THE STATE OF THE NATION BRIEFING

northern ireland

the state of the nation

infrastructure 2010
We find the overall state of the infrastructure in Northern Ireland is at a tipping point. This is reflected in the award of a Grade C which signifies the need for investment to enable effective functioning and avoid infrastructure failure in the next five years.
northern ireland overview We find the overall state of the infrastructure in Northern Ireland is at a tipping point. This is reflected in the award of a Grade C which signifies the need for investment to enable effective functioning and avoid infrastructure failure in the next five years. The marked exception is our ports and harbours which ICE NI believe are well maintained and in good condition. The ambitious redevelopment of Warrenpoint Harbour provides a good illustration of sectoral development which is driven by positive leadership focused on economic sustainability. ICE NI maintain that all sectors require ongoing funding to deliver the quality of life which we take for granted. However, failure to invest in the three key areas of renewable energy, waste and flood risk management will be critical and have major detrimental effects. Northern Irelands potential failure to meet European Directives in these areas will result in infraction charges which represent a diversion of monies away from departmental budgets. ICE NI has previously asserted that our government should focus on paying for infrastructure and not infractions.

infrastructure 2010

uK overview Infrastructure is vital to our way of life. We rely on an effective, working infrastructure network for clean water, transport to and from work and the heating for our homes. But infrastructure affects more than our daily lives; it enables a working economy giving us the means to move goods and generate electricity to power machines and equipment and maintain the development of the country. Studies have shown that good infrastructure results in positive economic growth1. Both the OECD and HM Treasury have acknowledged that growth in UK productivity has been held back by under-investment in infrastructure particularly transport and communications. ICEs inquiry has found that we now stand at a cross roads. Major decisions must be taken now to ensure that our energy, water, waste and transport systems continue to function effectively as well as helping us meet emissions targets and adapt to climate change. These decisions cant wait. If we delay, in less than five years much of our infrastructure will be ineffective.

Key recoMMendations

grade

The NI Executive should view European Directives as positive drivers for change. Compliance will enable our government to achieve stated targets across a range of policy areas including to:

Harness our plentiful wind resource to

increase energy security, whilst reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels and simultaneously delivering a lower carbon energy supply.

Tackle our growing residual waste problem

whilst reducing carbon emissions and supplying energy as heat.

Create jobs and retain our skills base which is

in danger of being seriously depleted as migration for work outside Northern Ireland starts to take hold. A sound functioning infrastructure has the capability to deliver economic and social aspirations. It is the resilience of our infrastructure which will determine our economic competitiveness, our attractiveness for investors and visitors. Government must act to encourage, not inhibit economic growth.

1. Going for Growth, OECD, 2009, highlights that investment in physical infrastructure increases long-term economic output more than other kinds of physical investment.

THE STATE OF THE NATION

infrastructure 2010

01

energy
current view the positive iMpact of privatisation The electricity infrastructure within Northern Ireland was privatised in 1993 and since then has shown large improvements in key performance indicators. These include efficiencies in controllable operating expenditures and core prices and improvements in customer minutes lost and complaints. Also, the dominant company NIE has achieved no defaults against its guaranteed standards within the last four years. There are however, currently no environmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in place, although ICE NI understands that the regulator is currently reviewing incentives to add environmental targets. the single MarKet The electricity industry in Northern Ireland has been significantly changed by the introduction of the Single Electricity Market (SEM). This brought together two wholesale electricity markets on the island of Ireland creating a single market for the wholesale trading of electricity. In this market all generators over 10MW, in the north and south, sell all of their electricity to a gross pool and all suppliers buy their electricity from this pool. A single market operator administers the market function for the SEM. the wind in the west Renewable incentive schemes require increasing levels of wind generated energy to be connected to the grid resulting in new major infrastructure proposals to accommodate the movement of this energy. Energy from wind is generated predominantly in RENEWABLE ENERGY LEVELSof the region, IRELAND the west and north-west IN NORTHERN with the centre of population mostly concentrated on the eastern sea-board. north-south interconnection A restriction has been identified in energy flows between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland (ROI). To address this issue, in December 2009, a submission was made to the Planning Authorities in ROI and NI to build an additional interconnection. As ESB announced in July 2010 that they would purchase the transmission and distribution network in Northern Ireland, the planning application has to be resubmitted. Not withstanding this delay, the completion of this project will reduce costs for all customers within Ireland. However, possible delays in planning could prevent the delivery of any government target set for 2020. current priorities european directives driving the change The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investments completion (DETI) of the Strategic Energy Framework as well as the Off Shore and On Shore Strategic Environmental Assessments, will provide strategic direction for Northern Ireland in relation to the EU renewable energy targets for 2020. The European Directive on Renewables is aimed at increasing renewable energy production together with energy savings and energy efficiency. This is to be enforced by 5 December 2010 and requires a number of actions including a National Renewable Action Plan and development to allow the priority access of renewable generation. Another directive that will affect the electricity industry is the common rules for the internal market in electricity which requires that member states bring the directive into force by 3 March 2011.

