AQW 47233/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Justice

To ask the Minister of Justice whether she will consider making swift bricks mandatory on any new build capital projects under her Department's remit.

Asked by John Blair MLA on 28 May 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
28 May 2026
Answer due by
12 June 2026
Answered
9 June 202612 days after tabling
Department
Department of Justice
Priority question
No

Answer

The Department recognises the importance of supporting biodiversity and protecting species such as swifts, whose nesting habitats have declined in recent years.

While there are currently no plans to make swift bricks mandatory across all new build capital projects in Northern Ireland, the Department will continue to consider opportunities to incorporate appropriate biodiversity measures, including swift bricks, within new build capital projects where reasonably practical. This will be considered as part of the planning process, including consultation with the relevant statutory authorities, and informed by site specific circumstances and ecological surveys. In doing so, the Department remains supportive of proportionate and evidence-based measures that contribute to biodiversity enhancement.

Official sources