INFRASTRUCTURE minister Nichola Mallon yesterday set out plans to support communities following the Covid-19 crisis.
But speaking in the Assembly, Ms Mallon said her department is facing "real pressures" financially, but she is determined to respond to help "our safe and speedy recovery from it to a new way of living and working".
Unveiling a programme of investment, including a £20m infrastructure fund as well as funding for road safety measures, street lights and potholes, she also announced support for greenways and £30m for low emission buses.
There will also be investment in flagship projects and strategic roads across the north, a £10m pot for rural roads, 100 schools to benefit from 20mph speed limits scheme and funding to get phase three of the Derry to Coleraine line back on track.
"It is no secret that the Department for Infrastructure is facing real pressures in its resource budget," she said.
"While I’ve been able to allocate my budget to support services, serious gaps remain for our public transport network and NI Water.
"The financial climate remains difficult, significantly compounded by the Covid-19 crisis, but I am committed to seizing the opportunities to enable a greener, cleaner, recovery towards a new and better normal for all of us.
"The decisions I have taken are to ensure DfI plays its part in responding to this crisis and enabling our safe and speedy recovery from it to a new way of living and working.
"This of course requires our communities to have a public transport system and a 21st century water and waste water network to serve the growing population and allow for economic growth.
"It is vital in the months ahead that funding is secured for these essential services, that are not only critical to our everyday lives but to our economic recovery, supporting our schools, businesses and communities and I will continue to work with Executive colleagues to ensure these vital needs are met."
Ms Mallon also said while she continues to support the fight back against Covid-19, her department has looked at "new ways to invest that can deliver the transformation our communities need".
"The £20m funding for blue/green infrastructure will support our communities through this transformation, promoting active travel and shaping our places to live in the new normal," she said.
"This funding will be community led and departmentally supported.
"In partnership we can ensure lasting change for people across the north."
