Committee for Infrastructure

Minutes of Proceedings - 15 April 2026

Meeting Location: Room 29, Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast

 

Present:

 Mr Peter Martin MLA (Chairperson)

Mr John Stewart MLA (Deputy Chairperson)

Mr Harry Harvey MLA

Mr Andrew McMurray MLA

Mr Justin McNulty MLA

Mr Peter McReynolds MLA

 

Via Video Conferencing:

Mr Cathal Boylan MLA

Mr Stephen Dunne MLA

Mr Maolíosa McHugh MLA

 

Apologies:

None.

 

In Attendance:

Mr Michael Potter (Assembly Clerk)

Ms Aoife Keating-Fitzpatrick (Senior Assistant Clerk)

Mr Philip Pateman (Assistant Assembly Clerk)

Mr Jonathan Lawless (Clerical Supervisor)

Mr Oliver Briant (Clerical Officer)

 

The meeting commenced at 10:06 am in public session.

 

1. Apologies

As above.

 

2. Declaration of Interests

None.

 

3. Chairperson’s Business

The Chairperson highlighted the Committee’s planned programme of work which anticipates further legislation that may stand referred for scrutiny.

Agreed: To write to the Department to seek an overview of its planned legislative programme for the remainder of the mandate and to seek an updated timeline for the introduction of the Ports Bill.

 

4. Draft Minutes

Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.

 

5. Matters Arising

The Committee considered an Assembly Research and Information Service paper providing a list of consultees for its review of planning.

Agreed: To write to the organisations listed inviting their participation and to highlight the intention to undertake a stakeholder event at a future date

 

6. Correspondence

Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to the Committee’s correspondence on the discharge by Northern Ireland Water of sewage into waterways and the associated impacts on the environment, bathing waters and eco-systems.

Agreed: To forward the response to the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in advance of the concurrent meeting on 21 April 2026 for inclusion in its meeting pack.

Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to the Committee’s correspondence in respect of the provision of additional signage in diplomatic parking bays.

Agreed: To forward response to the Consulate of St Vincent and the Grenadines for information.

Two items of correspondence from the Minister for Infrastructure highlighting her intention to commence a public consultation under its Safer Journeys to School Programme and a written ministerial statement.

Agreed: To note and schedule an oral evidence session at an appropriate date in the forward work programme.

Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to the Committee’s correspondence on concessionary travel offered to those living with a disability.

Agreed: To write to the Department seeking an update on any collaboration it is undertaking with Translink on concessionary travel for those living with a disability and to request an update on the Department’s cost analysis, once available.

Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to the Committee’s correspondence requesting the Department’s views on the Institute of Directors (IoD) Action Plan and the accompanying recommendations.

Agreed: To write to the Executive Office to request an update on its consideration of the creation of an Infrastructure Commission.

Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to the Committee’s correspondence requesting an update on any issues relating to the Windsor Framework and wider EU related matters.

Agreed: To forward the response to the Committee for the Executive Office for information.

Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to correspondence regarding the Committee’s invitation for her to provide oral evidence on developer contributions for wastewater infrastructure.

Agreed: To note and schedule an oral evidence session in the Forward Work Programme at an appropriate date.

Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to the Committee’s correspondence to the issues raised by the Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland (EVANI) relating to the proposal to introduce an electric vehicle excise duty.

Agreed: To write to the Department seeking its views on the potential introduction of an electric vehicle excise duty as indicated in the UK Government’s consultation.

Agreed: To forward the response to EVANI for information.

Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to the Committee’s correspondence requesting information in response to issues raised on motorcyclist safety.

Agreed: To forward the response to the Motorcycle Action Group for information.

Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to the Committee’s correspondence in respect of response plans and how these will be communicated in future extreme weather events.

Agreed: To write to the Department to seek further detail of the developed framework as referenced in the Minister’s response.

Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to the Committee’s correspondence on the recent judgement on 11 March as part of the A5 Western Transport Corridor appeal .

Agreed: To request oral evidence from the Minister upon the conclusion of the legal proceedings for the appeal.

Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to the Committee’s correspondence in respect of the Phase 2 Review of Community Transport and to forward the response to the Community Transport Association.

