Northern Ireland's Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has
outlined high-level budget commitments for the new financial
year.
The Department has a capital budget of £722.5m and a resource
budget of £429.9m, which includes a £9.2m allocation specifically
for Covid.
Outlining how she plans to spend the capital allocations this
year, Nichola Mallon said: “The budget allocations I have
received this year are necessary for the maintenance and
investment in our existing public infrastructure valued in excess
of £30bn.
"This infrastructure, comprised of an urban and rural road
network; rail network; water infrastructure provides the
foundations for effective and efficient public services. It also
provides the foundations on which to help stimulate economic
growth across the North.
"Given this, it makes sense to ensure that it is looked after and
for that reason £77.8m has been allocated to Flagship Projects
such as the A6 and the A5. These projects are crucial for better
connecting our communities and addressing decades of regional
imbalance.
"I am also investing £215m in our water and wastewater network
and continuing to invest in our public transport system with a
total allocation of £170.8m. These services are fundamental for
rural and urban communities alike and as we seek to grow and
green our economy, we need to invest now and for the future.
"Furthermore, I am planning to invest £223.1m this year in our
roads’ network, which will aim to address the historic
underinvestment which has resulted in a decline in the quality of
many of our roads. The upgrade of street lighting will also
continue. It is crucial that we get the basics right for our
communities to improve lives in every street in Northern Ireland.
"I am also passionate about creating a cleaner and greener way of
living and travelling. The climate crisis is a frightening
reality for all of us and we need to act, particularly those of
us with power, to lead that change. That is why I want to do all
that I can to address this important global issue and therefore I
will continue to invest in more sustainable travel, active travel
and public transport, including further actions planned for low
emission buses, a park and ride programme, as well as greenway
developments.”
Turing to her resource budget Minister Mallon said: “While I
welcome the additional funding for water and waste water, for
other spending areas within my Department, as with many other
Departments this effectively represents a real terms reduction
when pay and price pressures are taken into consideration, which
will create challenges over the course of the year. Road
maintenance, public transport and clean water need to be
delivered to meet the demands of a modern and economically
vibrant society. As we emerge from lockdown, these services, and
investing in these services, is fundamental to our recovery and
for the health and well-being of our population."
In conclusion, the Minister said: “As ever, I will make the most
of my allocations and will bid in-year where necessary to
maintain and improve public services so that we enhance the lives
of everyone and create the changes necessary for a new, cleaner,
greener, more connected future across the north and across our
island.”
