5.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister to give its assessment of work associated with improving inter-community relations in the borough of Larne since the involvement of the Central Community Relations Unit and the Northern Ireland Mediation Network in the area.

(AQO 757/01)

What I previously said to Mr Dallat, I say also in the context of the Larne area. We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation, and that of the Executive, for the effort and commitment of all those engaged in this initiative, and to assure them of our support in their endeavours on behalf of the entire community of Larne.

The Member will be aware that with the support of the Central Community Relations Unit, Larne District Partnership Board convened exploratory meetings with Larne Borough Council officials, the Community Relations Council and the Mediation Network to consider what could be done to improve community relations in the borough. As a result, proposals emerged for an initial consultative process to be taken forward by the Mediation Network. From this process, steps have been taken to establish a forum for social development with the aim of improving understanding in the community of Larne.

There have been three meetings of the forum with differing representations at each meeting. The meetings are co-ordinated, chaired and facilitated by the Mediation Network. During the initial meetings, the forum discussed the work that would need to be carried out; it also considered widening its membership. Consideration should also be given to having as balanced a group as possible representing gender, religion, age, rural and urban representation. Although time-consuming, the initiative and process to date have produced positive engagement with individuals representing key constituencies in the Larne area. It has obtained the strong support of Larne Borough Council.

The Mediation Network is engaged in discussions with a view to the forum's meeting again in early April 2002. It is hoped to elicit support from local public representatives to establish an even stronger core group of citizens around whom a longer-term forum can be established and, more importantly, sustained. At this point, it would be premature to produce a detailed assessment of the initiative. However, as with many things in this context - this applies to Mr Watson's and to Mr Dallat's questions among others - ultimately the key to improving relations in communities in any borough, urban or rural, lies in the hands of the people whom we are trying to facilitate. In this case they are the people and the elected representatives of Larne.

Does the Minister acknowledge that improving local community infrastructure in areas where it is weak often plays an important role in improving community relations? Is his Department aware of the importance of sustaining such projects as Community Empowerment Larne?

We recognise the importance of empowerment - it is a phrase that is now in vogue - and capacity building to local people. The local community plays an important role in improving community relations. We accept that there is a weak community infrastructure in the Member's area. We hope that our work will lay a foundation upon which Larne - and other areas where there has been division and weakness in coming together - can build in order to facilitate their growing together as one community in future.

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6.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister whether the Economic Policy Unit is exploring, in partnership with the Department of Finance and Personnel, alternative funding opportunities to PFI/PPP; and to make a statement.

(AQO 726/01)

A high-level working group, which is jointly chaired by the Economic Policy Unit in the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister and the Department of Finance and Personnel, was established in September 2001. It was established to fulfil our Programme for Government commitment to review opportunities for the use of private finance in all major service provision and infrastructure projects, to increase investment and to provide innovative and value for money solutions through public-private partnerships and private finance initiatives.

The working group includes representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors and from trade unions. As part of the working group's deliberations, consideration is being given to alternative and complementary funding opportunities to public-private partnerships (PPP) that may redress the investment deficit in the infrastructure of our public services. Those include bond finance, user charging, asset sales and not-for-profit structures.

However, it must be recognised that the present public expenditure control regime, under which all the devolved Administrations operate, places certain constraints on the way in which funds for investment can be raised. For example, direct borrowing by publicly funded bodies cannot lead to any increased expenditure within the confines of the Northern Ireland departmental expenditure limit. The working group has planned to complete its review and submit a report to Ministers by the end of March.

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive answer. My question, following on from that, relates to alternative funding sources. The Minister and his office will be aware that at the time of the Good Friday negotiations -

Unfortunately, I regret that by putting his substantive parenthesis at the start, the Member has lost the time in which to make his supplementary question, because the 30 minutes are up.

Regional Development

I wish to inform Members that question 16, in the name of Mrs Annie Courtney, has been withdrawn and will receive a written answer.

1.

asked the Minister for Regional Development what assessment he has made in relation to public transport volume in the mid-Ulster area.

(AQO 746/01)

The three Ulsterbus depots that provide most of the bus services in the mid-Ulster area are at Dungannon, Magherafelt and Omagh. During 2000-01, buses from these three depots provided almost five million passenger journeys. However, this volume shows a decline in the number of passenger journeys from the previous year. This is most disappointing, but similar to the long-term pattern of declining bus usage throughout Northern Ireland.

The rural transport fund operated by my Department currently supports three Ulsterbus routes in the mid- Ulster area. The fund also assists four local community partnerships to provide transport for people with reduced mobility in mid-Ulster. However, as the fund amounts to only £1·6 million this year to support rural transport services throughout Northern Ireland, the level of assistance that it can provide is obviously limited.

In the light of the Minister's statement, does he not agree that the public transport infrastructure is insufficient in my constituency? In consequence, will the Minister further concede that isolated persons may pay similar amounts of road tax as others do, but for an inferior service, and that that is unacceptable?