Agreed: To share with the Community Transport Association and schedule an oral evidence session in the Forward Work Programme at an appropriate date.

Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to the Committee’s correspondence providing an update on the implementation of the recommendations arising from the Review of Flooding in the South-East.

Agreed: To forward the response to the Regional Concerned Residents Group for information and to update the Bill folder as part of the Committee’s ongoing scrutiny of the Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill.

Correspondence from the Minister for Infrastructure providing a quarterly update on the delivery of the Appointed Persons project.

Agreed: To write to the Department to request that the Committee continues to receive quarterly updates on the project.

Correspondence from the Department for Infrastructure providing a further update on the Eastern Transport Plan (ETP).

Agreed: To note that an oral evidence session is to be scheduled in the Forward Work Programme and that the Clerk liaises with departmental officials to explore the scope for informal visits.

Correspondence from the Department for confirming the appointment of a new Permanent Secretary.

Agreed:  To schedule an oral evidence session with the new Permanent Secretary at an appropriate date in the Forward Work Programme and write to Declan McGeown thanking him for his stewardship.

Correspondence from the Committee for Justice regarding a call for evidence on the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc.) Bill.

Agreed: To write to the Committee for Justice advising that the Committee does not have a view on the bill.

Correspondence from the Committee for Education regarding a call for evidence on The General Teaching Council Bill.

Agreed: To write to the Committee for Education advising that the Committee does not have a view on the bill.

Correspondence from APCOA inviting the Committee to attend an overview session on the new parking enforcement contract recently awarded by the Department.

Agreed: To write to APCOA to highlight that, as originally agreed by the Committee, to receive oral evidence on parking enforcement and that an external visit will be considered at a later date, subject to availability.

Correspondence from Translink requesting the opportunity to provide oral evidence to the Committee on its current financial and budgetary position.

Agreed: To write to Translink to confirm the scheduling of oral evidence on its financial position in the context of the Draft Budget for 2026-29/30

Response from Northern Ireland Water (NIW) to the Committee’s correspondence providing an overview of NIW’s performance towards the targets set out in its ‘Climate Change Strategy’ and progress against our net zero energy target for 2030 and overall emissions target for 2040.

Agreed: To forward the response to the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for inclusion in the meeting papers for the joint meeting on 21 April 2026.

Response from 20sPlentyforUs to the Committee’s request for written evidence on the Department for Infrastructure’s Speed Limit Review.

Agreed: To schedule oral evidence from 20sPlentyforUs and from Stop Road Deaths into the Forward Work Programme.

Correspondence from a member of the public requesting support for the recognition of Israeli driving licences.

Agreed: To forward the correspondence to the Department for a response to the issues raised.

Correspondence from Charge UK regarding the business rates on EV charging bays.

Agreed: To write to Charge UK requesting written evidence in the first instance.

Agreed: To write to Policy Connect to request written evidence.

 

The Committee noted the following items of correspondence:

  • Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to the Committee’s correspondence in respect of the billboard at Egyptian Arch, Newry;
  • Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to the Committee’s correspondence on the ‘open book’ exercise including any impact this has on the Department;
  • Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to the Committee’s providing a breakdown of the total expenditure incurred to date in respect of the A5 Western Transport Corridor and an update on the work in progress arising from All-Ireland Strategic Rail Review;
  • Response from the Minister for Infrastructure to the Committee’s correspondence on what work is being undertaken to agree memorandums of understanding with remaining councils around winter service provision;
  • Department for Infrastructure Press Release: Recruitment competition for two Non-Executive Members for the Board of Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (NITHC);
  • Response from the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to the Committee’s correspondence regarding the recent judgement in the ongoing legal proceedings relating to the A5 Western Transport Corridor appeal;
  • Correspondence from the Committee for Finance enclosing correspondence from the House of Lords Scrutiny Committee to Secretary of State in respect of dual vehicle type approval;
  • Correspondence from the Committee for Finance providing the 2025-26 Public Expenditure Outturn and Forecast Outturn – February 2026;
  • Correspondence from the Committee for the Executive Office providing copy correspondence to the Department for Infrastructure regarding the implementation of the Armed Forces Covenant;
  • Response from the Public Accounts Committee to the Committee’s correspondence relating to the current position in respect of the Memoranda of Reply its report on Major Capital Projects: Follow-up Report;
  • Correspondence from the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly thanking the Committee for the opportunity to provide evidence on the Graduated Licensing Scheme;
  • Responses detailing information on the Memorandum of Understanding entered into around winter service provision
    • Ards and North Down Borough Council;
    • Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Council
    • Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council; and
    • Belfast City Council;
  • Correspondence from ISNI providing the Department for Infrastructure – Investing Activity Report – March 2026;
  • Invitation from Belfast Harbour Commission to the launch of the Harbour’s 2025-2050 Masterplan;
  • Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) Public Reporting Programme 2026-27;
  • Correspondence from the Assembly’s Research and Information Service (RaISE) highlighting the recently publication of a series  thematic papers to support the scrutiny of the Draft Budget 2026-29/30;
  • Correspondence from Policy Connect requesting a meeting in respect of accessible transport; and
  • Invitation to the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson from Translink to attend the unveiling of Reflections, a major new artwork that will form the centrepiece of Saltwater Square.