c
Condition And CApACity The aging network, parts dating from the 1930s, and the overall asset base require significant replacement. New power stations were connected to the network in the 1990s and renewable generation is currently increasing. ResilienCe The regulatory structure includes a capacity payment which supports security of supply by providing payments to generators for availability as well as electricity generated. However, all of the fuel used in Northern Ireland, which is predominantly gas, is currently imported. There is no significant storage in the region. Currently there is adequate generation capacity to meet energy demand. sustAinAbility Currently carbon is not measured in this sector and there is no requirement to reduce the carbon footprint at this time. Without substantial new infrastructure government targets for renewable generation for 2020 will not be met. impACt of signifiCAnt Cuts All the companies regulated are requesting additional funding. Further budget cuts would have a significant impact particularly1,500 if they were to be sustained.. five yeAR view 1,000 The Draft Strategic Energy Framework document published by government and the Strategic Environmental Assessments that are currently being carried out for both Off Shore 500 and On Shore Renewable Generation will provide a clear strategic lead for electricity. However the timeliness of these documents to address targets for 2020 is a concern. 0
MW

grade

2,000

RENEWABLE ENERGY LEVELS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

RENEWABLE ENERGY LEVELS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

2,000

2,000
1,500
MW

1,500
500
Wind

1,000

Renewable Electricity
Renewable Electricity

Wind

MW

0 1,000

2008

2010

2008

2012
YEAR

2010

2012

2015

2015

2020

2020

Other Renewables Other

Renewables

YEAR

500 0

Renew Wind

Other R

2008

2010

2012
YEAR

2015

2020

the renewable challenge Currently the network company, NIE, has been able to accommodate all requests from renewable generation and has put in place plans to create increased capacity allowing additional connection. However without the delivery of substantial new infrastructure to upgrade the grid, future renewable generation will be curtailed for large periods of time, reducing the likelihood of government targets for levels of renewable generation for 2020 being met. Timeframes to receive planning for these types of infrastructure projects is a major consideration in the overall timetable for delivery. The uptake in ROCs (Renewable Obligation Certificates) has meant the supply company is facing increasing requests for connection of renewable generation at all levels within its network. This is driving innovative solutions as well as major new infrastructure requirements to meet these requests. Up to 50% additional transmission infrastructure will be required to connect all new renewable generation currently within the planning process with possible expenditure of up to 1 billion. future aspirations Joined up strategic policies Within Northern Ireland there are a number of departments with responsibility for different areas associated with EU targets for 2020. DETI is responsible for setting the targets in respect of renewable generation; Department of Environment (DOE) is responsible for carbon reduction and climate change issues. The Department of Social Development (DSD) takes the lead on tackling fuel poverty in Northern Ireland, a large part of which is the Warm Homes Scheme. Finally carbon reduction targets for transport could be viewed as the responsibility of the Department of Regional Development (DRD). The disjointed nature of policy development and implementation on the renewables front, is illustrated by Belfasts bid to become a electric vehicle pilot scheme. ICE NI understands that both DRD and DOE are jointly heading the Plugged in Places bid for an electric vehicle pilot scheme for Belfast. A third department, DETI, is also involved, to ensure that the additional energy demand can be accommodated.

