Brown O'Connor Political Monitoring - Forward Look Freeview W/C 30 June

Forward Look  

  • Minister of Finance John O'Dowd MLA has said he will bring multi-year budget recommendations to the Executive this Autumn. A draft budget is to be published for a 12-week consultation before final approval ahead of the new financial year.

  • The Department for Infrastructure will shortly receive advanced-stage feasibility studies for projects funded through the Union Connectivity Review. The department will then undertake a consideration process to evaluate these studies and determine next steps for improving transport connectivity links.

  • The Minister for the Economy has said the Apprenticeship Action Plan is expected to be published shortly, following final approvals and alignment with the Skills and Careers Action Plans to enhance apprenticeship opportunities and workforce development.

  • The Northern Ireland Executive Investment Strategy is currently in final draft form and expected to go to the Executive for approval soon. The strategy aims to stabilise and transform infrastructure investment over the next 30 years.

  • The Department for the Economy will publish a consultation later this year on options for addressing the challenges and costs that biomethane producers face when connecting to the gas network.

  • The Minister for Education has confirmed that officials are now working with education partners to develop guidance for the use of AI in schools, with plans to roll this out in the 2025/26 academic year.

  • The Minister for Infrastructure has confirmed that a new road maintenance strategy is in development. Officials are currently working on this initiative and plan to have a draft ready in the coming weeks.

  • Redevelopment of the NI Assembly website will begin in September 2025 following completion of the procurement process and contract award in late August.

  • Permanent Secretaries are meeting today to discuss the specific implications of the High Court's A5 ruling for other Executive departments.

Republic of Ireland

  • Sinn Féin has introduced a bill to end the geo-blocking of RTÉ content and the exclusion of Northern Ireland audiences from its services and competitions.

  • The Taoiseach has said a proposed tourism tax could generate up to €41 million to help fund a major revamp of Dublin city, though no timeline has been set for an introduction.

  • The 2026 Budget will include an expansionary package featuring a permanent VAT rate reduction for small businesses; commitments to permanently reduce childcare costs, education and healthcare expenses; improving children's disability services; and providing €15 million annual funding for post offices through 2030 to prevent widespread closures.

  • The revised Housing for All plan has been delayed, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin saying it will now follow the finalisation of the National Development Plan, expected in late July.

Other Stories this week

  • Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA has launched a public consultation on a proposed grant scheme to help reservoir managers cover initial supervision and inspection costs when the Reservoirs Act (NI) 2015 is implemented.

  • Finance Minister John O’Dowd MLA has launched a consultation on the law on divorce and the dissolution of marriage and civil partnerships.

  • Ministers Gordon Lyons, Andrew Muir, and Liz Kimmins have launched a public consultation on ‘Shaping Sustainable Places’, a £150m regeneration programme for place-based infrastructure projects.

  • Invest Northern Ireland supported 1,334 businesses in 2024/25, helping generate over £630m in economic investment and 3,020 new jobs, with 93% of investments coming from local companies and 59% located outside Belfast.

  • Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA has launched a 12-week consultation on the draft Transport Strategy 2035, with the strategy aiming to create more sustainable, connected, and inclusive transport systems.

  • A High Court ruling has blocked the A5 upgrade, citing Stormont’s failure to show how the project aligns with climate laws.

  • Northern Ireland’s construction sector is forecast to grow by 75% by 2026, driven by strong public investment in housing, healthcare, and education, according to industry intelligence from CIS.

  • Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA welcomed new regional balance research, emphasising the need for empowered local governance and adequate resources to address economic disparities across Northern Ireland: LINK

  • The Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill was introduced this week to the Assembly. The Bill’s aims include enhancing NI Water's processes and promoting environmentally friendly water management solutions.

  • Darragh McCarthy, founder and CEO of global financial services firm FinTrU, has been elected to the role of President of Belfast Chamber, replacing Gavin Annon following the completion of his two-year tenure as President.

Upcoming key political and business events 

  • 1 July Belfast City Council Meeting, City Hall.

  • 1 July Derry Chamber Golf Day.

  • 5 July NI Assembly rises for summer recess.

  • 8 July IoD Directors Quarterly Update, Online.

  • 22 July House of Commons rises for summer recess.

Consultations