To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail what steps her Department is taking to incorporate green roofs in new public infrastructure projects, as part of its sustainability agenda.

Green roofs are a form of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), and the planning system and regional strategic planning policy has at its heart the objective of furthering sustainable development. It encourages and supports efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. While green roofs are not specifically referenced in the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS), it does promote the use of SuDS to reduce flood risk and improve water quality’

As part of a programme of phased improvements, Translink is planning upgrades along a number of Metro routes including the installation of Living Roofs on some bus shelters to promote biodiversity and create a more sustainable environment. Work on this project commenced in July 2024 with the installation of the first Living Roof bus shelter on Belfast’s Shankill Road.

My officials are currently considering a business case from Translink seeking to replace and refurbish existing bus shelters over a ten-year period. This will also include installing several new bus shelters across the public transport network, some of which may be adapted to include green roofs. This work will be progressed subject to the availability of funding.

The Driver & Vehicle Agency, as part of its sustainability agenda, will continue to consider a range of sustainability measures including green roofs in the design and development of its new test centres.