 

7. Graduated Driver Licensing Proposed Subordinate Legislation - Consideration of written responses

The Committee considered responses from:

  • Minister for Infrastructure;
  • Minister for Justice;
  • Minister for Education;
  • Driving Skills Academy;
  • Association of British Insurers; and
  • Northern Ireland Approved Instructor Council (NIAIC).

Mr Cathal Boylan MLA left the meeting at 11:00 am.

Agreed: To forward the relevant responses to the Department for Infrastructure in advance of the planned oral evidence session with departmental officials on 22 April 2026.

Agreed: To write to NIAIC and the Driving Instructors Association enclosing the ABI’s response for information.

Agreed: To write to the Minister to highlight the Committee’s concerns relating to the potential risk to road safety arising from signed off modules in the absence of their completion by the learner and to establish what safeguards will be in place to manage this risk.

 

8. Sustainable Drainage Systems in New Housing Developments    Consultation – Department for Infrastructure – Oral Evidence

The departmental officials joined the meeting at 11:08 am.

  • Stuart Wightman – Interim Director of Sustainable Drainage, Department for Infrastructure; and
  • Barry Spiers – Sustainable Drainage Programme Manager, Department for Infrastructure.

The Committee agreed that the evidence is recorded by Hansard.

A question and answer session followed.

Mr Peter Martin MLA left the meeting at 11:43 am and Mr John Stewart MLA assumed the role of Chairperson.

Mr Peter Martin MLA re-joined the meeting at 11:50 am and resumed the role of Chairperson.

The departmental officials left the meeting at 12:15 pm.

The Committee suspended at 12:15pm.

The Committee resumed at 12:30 pm with the following Members present:

 

Present:

Mr Peter Martin MLA (Chairperson)

Mr John Stewart MLA (Deputy Chairperson)

Mr Harry Harvey MLA

Mr Andrew McMurray MLA

Mr Peter McReynolds MLA

 

Via Video Conferencing:

Mr Stephen Dunne MLA

Mr Maolíosa McHugh MLA

 

 

9. Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill – Department for Infrastructure – Oral Evidence

The departmental officials joined the meeting at 12:31 pm.

  • Ms Alison Clydesdale – Director of Water and Drainage Policy, Department for Infrastructure;
  • Julie Ann Dutton – Head of Water Policy & Legislation, Department for Infrastructure;
  • Jim McComish – Water Policy & Legislation, Department for Infrastructure;
  • Stuart Wightman – Interim Director of Sustainable Drainage, Department for Infrastructure; and
  • Barry Spiers – Sustainable Drainage Programme Manager, Department for Infrastructure.

The Committee agreed that the evidence is recorded by Hansard.

A question and answer session followed.

Mr Justin McNulty MLA re-joined the meeting at 12:48 pm.

Mr Harry Harvey MLA left the meeting at 12:50 pm.

Mr Maoliosa McHugh MLA left the meeting at 12:52 pm.

Mr Justin McNulty left the meeting at 1:06 pm.

The departmental officials left the meeting at 1:25 pm.

