NI Executive to facilitate partnerships for £26 billion infra plan
The Northern Ireland Executive has committed to working in partnership to deliver investments in Programme for Government, David Keniry writes.
The draft Programme for Government titled ‘Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most’ states that the NI Executive is are committed to investing £26 billion of public funding in the next decade with more detail on this will be provided in the upcoming Investment Strategy.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have described the draft Programme for Government as an ambitious and realistic vision for the remainder of the mandate. Speaking as a eight-week public consultation was launched , First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:
“The draft Programme for Government sets out the Executive’s priorities to tackle the biggest issues facing workers, families and communities here. From cutting hospital waiting times, delivering affordable childcare, to providing more affordable housing, we are taking action to ensure our communities have access to the life opportunities they deserve.
“We must invest in and improve our public services, protect our environment, create jobs and grow a sustainable economy that works for everyone.
“This is an ambitious plan which is set against the very challenging financial backdrop. But this is a mandate for delivery, and the Programme for Government gives everyone hope for a better future. That is why it is vital we hear your voices on the issues that are important to the public. Together, we can prioritise the issues that matter most and make this an even better place, now and for generations to come.”
Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly said:
“The draft Programme for Government outlines the Executive’s bold ambition to change the lives of our people and communities for the better.
“We want to build on Northern Ireland’s reputation as a great place to live, work and invest by supporting our homegrown businesses and local talent through education, skills and jobs creation.
“We also want to improve access to public services by investing in new ideas and technology as well as upgrading our infrastructure. By doing this, we can take care of people’s needs today while supporting their hopes and ambitions for tomorrow.
“Everyone recognises that we are working to a very tight budget in a shorter than normal mandate. But we can still improve lives in a meaningful way by focussing on a small number of priorities that will make a real difference. Over the course of the next eight weeks, we intend on engaging with as many people as possible, so they can help shape this plan and ensure we deliver on the issues which matter most.”
The draft Programme for Government states that the Executive are ‘committed to investing in our public infrastructure and reshaping how our services are delivered’.
The first actions outlined is ‘Boost Housing Funds’ which would see the Northern Ireland Housing Executive revitalised. The Northern Ireland Executive will also ‘facilitate the retrofitting of existing housing stock through sustainable funding and partnership models to help meet the net zero 2050 target.’ The proposed domestic retrofit programme has several aims: addressing fuel poverty to help our communities, decarbonising our homes, reducing emissions from the residential sector, and supporting green jobs for economic growth.’
The Plan is to increase wastewater infrastructure funding capacity continue to work to increase capacity, to ensure that investment in homes and businesses can proceed across urban and rural communities without adverse environmental impacts.
The Executive will also implement a planning improvement programme with local government and other stakeholders while public sector staff are to be trained and equipped to make smarter, greener spending decisions.
To support a netzero future the Government will deliver ‘smart investments and education and skills initiatives to maximise opportunities for our green economy, job creation, and move us towards a fairer, more sustainable net zero future.
The Executive is also committing to upgrade stadia and support local sports including progress on the redevelopment of Casement Park in Belfast.
On transport the Government will deliver an improved road network that better connects on a North-South and East-West basis. Actions will include taking a statutory decision on the Western Transport Corridor and publishing a Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan.
There is also a commitment to work with the Irish Government to develop rail networks and to provide more accessible public transport. This includes considering the recommendations of the All-Island Rail Review, which include the electrification of rail services, strengthening Belfast Dublin rail services, and creating new services between Belfast and the Northwest, via Portadown and Omagh.
On airports the executive will look to offer further support to the three airports including develop new routes.
On Funding the Plan, the Executive concludes that the demands on finances outstrip the funding available.
‘We know that we need to reform and transform. We will want to look at all options to deliver efficiencies, sustainability, enhance borrowing powers and examine fiscal devolution. Financial sustainability will require brave decisions and collaborative working, as well as innovation and efficiency in the delivery of services. We are committed to working in partnership to make that happen.
After consultation is complete and a final Programme for Government is put in place, the Budget process will prioritise commitments made in the Programme for Government.
The 2024 Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on takes place on September 12th at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast. To register for free go to: www.northernirelandmanufacturing.co.uk/register .
To book a ticket for the third European Infrastructure Conference in Dublin on November 14th go to: https://www.europeaninfrastructureconference.com/.