Whilst ICE NI understands and welcomes the fact that the DETI Minister chairs a cross departmental group on energy, coordination between these departments is vital if Northern Ireland is to meet the targets required. ICE NI calls for government to again consider the need for one department to have overall responsibility for energy. strategic policy platforM leading to clear strategic obJectives Strategic direction from government is also a critical requirement and it is important that the work associated with the Strategic Energy Framework, the Strategic Plan and the Strategic Environmental Assessment is completed as soon as possible. ICE NI urges that these completed documents are not merely aspirational but provide clear direction. fast tracK planning for critical infrastructure The UK government has acknowledged that the planning process can lead to significant delays in the delivery of infrastructure projects and has completed a review and implementation to streamline this process. ICE NI calls for this work to be extended to Northern Ireland as a matter of great urgency. heat, the untapped energy Approximately 80% of energy consumed in NI (excluding transport fuel) is in the form of heat (60% domestic: 20% industrial) mostly supplied by fossil fuels. Whilst DETI would like to set a target of 10% renewable heat by 2020, it currently has no statutory powers to do so. However, ICE NI understands that DETI has commissioned an assessment of the potential development of renewable heat in the region.

case study: the warM hoMes scheMe The Warm Homes Scheme is the Department of Social Developments primary tool in tackling fuel poverty. Since the inception of the scheme in 2001, some 70,000 insulation and heating interventions have been made across Northern Ireland. In July 2009, the scheme was refocused targeting people on low incomes who require help to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The Scheme, which is open to home-owners and private tenants, provides a host of heating and insulation measures. Householders in receipt of a specified qualifying benefit who currently have solid fuel heating, Economy 7, Liquid Petroleum Gas heating or no heating system at all could receive a fully controlled energyefficient oil or gas central heating system. The Scheme is jointly delivered across Northern Ireland, on behalf of the Department for Social Development by Bryson Charitable Group and H&A Mechanical Services, who each serve 13 council areas across the region.

THE STATE OF THE NATION

infrastructure 2010

02+03

transport
current view strategic connections The sector has successfully delivered the procurement and construction stages of the road contracts on the Key Transport Corridors (KTCs) within the Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS). These improvement schemes have included grade separation of major junctions on the A1 section of the E01 European corridor. leaving the car behind The same RTS has delivered better public transport access such as the rebuilt Newry Station and successful Park & Ride schemes. Within the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan new commuter trains have generated improved passenger numbers, journey times and reliability. Similarly, there is confidence in Metro bus travel due to improved frequency on the Quality Bus Corridors, investment in new buses, reorganisation of the Metro network and the introduction of the 60+ travel concession scheme. boats and planes The extension and development of Victoria Terminal 4 at Belfast port for Stena Line/ Belfast Harbour Commissioners has helped to reduce ferry journey times to Scotland. The recently redeveloped Warrenpoint Harbour has also provided a significant boost for the economy in the area. Both regional airports in Belfast have continued to adapt their terminal facilities to better meet the changing requirements of air travellers. current priorities roads strategic routes The delivery of the upgrading contracts on the KTCs such as the A5 from Ballygawley to Strabane and the A8 at Ballynure are pivotal to this sector. ICE NI would encourage Government to ensure these projects are not postponed. Likewise the A2 Carrickfergus upgrade from Jordanstown through Greenisland should be resolved without delay. the Missing linK ICE NI would also like to see accelerated progress on the multi-level free flow interchange at Yorkgate junction which serves the M2/M5 corridor, Westlink and the M3/Sydenham Bypass corridor. ICE NI understand that with the recent opening of the final section of the M1/A1 scheme, the Yorkgate junction is the only set of traffic lights between Larne and Dublin. Maintaining our roads In stark contrast to the successful delivery of capital schemes, ICE NI would urge Government to give financial priority to maintenance of the regions secondary road network which has suffered in recent years from continuing budget cuts. The poor performance and quality of these assets has been further exacerbated by surface deterioration and frost heave experienced during the cold winter of 2009-10. public transport inter-urban linKs The reliability of inter-urban Goldline bus services are improving as the KTCs are developed, with a 20% increase in passengers since 2004. However, the legacy of under-investment in public transport is particularly evident in the rural transport hubs in the west of the region. new trains The provision of the Spanish rail manufacturer CAF train sets has improved reliability and public confidence in the suburban rail network with annual passenger numbers increasing to 10 million journeys, the most passengers per year since 1965. Translink has set a target delivery date of 2012 for a further 20 CAF train sets. ICE understand that the construction of these trains is on programme. access for all The capital investment at bus terminals and rail stations to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is laudable and ICE NI want to see this programme continue. In our opinion priority should be given to the development of Gamble Street rail station to catalyse modal change for journeys to/from the Cathedral Quarter with the new university campus and Clarendon Dock areas of Belfast city.

