Present were:-
Rev Dr Wm McCrea MP (Chairperson)
Ms C Hanna (Deputy Chairperson)
Mrs J Carson
Mr A Doherty
Mr D Ford
Mr D McClarty
Mr M Murphy
Mr E Poots
Mr D Watson

Apologies:-
Mr M McLaughlin

In attendance:-
Mr J Simmons (Committee Clerk)
Mr J Beatty (Assistant Clerk)
Mr J Nulty (Executive Support)
Miss M Devine (Administrative Support)

The meeting commenced at 10.31am.

The minutes of the meeting of 17 May 2001 were agreed.

(a) Proposed ferry crossing - the outcome of the economic appraisal from Newry and Mourne District Council is awaited;

(b) Hare Coursing - further legal advice is awaited from the Department;

(c) Listed Substances Consultation Document - a reply is awaited from the Department;

(d) Water Order (1999) - a reply is awaited from the Department: and

(e) Coastal Forum - a reply is awaited from the Department.

The Committee discussed the SL1 for the above Rule.

Agreed: To invite Officials from the Department to discuss he proposed Rule.

(b) The Planning (NI) Order 1991, Articles 127 & 129(1)

The Committee discussed the SL1 for the above Rule.

Agreed: To Invite Officials from the Department to discuss the proposed Rule.

The Committee noted the report from the Examiner of Statutory Rules. The following Motion was put and agreed by the Committee:-

"That the Environment Committee has considered the Motor Vehicles (Approval) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 and has no objection to the Rule."

The Committee noted the report from the Examiner of Statutory Rules. The following Motion was put and agreed by the Committee:-

"That the Environment Committee has considered the Motor Hackney Carriages (Belfast) (Amendment) By-Laws (Northern Ireland) 2001 and has no objection to the Rule."

The Committee discussed the reply from the Department.

Agreed: To invite the Chief Executive of the DVTA to discuss the proposed Rule.

Mr John Taylor and Mr John Godfrey, TAS Partnership, joined the meeting at 10.45am and gave a presentation on their advice on particular aspects of the Draft Public Inquiry Report. After the presentation, they answered questions from the Members.

The Chairperson thanked Mr Taylor and Mr Godfrey for their presentation and they left the meeting at 12.53pm.

Agreed: To consider a revised Draft Report in light of this week's presentation.

The Committee discussed the way forward.

Agreed: To postpone further discussion until the up-to-date position is known.

The Committee discussed the forthcoming Second Stage of this Bill on 18 June 2001.

The Committee discussed the Department's response to its query on the remaining trees at Old Manse Road, Jordanstown.

Agreed: (i) To write to the Department to ensure that interim measures are taken to protect trees with TPOs pending the revision of the legislation: and

(ii) to copy the Department's responses to concerned residents.

The Committee discussed the Department's request to give an initial presentation on its proposals.

Agreed: To receive a presentation from the Department on 28 June 2001.

(a) English St, Armagh

The Committee considered letters about the demolition of a listed building in English St, Armagh.

Agreed: To ask the Department for comments.

(b) Shore Road, Greenisland

The Committee considered a letter about a proposed development at 27 Shore Road, Greenisland.

Agreed: To write to the Department about the concerns of the Committee.

(c) Antrim Road, Belfast

The Committee considered a letter about a proposed development at 731 Antrim Road, Belfast.

Agreed: To write to the Department about the concerns of the Committee.

The Committee discussed a letter from the National Trust on the plans of Moyle Council for the restored Visitor's Centre at the Giant's Causeway.

Agreed: (i) To write to the Council about their plans: and

(ii) to write to the Minister to support the Trust's request for a meeting with him.

The Chairperson advised the Committee of an appeal to the PAC against the decision to refuse permission for this development.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, 21 June 2001 at 10.30am in room 144, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting closed at 1.17pm.

Dr Wm McCrea MLA
Committee Chairperson