To ask the Minister for Infrastructure , pursuant to AQW 5709/16-21, to detail (i) his Department's key priorities for projects for the next ten years; and (ii) the York Street Interchange scheme's place within these priorities.

(i) The Executive has set out four flagship infrastructure projects for my Department which will benefit people across the region. These include the Belfast Hub and Belfast Rapid Transit projects, as well as the A5 and A6. These projects are key and will reflect my priorities for transport which I have set out in my Programme for Government Delivery Plan. These will be focused on addressing infrastructure deficit, particularly in the west and increasing the number of people choosing to travel by means of walking, cycling and public transport.

In addition to the Executive’s flagship projects the Delivery Plan includes a number of priority schemes that will be subject to budget availability including the York Street Interchange, Derry Transport Hub, advancing the Narrow Water Bridge and the Newry Southern Relief Road.

Another key priority will be the continued funding of the base maintenance and enhancement needs of NI Water, which is currently around £165m per annum until 2021. The Utility Regulator will lead a Price Control in 2021 will determine the capital needs to 2027.

My Department is also leading the ‘Living with Water Programme’ to develop a Strategic Drainage Infrastructure Plan for Belfast, the main parts of which will be implemented between 2019 and 2027. This will deliver works to reduce the risk of flooding, comply with environmental legislation and provide the increased drainage and wastewater treatment capacity necessary for the city to continue to grow.

(ii) The York Street Interchange project remains a priority for me as it would deliver significant social and economic benefits, both in terms of alleviating traffic congestion and also in terms of improving access to key ports and gateways.

For this reason I am committed to do all that I can to deliver the scheme within the current financial context, working with the Finance Minister and other Executive colleagues.