b
condition and capacity Key transport routes are well served by well maintained infrastructure across this sector. However, the secondary road network and local public transport require investment. resilience All infrastructure across this sector is susceptible to serious weather events which are likely to increase in frequency due to climate change. sustainability Carbon accounting has not been properly addressed in this sector to date except perhaps for air traffic. In fact, GHG emissions have actually risen in the transport sector over the last five years. iMpact of significant cuts Cutting funding in this sector will be detrimental to its ability to deliver a sound and effective infrastructure. This is particularly in terms of encouraging the behavioural change to the use of public transport and to stem the chronic deterioration of the secondary roads network. five year view Strategies are in place with ability to deliver, but this is dependent on funding and planning. The exception again is air transport where a regional strategy is now overdue.

grade

bus priority and rapid transport Within Belfast, the QBCs (Quality Bus Corridors) continue to develop with improved frequencies on Metro services leading to a 30% increase in patronage over the last five years. However, average bus speeds on the QBCs are still below the 10 year BMTP (Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan) targets and these need to be addressed. The integration of Metro services within the City Realm pedestrianisation has still to be delivered. ICE NI notes the slow progress on the proposed Rapid Transit system for Belfast and would like to see a first stage cross-city route to Titanic Quarter implemented as soon as is practicable. Ultimately, ICE would like to see a high speed rail link between Belfast and Dublin with a journey time of one hour. ports and airports linKing the ports The delivery of the new Stena port at Cairnryan is crucial for this sector. With the likely demise of the HSS service, a more reliable all-weather port is essential for the conventional roll-on roll-off shipping service. ICE NI would like to see foot passengers better served on the GB mainland by reconsideration of the opening of the rail branch to Cairnryan to serve both the P&O and Stena Line port facilities. Access to Belfast and Larne ports will be further improved through development of the KTCs and the planned multi-level Yorkgate interchange getting the right strategy ICE NI would like to see a speedy resolution of the proposed runway extension at George Best City airport but the decision should be embraced within a viable air transport strategy for the region.

the way ahead Money for Maintenance DRD must be congratulated on their continuing investment in the KTCs on target with the current 10 year RTS. However, it must be recognised that the projected RTS road maintenance budget has not been realised and that the backlog on the secondary and urban road network needs to be urgently addressed. Joined up provision In the current RTS/BMTP review for Greater Belfast, the grade-separated interchange for the KTCs at Yorkgate requires priority within the next 10 year period. However, this target needs to be matched with the explicit development of a low carbon based Rapid Transit System to boost public confidence and accelerate behavioural change through improved park & ride facilities. This system should integrate, rather than compete, with the current Translink investment in enhanced QBCs and the urban rail network. all island air transport strategy A more robust regional air transport strategy for the island of Ireland needs to be put in place by the relevant Governments.

case study: warrenpoint harbour Warrenpoint Harbour is in the process of major phased redevelopment, with the opening of a 21 million deepwater quay in June 2010 a key component of the entire project. The quay creates two new deepwater berths and can handle fully-laden container vessels and other cargo ships of up to 10,000 tonnes. The harbour will now also serve a twice-weekly container service with Cardiff Container lines, following the opening of a new roll-on roll-off facility in 2009. According to the Warrenpoint Harbour Chief Executive Peter Conway, the modernisation of the harbour constitutes an economic driver for the whole region which introduces over 3 million of purchasing power into the local economy each year.

