11/12/2024
RSUA met today with the Minister for Infrastructure (DfI), John O’Dowd, to discuss a range of issues affecting architecture in Northern Ireland. RSUA was represented by John Lavery, RSUA President, and Ciarán Fox, RSUA Director.
Waste Water Infrastructure
RSUA called for the Minister to be open to future co-operative models for NI Water that do not include domestic water charging. The Minister agreed to consider these plans if they were presented.
RSUA also stressed the need for greater transparency in the decision-making process for upgrades to waste water infrastructure. This infrastructure has become the key that either blocks or unblocks development in any particular geographic area.
RSUA will continue to engage with DfI and NI Water on this matter.
York Street Interchange
RSUA raised its concerns over DfI’s plans for the York Street Interchange project. In April 2024, RSUA publicly called on the NI Executive to fundamentally reconsider its current approach.
RSUA wishes to support a scheme that, compared to the current plans, more effectively reduces congestion, is more affordable, is quicker and less disruptive to implement, enhances the surrounding neighbourhood to a greater extent, and results in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The Minister stated that no decision has been made regarding the project but said that all work on the scheme is currently on hold.
Planning
RSUA informed the Minister that the performance of planning across Northern Ireland is causing real difficulties for architects. We acknowledged that some Councils are processing applications much faster than others. We asked the Minister how poor a Council’s performance would need to become before DfI would use its powers under the Planning Act to commission a review that would make recommendations for change.
As an example, RSUA highlighted the experience of the Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council (NMDC) area, where processing times for even the simplest of applications was excessively slow. The Minister acknowledged these concerns and agreed to consider them further.
RSUA emphasised the importance of making planners more accessible to architects in-person. We also argued that planners should be empowered to make decisions even when statutory consultees are unresponsive.
Lastly, the Minister informed RSUA of his current efforts to secure Invest to Save funding to acquire additional resources, including extra staff, to help alleviate the backlog of planning applications awaiting a response from DfI Roads.
Adoption of Manual for Streets for Northern Ireland
RSUA called for the introduction of Manual for Streets in Northern Ireland. This measure has been put forward by RSUA in conjunction with the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT).
This Manual, well-established in England and Wales, provides guidance for professionals involved in planning, designing, developing, and approving new or modified streets, aiming to improve quality of life through its strong focus on the needs of residents.
The Minister has committed to meeting with us again in the spring to continue our conversation.
