands of Corlacky, Knockoneill, Half Gayne and Tirkane Co. Derry/Londonderry.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Correspondence regarding the Minister for Infrastructures decision on capital allocations for my Department in 2022-23 in the absence of an Executive agreed budget.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Memorandum of Understanding between the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) with regard to mutual cooperation to ensure the protection of public health in relation to public drinking water quality in Northern Ireland.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the memorandum.
Department for Infrastructure correspondence providing an update on the work of the Planning Engagement Partnership and copy of the report which is the key output of the Partnership’s work.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Correspondence from the Minister for Infrastructure providing a copy of the Departmental Business Plan 2022-2023.
Agreed: The Members agreed to request a copy of the updated Departmental Business Plan.
Department for Infrastructure Action Plan for Northern Ireland Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure.
Agreed: The Members agreed to schedule a briefing in the forward work programme.
Department for Infrastructure consultation seeking views on a proposal to further support Ukrainian nationals in Northern Ireland by extending beyond the current 12-month period.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the consultation.
Investment Strategy Northern Ireland – Investment Strategy Reports for the Department for Infrastructure from March 2022 – December 2023.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the reports.
Investment Strategy Northern Ireland – Investment Strategy Reports for the Department for Infrastructure for January 2024.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the report.
Reports from the Speaker’s Office detailing Departmental decisions taken in the absence of Ministers.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the reports and raise any issues arising at the scheduled evidence with the Minister for Infrastructure.
Copy of the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) Annual Report 2022.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the report.
Copy of the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) New Approach to travel, our streets and our places.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the report.
Copy of the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin – Quarter 1 2022.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the bulletin.
Copy of the AgendaNI Infrastructure Report – Issue 108.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the report.
Copy correspondence from Clydeshanks to the Minister for Infrastructure regarding Gruggandoo Wind Farm.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Copy correspondence from the Committee for Communities to the Minister for Infrastructure regarding a briefing from Action Mental Health.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Correspondence from Carla Lockhart MP in respect of any proposals to move to Biennial MOT Testing.
Agreed: The Members agreed to forward the correspondence to the Department for a response.
Copy correspondence from Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to Translink regarding tree management works in the Portadown area from Autumn 2022 – Spring 2023.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Copy correspondence from the European Affairs Sub-Committee on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland - Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Copy correspondence from the House of Lords between the European Affairs Sub-Committee and Minister on the Protocol - Proposal for an EU Regulation establishing a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for sustainable products and repealing Directive 2009/125/EC.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Copy correspondence to/from the European Affairs Sub-Committee on the Protocol - Approval of motor vehicles and engines and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, with respect to their emissions & battery durability (Euro 7) and repealing Regulations.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Copy correspondence from the House of Lords regarding Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 as regards the emission type approval procedures for light passenger and commercial vehicles.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Copy correspondence between the House of Lords and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in respect of EU proposed regulation relating to market manipulation relating to the whole sale energy market.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Copy correspondence between the House of Lords to Department for Transport on the approval and market surveillance of non-road mobile machinery circulating on public roads
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Copy correspondence from the House of Lords regarding notification of legislative consent.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Correspondence from Department for Infrastructure detailing correspondence that was held while the Executive weren’t meeting.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Department for Infrastructure Call for Evidence – Future Focused Review of the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) on the Issue of Climate Change.
Agreed: The Members agreed to schedule a briefing on the outcome of the call for evidence when concluded.
Department for Infrastructure press release in relation to the reappointment and extension of two Non-Executive members to the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the press release.
Department for Infrastructure correspondence and press release in relation to the appointment of a Non-Executive Councillor Member to the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence and press release.
Department for Infrastructure provision of the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) Business Plan 2022-2023
Agreed: The Members agreed to include the paper in the briefing scheduled for the Driver and Vehicle Agency.
Correspondence from the Minister for Infrastructure providing a copy of the Departmental Business Plan 2022-2023.
Agreed: The Members agreed to include the paper in the briefing scheduled for the Minister.
Correspondence from the Minister for Infrastructure providing a copy of the Draft Road Safety Strategy.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the paper and schedule an evidence on the strategy in the forward work programme.
Department for Infrastructure Public Consultation regarding Validation Checklist for planning applications.
Agreed: The Members agreed to schedule evidence in the forward work programme on the outcome of the consultation.
Department for Infrastructure correspondence regarding a competition to appoint a Non-Executive Councillor Member to the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Correspondence from the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the laying of the Department for Infrastructure and Driver and Vehicle Agency’s annual report and accounts.
Agreed: The Members agreed to include the papers in evidence scheduled in the forward work programme.
Written statement from the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the Announcement of Decision on Capital Allocations in 2022-23 in the Absence of an Executive and Agreed Budget.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the statement.
Department for Infrastructure correspondence regarding the consultation documents in relation to the Cullybackey Level Crossing Orders.
Agreed: The Members agreed to note the correspondence.
Department for Infrastructure correspondence regarding a Draft Policy document in relation to the Review of Regional Strategic Planning Policy on Renewable and Low Carbon Energy.
Agreed: The Members agreed to schedule written/oral evidence in the forward work programme on the outcome of the consultation.
Department for Infrastructure correspondence regarding a Public Consultation on the options for introducing water and sewerage charges.
Agreed: The Members agreed to schedule written/oral evidence in the forward work programme on the outcome of the consultation.
46. Forward Work Programme.
The Committee considered the Draft Forward Work Programme.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule oral evidence with officials from the Driver and Vehicle Agency in advance of the briefing from the Minister.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule oral/written evidence briefing from Departmental officials in relation to the taxi sector.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule oral/written evidence from representatives from the taxi sector.
Agreed: The Committee requested that the Committee staff explore the viability of a visit to the new transport hub in Belfast to coincide with the scheduled oral/written evidence from Translink.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule oral/written from Departmental officials on road maintenance and agreed to explore statistical information on the number of and value of compensation claims arising from road defects.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule oral/written evidence from the Rivers Agency in respect of relevant flooding related measures.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department to requesting the scope of the Department’s role in supporting the delivery of City Deals.
47. Any Other Business.
None.
48. Date, Time and Place of next meeting.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, 21 February 2024 at 10:00 am in Room 29, Parliament Buildings.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 pm.
Mrs Deborah Erskine MLA
Chairperson, Committee for Infrastructure
21 February 2024