THE STATE OF THE NATION

infrastructure 2010

04+05

water and wastewater

current view ICE NI believe that although DRD Water Service and its successor, Northern Ireland Water (NIW) have effected significant increases in compliance and have made plans for future investment, full compliance with the regulations for both water and waste water has yet to be achieved. Further, levels of customer service in NI do not yet match the levels enjoyed in the rest of the UK. However, NIW is working hard to improve efficiency and delivery of its service. water treatMent 50% of water production is now the responsibility of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaire, under the Alpha project. waste water treatMent 30% of the waste water treatment is now the responsibility of a PPP concessionaire under the Omega project. There is an ongoing programme of improvements in the treatment works through an Integrated Waste Water Treatment Framework. infrastructure There is an ongoing programme of water mains rehabilitation and sewerage improvements under various framework contracts. current priorities good enough to drinK Compliance on drinking water quality has increased to 99.66%. The upgrading of water treatment works has made significant improvements in drinking water quality and plans are in place to exceed this figure during the Price Control period 2010 to 2013. ICE NI understand that leakage from water mains has been reduced to allow a per capita consumption of 136 litres per head per day. However, this still represents a relatively high consumption and more work on leakage remains to be done. More required for waste water coMpliance Waste water, at 88% compliance, continues to fall well below that in the rest of the UK and it will take a number of years of sustained investment to bridge the gap. NIW plan to increase the compliance target to 91% during the Price Control Period 2010 to 2013 provided adequate funding is secured. Maintaining the MoMentuM The programme of water main replacement is continuing to improve drinking water quality. The ongoing sewer rehabilitation programme is reducing pollution and out of sewer flooding. ICE NI urge that this programme be adequately funded to ensure that NI customers enjoy the same standards of customer service as those in the rest of the UK.

c
Condition And CApACity The infrastructure is currently adequate but will require increased maintenance as it ages. The infrastructure will struggle to meet increasing demands on water and sewerage services. ResilienCe The water network is generally adequate. However, during times of exceptional demand there still remain areas where the consistent supply and distribution of drinking water cannot be guaranteed. The sewerage infrastructure is generally adequate. However, there are significant areas where the system lacks capacity leading to out of sewer flooding and pollution. sustAinAbility Carbon is not currently counted in this sector. The use of green energy is being explored. impACt of signifiCAnt Cuts Any reduction in funding will have a significant effect on the provision and maintenance of the infrastructure with a detrimental effect on customer services. five yeAR view Strategies are in place to comply with drinking water and environmental legislation, and to improve the levels of customer satisfaction.

grade

greening our water NIW monitors its impact on the environment through an Environmental Management System. As one of Northern Ireland Electricitys (NIE) largest customers the company is exploring the use of green energy and is investigating opportunities for the use of wind and water energy. NIW plans to increase the use of green energy from the current 8%, to 10% by the end of 2010, and to 15% by 2015. regulated future a fair price In addition to the Drinking Water Inspectorate and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, NIW is now subjected to independent regulation by the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAUR) as the economic regulator responsible for safeguarding customer interests. This is an identical agency to OFWAT. water charging the elephant in the rooM Charging for water services continues to be debated within Northern Ireland. ICE NI believe that if water and sewerage delivery is to improve, then a secure charging mechanism must be established. The introduction of a separate charging mechanism should simultaneously promote the efficient use and conservation of water.

future aspirations Taking current views and priorities into account, ICE NI believe that the key areas for improvement are as follows:

Continued delivery of the capital investment

programme to ensure full compliance with the EU directives and an integrated asset management approach by NIW to investment taking into account compliance, sustainability and capital efficiencies. to the operations and maintenance of the existing infrastructure.

