Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan has welcomed the announcement of £129m in funding to support six groundbreaking proposals aimed at transforming key public services across the north.

The Finance Committee member said:

“This funding is part of a five-year initiative by the Finance Minister, working with the Executive, to improve outcomes for citizens and address critical challenges in health, education, justice, and infrastructure.

“These proposals include £61m to the Department of Health to expand multidisciplinary teams in primary care to improve health outcomes, £27.5m for the Department of Education to transform Special Educational Needs support, focusing on early intervention and better outcomes for children. 

“Department of Justice will receive over £23m to reduce delays and increase efficiencies, including alternative out-of-court disposals and to modernize electronic monitoring systems for individuals on bail or licence.

“The Department for Infrastructure will benefit from £15m for a pilot project using nature-based solutions to manage rainwater in urban areas and £3m to help transform planning by addressing the backlog in planning appeals and to improve planning processes.

The Finance Minister has also made further allocations of £300k for a Digital Maturity Assessment to assess digital proposals and ensure a more strategic, system-wide approach to digital transformation. 

Following allocation of these funds, £102.5m will be available for future distribution, with a second call for proposals expected in late Spring/Summer.

Miss Dolan concluded: “Each of these proposals will have a lasting impact, transforming how we deliver essential services and addressing long-standing issues such as health inequalities, educational support for children with special needs, and the efficiency of our justice system.”