Agreed: To write to the Department seeking further detail of examples of primary legislation that have provided the relevant powers to establish an approval type body in the absence of detail on the composition, functions, responsibilities, and associated costs for discharging its functions.

 

10. Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill – Consideration of Evidence

The Committee agreed to defer this item of business and reschedule for the 22 April 2026.

 

11. SL1 – The Parking Places (Disabled Persons’ Vehicles) (Amendment      No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 – Formal Consideration

The Committee agreed to defer this item of business and reschedule for the 22 April 2026.

 

12. SL1 – The Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment)      Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 – Formal Consideration

The Committee considered the SL1 – The Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026.

Agreed: The Committee was content with the proposal for the Statutory Rule.

 

13. SL1 – The Road Races (Tandragee 100) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 – Formal Consideration

The Committee considered the SL1 – The Road Races (Tandragee 100) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026.

Agreed: The Committee was content with the proposal for the Statutory Rule.

 

14. SL1 – The Roads (Speed Limit) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 – Formal Consideration

The Committee agreed to defer this item of business and reschedule for the 22 April 2026.

 

15. SL1 – The Schools (Part-Time 20mph Speed Limit) (Amendment No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 – Formal Consideration

The Committee agreed to defer this item of business and reschedule for the 22 April 2026.

 

16. SL1 – The Waiting Restrictions (Comber) (Amendment No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 – Initial Consideration

The Committee agreed to defer this item of business and reschedule for the 22 April 2026.

 

17. SL1 – The Control of Traffic (Durham Street, Belfast) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 – Initial Consideration

The Committee agreed to defer this item of business and reschedule for the 22 April 2026.

 

18. SL1 – The Schools (Part-Time 20mph Speed Limit) (Amendment No. 3) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 – Initial Consideration

The Committee agreed to defer this item of business and reschedule for the 22 April 2026.

 

19. SR 2026-62 The Road Races (Croft Hill Climb) Order (Northern Ireland)   2026

The Committee considered the SR 2026-62 The Road Races (Croft Hill Climb) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026.

Agreed: The Committee was content with the Statutory Rule.

 

20. SR 2026-69 The Parking Places (Disabled Persons’ Vehicles)   (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026

The Committee agreed to defer this item of business and reschedule for the 22 April 2026.

Agreed: The Committee was content with the Statutory Rule.

 

21. SR 2026-71 The Road Races (Cookstown 100 Motor Cycle Road Race) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026

The Committee considered theSR 2026-71 The Road Races (Cookstown 100 Motor Cycle Road Race) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026.

Agreed: The Committee was content with the Statutory Rule.

 

22.  SR 2026-75 The Road Races (North West 200) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026

The Committee considered theSR 2026-75 The Road Races (North West 200) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026.

Agreed: The Committee was content with the Statutory Rule.

 

23. SR 2026-76 The Road Races (Craigantlet Hill Climb) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026

The Committee considered theSR 2026-76 The Road Races (Craigantlet Hill Climb) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026.

Agreed: The Committee was content with the Statutory Rule.

 

24. Forward Work Programme

The Committee considered the draft Forward Work Programme.

Agreed: To proceed with the scheduled evidence as set out in the draft Forward Work Programme and to reflect to any changes agreed during the meeting.

 

25. Any Other Business

The Deputy Chairperson highlighted a recent example within his constituency in respect of correspondence that had been circulated to local residents by the Department notifying them of the cessation of streetlighting on an unadopted road.

The Committee noted that the streetlighting had previously been maintained by the Department but, due to its unadopted status and that the equipment is considered to be beyond its serviceable life, ongoing lighting and maintenance will cease.

Agreed: To write to the Department to seek details of locations where street lighting is being ceased on unadopted roads due to the ageing apparatus and an overview of the process for notifying those impacted.     

 

26. Date, Time and Place of next meeting

The next meeting will be the joint concurrent meeting with the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on Tuesday, 21 April at 10:00 am in the Senate Chamber.

The next regular Committee meeting will be on Wednesday, 22 April 2026 at 10:00 am in Room 29, Parliament Buildings.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 1:40 pm.

 

Mr Peter Martin

Chairperson, Committee for Infrastructure

22 April 2026