A planned and sustained approach

Greater efficiency as a result of new

case study: sewer networK Belfasts sewer network which dates back to the Victorian era was suffering as a result of sustained underinvestment coupled with inadequate capacity as a result of the citys continued expansion. To address the problem, Northern Ireland Water (NIW) commenced a 160 million Storm water Management project aimed at improving water quality in both the River Lagan and Blackstaff River, while reducing the risk of flooding within the inner city. It also incorporated the rehabilitation and upgrading of the sewer network to ensure compliance with European Union environmental standards. Funding for the programme of works was secured through the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative (RRI), established by the Northern Ireland Assembly and HM Treasury in May 2002 to resource infrastructure upgrades.

technology and better processes in key areas.

The future performance of NIW will be very much dependant on a sustained income stream. ICE NI is firm that the political posturing on water charges is no longer tenable, especially in light of the reduction in the Northern Ireland block grant.

THE STATE OF THE NATION

infrastructure 2010

06+07

waste
current view The waste management sector in Northern Ireland is evolving to meet recycling targets and diversion of waste from landfill. The performance and development of the regions waste management sector is summarised under the following headings: reduction on the reliance on landfill The percentage of municipal solid waste going to landfill has reduced from 82% in 2004/05 to 68% in 2008/09. grade iMproveMent in recycling Recycling and composting for municipal solid waste has increased from 18% in 2004/05 to 32% in 2008/09. This has mainly been due to the widespread introduction of kerbside collection of recyclables, kitchen and garden waste. ICE NI would like to congratulate both the Local Councils and the NI public for the continued success of this initiative. progress towards developMent of new treatMent infrastructure Materials recovery and composting facilities are either in place or in the development phase. The remaining residual waste infrastructure will require mechanical biological treatment (MBT) and energy recovery (EfW). The procurement of these facilities is currently underway. construction waste The WRAP initiative on Halving waste to landfill is operational and extends to Northern Ireland. current priorities In order to improve the current waste situation within Northern Ireland, ICE NI believe that the following measures are necessary: tacKling waste issues at source Reducing the amount of waste which is generated is a key policy driver and whilst not specifically linked to capital infrastructure, it is an area where continued revenue investment is required to promote waste reduction through education and awareness raising. recycling realities The new Waste Framework Directive will require member states to achieve a 50% recycling rate for municipal waste by 2020. ICE NI believes that NI can meet these targets but improvements in the provision of, and access to, kerbside, bottle bank and household recycling centres are necessary. Keeping it local In order to facilitate a wider range of materials which can be recycled it is necessary that suitable end markets are available not just within the EU or UK but in the local NI area. This will also serve to improve the local economy and provide a closed loop cycle for waste / resources / materials. At present limited local end markets are available which may restrict the quantity and type of materials which can be recycled at a local level.

Condition And CApACity Currently infrastructure in this sector is limited with landfill sites, household recycling centres, transfer stations and materials recovery stations predominating. Alternative waste management systems associated with composting, mechanical biological treatment (MBT) and energy recovery (ER) infrastructure are in the development phase. ResilienCe The lack of MBT or ER facilities to date in NI has resulted in an unsustainable reliance on landfill for residual wastes. The current land filling option would appear to be available in the short to medium term but leaves NI non-compliant with EC Directives, with the consequent environmental and financial impacts. sustAinAbility New infrastructure, such as MBT and ER, will result in a significant carbon reduction when compared to landfilling of wastes. This will be particularly through minimisation of methane production, a green-house gas over 20 times more potent that CO2. In addition the energy recovery component will displace the need to combust other non renewable fuels. impACt of signifiCAnt Cuts The need to deliver new infrastructure, namely MBT and ER, is driven by regulatory requirements and is likely to be delivered through PFI procurements. If central government support were reduced this may result in procurement and hence delivery being slowed down. five yeAR view The required infrastructure is identified in the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI) and capital budgets have been identified for the delivery of the facilities; there is a clear and well structured strategic lead for waste management infrastructure in NI.

the residual challenge - the provision of residual waste treatMent infrastructure for Municipal waste It is generally accepted that infrastructure will be required to deal with the materials which remain following recycling. This residual treatment infrastructure will therefore be a key deliverable for NI to provide an appropriate waste management system. A time critical aspect is the need to have additional landfill diversion capacity in place to meet a 2013 Landfill Directive target which limits the amount of biodegradable waste allowed to be landfilled. Without this diversion Northern Ireland could be susceptible to European infraction fines for non-compliance. constructing sustainability The reduction of waste and improved recycling for waste arising at construction sites and the increased use of recycled materials in the industry is another key challenge. The Site Waste Management Plans Regulations 2008 have been enacted in England only and similar legislation may be beneficial in Northern Ireland to encourage all relevant projects to have good waste management practices in place. However the additional regulatory burden would have to be considered in the current economic situation and other options should be explored to reduce site waste.

