Menu
20/05/2022
Minister For Infrastructure Commits To Improving Quality Of Life
The new Minister for Infrastructure, John O'Dowd, has outlined his commitment to improving the quality of life for people across the north.
Following a meeting with the Department's Senior Management team, Minister O'Dowd said: "I am acutely aware that this is an incredibly difficult time for people across the north with the cost of living crisis having a real impact on their lives. In 2022 it is simply not acceptable that people are having to choose between heating their homes or having enough food to put on the table. We need to come together to do all we can to support people at this most challenging of times.
"I know that the infrastructure portfolio is so important to the daily lives of all our people, our communities, our environment and our economy. I want to look closely at what more we can do, both within the Department, and alongside our stakeholders to help people.
"Over the coming days and weeks I intend to meet with communities, stakeholders and partners to see what we can do to help deliver a sustainable infrastructure that supports our economy and an improved quality of life for all. In the absence of an agreed budget, the challenges in delivering vital public services are greater. Of course we know that the absence of a functioning Executive and no budget in place for this year, makes the challenge all the greater. Vital funding is locked away. New initiatives within the department cannot be undertaken."
Following a meeting with the Department's Senior Management team, Minister O'Dowd said: "I am acutely aware that this is an incredibly difficult time for people across the north with the cost of living crisis having a real impact on their lives. In 2022 it is simply not acceptable that people are having to choose between heating their homes or having enough food to put on the table. We need to come together to do all we can to support people at this most challenging of times.
"I know that the infrastructure portfolio is so important to the daily lives of all our people, our communities, our environment and our economy. I want to look closely at what more we can do, both within the Department, and alongside our stakeholders to help people.
"Over the coming days and weeks I intend to meet with communities, stakeholders and partners to see what we can do to help deliver a sustainable infrastructure that supports our economy and an improved quality of life for all. In the absence of an agreed budget, the challenges in delivering vital public services are greater. Of course we know that the absence of a functioning Executive and no budget in place for this year, makes the challenge all the greater. Vital funding is locked away. New initiatives within the department cannot be undertaken."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 November 2024
Alliance Calls For New NI Water Funding Model
Alliance has called for a new funding model for NI Water after progress halted on a £400m housing development, which would provide 2,500 new homes in L'Derry, due to water infrastructure constraints.
Alliance Calls For New NI Water Funding Model
Alliance has called for a new funding model for NI Water after progress halted on a £400m housing development, which would provide 2,500 new homes in L'Derry, due to water infrastructure constraints.
17 December 2021
Infrastructure Minister Opens First Meeting Of EV Infrastructure Task-Force
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has opened the first meeting of the EV Infrastructure Task-Force, welcoming participants from across the public and private sector.
Infrastructure Minister Opens First Meeting Of EV Infrastructure Task-Force
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has opened the first meeting of the EV Infrastructure Task-Force, welcoming participants from across the public and private sector.
25 July 2012
People Living Near Wind Farms 'Need More Control'
People living near wind farms should get more control over them to benefit more, a report has said. The Chartered Institute for Environmental Health said the creation of community turbines should be examined so people living nearby can get more control over projects. There are 28 onshore wind farms in Northern Ireland.
People Living Near Wind Farms 'Need More Control'
People living near wind farms should get more control over them to benefit more, a report has said. The Chartered Institute for Environmental Health said the creation of community turbines should be examined so people living nearby can get more control over projects. There are 28 onshore wind farms in Northern Ireland.
16 April 2014
Infrastructure Spending 'Critically Important' – Finance Minister
The Northern Ireland Executive investing in Northern Ireland's infrastructure is of "critical importance", Finance Minister Simon Hamilton has said. Minister Hamilton highlighted the importance of infrastructure spending to drive economic growth, adding: "The argument in favour of investing in infrastructure barely needs to be made.
Infrastructure Spending 'Critically Important' – Finance Minister
The Northern Ireland Executive investing in Northern Ireland's infrastructure is of "critical importance", Finance Minister Simon Hamilton has said. Minister Hamilton highlighted the importance of infrastructure spending to drive economic growth, adding: "The argument in favour of investing in infrastructure barely needs to be made.
01 October 2021
Wellbeing Of Older People 'Must Remain A Priority' - Hargey
Promoting the wellbeing of older people and ensuring they can enjoy life to the fullest "must remain a priority", Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has said. The Minister made the comments to mark the 31st UN International Day of Older Persons and the beginning of Positive Ageing Month.
Wellbeing Of Older People 'Must Remain A Priority' - Hargey
Promoting the wellbeing of older people and ensuring they can enjoy life to the fullest "must remain a priority", Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has said. The Minister made the comments to mark the 31st UN International Day of Older Persons and the beginning of Positive Ageing Month.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Apart from a little patchy drizzle it will be a dry evening and night with variable amounts of cloud. A few mist and fog patches forming. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