Local authorities should set challenging

future aspirations Taking current views and priorities into account, ICE NI believe that the key areas for improvement are as follows:

Further development of the end markets The three NI waste management groups

targets to improve recycling. Measures could include; widespread access to kerbside schemes, schemes accepting a wider range of materials, provision of better quality household recycling centres and increased access to bottle banks.

for recyclable materials particularly at a local level, thus allowing a wider range of materials to be recycled and improve the local economy. must progress at pace with the procurement of the time critical residual treatment infrastructure and NI government should assist to ensure that the risk of planning and construction delays are minimised.

case study: arc21 residual waste treatMent proJect The project is currently in procurement with the contract due for award in late 2010/ early 2011. The project will entail the delivery of Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) and Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities. The project will enable wastes which are not recycled or composted to be treated. The treatment will involve MBT where front end recycling will be undertaken and EfW where considerable energy will be recovered and exported to the electricity network and heat markets. The project will enable the councils which are part of arc21 to meet targets for the diversion of bio-degradable municipal waste from landfill and will assist in meeting recycling requirements. In addition, the facilities will provide capacity for commercial and industrial wastes generated by businesses in the region. The project is strategically significant and is one of the largest PPP type projects to be undertaken in NI with an anticipated value of circa 1 billion.

Contractors should be encouraged to sign

up to the Halving Waste to Landfill initiative being operated through WRAP. Further to this, designers and contractors should have an increased awareness of using recycled materials in the construction industry.

THE STATE OF THE NATION

infrastructure 2010

08+09

flood risK ManageMent

current view flooding whos responsible? In Northern Ireland responsibility for flooding issues lies with several government departments; DARD Rivers Agency for fluvial flood emergency response, alleviation and defence; Northern Ireland Water for storm water run off and out of sewer flooding; and DRD Roads Service for road drainage. Each of these authorities as well as the Blue Light services and more recently the Local Councils, provide a co-ordinated emergency response to flooding events. call out the tasKforce Most recently, the Fermanagh flood event in November 2009 demonstrated the impact on the society with numerous key roads cut off by rising waters. Given this recent history of flooding and in response to the Fermanagh event, the Northern Ireland Executive formed a Flooding Taskforce to review the performance of those involved and to identify any changes which may be required. The final report from this group was published in the summer of 2010. the legislation The EU Floods Directive was transposed into local regulations in November 2009 and is called, The Water Environment (Floods Directive) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009. current priorities fast approaching targets the challenge to the collaborative approach The continued implementation of the EU Floods Directive presents the opportunity to deal with the wide range of flood related issues across the region. It requires many departments, agencies and other bodies to engage in order to draw up a Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment. This assessment is to consider impacts on human health and life, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity, with a legislative completion date of December 2011. The information in this assessment will be used to identify the areas at significant risk which will then be modelled in order to produce flood hazard and risk maps. These maps are to be in place by December 2013 and will include detail on the flood extent, depth and level for three risk scenarios (high, medium and low probability).

Condition And CApACity Whilst the infrastructure is in an acceptable condition at present, it is an aging asset; development has not kept pace with the demands that our society has placed on it. ResilienCe The flood defences and drainage assets are an integral part of providing protection to the community but with the very likely impacts of climate change their performance will diminish. sustAinAbility Environmentally sensitive maintenance is carried out to our river network and Environment Impact Assessments (EIAs) are completed for all drainage related capital works projects. However, carbon is not counted and there is still scope for much improvement in this area. impACt of signifiCAnt Cuts Sustained cuts would eventually impact on the operation of this sector, the results of which would be compounded by likely impacts of climate change. five yeAR view A cross- sectoral approach is required; the Floods Directive will drive the industry in this direction. Individual agencies and departments with responsibility must engage with this process if there is to be genuine improvement in flood risk management.

grade

land use planning The introduction of Planning Policy Statement 15 on Planning and Flood Risk in June 2006 has raised the profile of flood risk in the context of land use, development and infrastructure provision. The precautionary approach of this document has minimised the number of inappropriately sited developments and has therefore assisted in managing the flood risk. flood Mapping The strategic flood map for Northern Ireland was launched in November 2008 by DARD Rivers Agency and it provides a public source of information on the risk from rivers and the sea including a climate change scenario. increased intensity of extreMe events The last three years, in particular, have demonstrated the clear need for proactive Flood Risk Management in Northern Ireland, as there have been a number of weather events that resulted in significant flooding. The event in August 2008 is considered to be the largest in living memory and its impact was very widespread with in excess of 1,600 dwellings and businesses directly affected and many others threatened. This event also inundated the newly constructed Broadway underpass, which cut off the main link into Belfast from the west of the region.

the new Mantra: prevent, protect, prepare Flood Risk Management Plans can then be produced to indicate to policy makers, developers, and the public the nature of the risk and the measures proposed to manage these risks. The management plans are to focus on prevention, protection and preparedness rather than the largely reactive approach of old. The Flood Risk Management Plans are to be complete by December 2015 and in order to ensure community buy-in they will require input from interested parties during their development. Keeping focused coMes with a price tag Maintenance of drainage assets is key to managing flood risk and this activity will continue as a priority. Capital expenditure to replace ageing or inadequate drainage infrastructure; to construct new works to accommodate development; and to increase the level of protection from flooding, is also ongoing as resources permit. The flood events over the last three years have reinforced the need for such expenditure and an increased funding level must be provided. These are difficult economic times but we must keep focused on the long term aim of reducing the flood risk in Northern Ireland.

Continue to deliver the requirement Continue to maintain and improve the Ensure joined up Government when
of the EU Floods Directive. drainage and flood defence infrastructure in a sustainable and affordable manner. dealing with the natural phenomena that is flooding, which is likely to increase in severity if climate change predictions are realised. case study: MoneyMore flood defence scheMe The Moneymore Flood alleviation scheme, completed in 2009, achieved the highest ever score in the Construction category of the UK wide Civil Engineering Environmental Quality (CEEQUAL) awards. The award recognised the environmental quality and social practices of the scheme, which addressed the risk of serious flooding to more than 100 houses from the local Ballymully River. The appointed contractor, Dawson Wam, was faced with many challenges during the construction including the constraints of bird nesting and fish spawning seasons, the proximity of houses to the construction work and the clients desire to make energy savings through the choice of materials and the construction methods adopted. Clearly these challenges were met, and the CEEQUAL Award served as an endorsement of Rivers Agencys commitment to dealing with the threat of flooding in a sustainable manner.

future aspirations

ICE NI believe that the ability of the Northern Ireland government to deal with flooding needs to improve through shared responsibility and a joined up approach to deal with this natural phenomenon and if climate science proves correct, the challenge is only set to increase.

THE STATE OF THE NATION

infrastructure 2010

10+11

the state of the nation

infrastructure 2010
View the full report online at ice.org.uk/stateofthenation

THE STATE OF THE NATION

INFRASTRUCTURE 2010

northern ireland regional grades

a b c d e
contact

fit for the future adequate for now requires attention at risK unfit for purpose

ICE Northern Ireland 143 Malone Road Belfast BT9 6SX t +44 (0)28 9087 7157 f +44 (0)28 9087 7155 e [email protected] ice.org.uk/northernireland For more information on the State of the Nation Infrastructure 2010 report, please contact ICE Public Affairs: t +44 (0)20 7665 2150 e [email protected] ice.org.uk/stateofthenation

Registered charity number 210252. Charity registered in Scotland number SC038629. Design by ICE Marketing June 2010. Printed on paper made from sustainable resources.

THE STATE OF THE NATION

infrastructure 2010

12