I accept that the present public transport system throughout Northern Ireland is unsatisfactory. That is why, in the regional transportation strategy that we are currently debating, there is a proposal to increase significantly the amount of public funding that is available. In that sense, mid-Ulster is not unique, although there are special problems with rural areas. However, the regional transportation strategy has identified a scheme for rural areas, and I hope that the hon Gentleman will read it and take it to his community for their comments as well.

2.

asked the Minister for Regional Development what assessment he has made of the number of passengers using the Antrim/Knockmore line following the equality impact assessment carried out in November 2001.

(AQO 762/01)

Based on figures gathered by Translink from May to November 2001, indications are that the patronage of rail services on the Antrim to Knockmore line is very low at less than 80 passenger journeys per day; that is 40 return journeys. At its reduced level of service Translink currently operates 30 weekday and seven weekend services on this line. I hope to issue the equality impact assessment on the proposed discontinuance of the line next week.

Will the Minister say how much it costs, per annum, to run the Antrim to Knockmore line and what efforts he has he made to secure the funding to maintain this line and not have it mothballed?

I understand that the track maintenance for the line costs about £215,000 per annum, and the funding required is much more acute. If we have to maintain a service on the Antrim to Knockmore line beyond the life of the existing track bed, which I understand will probably be about three years in present circumstances, we will be talking about £13 million to replace that. We share train services between Antrim/ Knockmore and the Antrim Bleach Green line. Full service on both lines would require another two trains involving a capital requirement of £19 million. In the 2000 spending review the Department for Regional Development sought funding to maintain the Antrim/ Knockmore line; however, it was not granted, and the Assembly voted for a Budget that did not include the continuance of that line.

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3.

asked the Minister for Regional Development whether he will make a statement on projected water shortages in this calendar year.

(AQO 734/01)

17.

asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the water supply situation as a result of the lack of rainfall in the south-east of the Province.

(AQO 743/01)

With the Speaker's permission I shall take questions 3 and 17 together.

Impounding reservoirs in the north and west of the Province are almost full, and there are no concerns about the water supply in those areas. The Silent Valley reservoirs are much lower than normal due to the rainfall patterns during 2001, particularly between September and December when rainfall was only 58% of the average. At their lowest, the reservoirs fell to about 33% of their capacity. In February last year they were 97% full. However, the heavy rainfall over the past weeks, which can be identified with my ministerial statement, has improved the position. The reservoirs are now 50% full.

I am sure that the people of Northern Ireland will appreciate the irony of the Minister's reply, when, to use a colloquialism, it has been "bucketing heavens hard" today. In recent days, business premises and homes have been flooded due to the incessant rain. Will the Minister agree that the biggest part of the problem is his Department's lack of an effective leakage strategy? Further, will he confirm that up to 200 million litres of water a day are lost through leakage? Is this not an iniquitous loss of a vital resource? What strategy will the Minister approve to reduce water leakage to a more realistic figure of about 10% to 15%?

A day or two of heavy rain seems to give people the impression that the problem has disappeared. There has been significant rainfall over the past weeks, which coincides with my statement that the Department for Regional Development has a secret weapon to increase the volume of water in reservoirs. However, the water shortage is still with us. Last year at this time, the Silent Valley reservoirs were 97% full; at present they are 50% full. We need a sustained period of the Ulster weather that the Member referred to so that there will be no water shortage in the latter part of the summer.

The problem this year arises because of the unusually dry period and is not because of water leakage, which would have been consistent throughout the period. The Department for Regional Development does not automatically use the term "leakage" - we have, rather, "water that is unaccounted for". The distinction is that there are guesstimates as to how much water is used, because, although we know how much water leaves the reservoirs, we do not know exactly how much water our consumers receive because metering is not in place. The hon Gentleman is not, I am sure, advocating metering. An assessment is made about the consumers' usage, and that may or may not be consistent with the formula being used.

I do not deny that there is leakage. What else can be expected from our dated infrastructure? It is assessed that about 12 million litres of water a day are lost from the Silent Valley. That is equal to about 2·7 million gallons, which would fill many swimming pools, as the hon Gentleman will know. The Water Service maintains a large rural network of over 25,000 km of water mains that are of variable quality and age, some over 100 years old. That network contains about six million joints, all of which have the potential to leak. An estimated one fifth of the assumed leakage occurs through customers' pipe work.

There is a leakage strategy, and it is a departmental priority. Some £16·3 million has been spent on leakage reduction over the past three years, and a further £25 million will be spent in the next three years.

Mr Deputy Speaker, in thanking the Minister for his initial responses, may I ask him to further detail what measures he has put in place to ensure that the situation does not deteriorate in the coming weeks and months?

Because the reservoirs are keenly monitored, the Department was able to make an early call in response to the lower levels of water this year and to immediately implement a strategy to reduce the demand on the Silent Valley system. So far, that action has reduced demand from the normal amount of about 143 megalitres a day to the current level of 113 megalitres a day. The Water Service achieved that by putting its drought management plan into action.

Bore holes have been created to provide additional supplies, and more water is being taken from Lough Neagh to the Belfast area. Additional water is also being provided from Lough Island Reavey, which is also in the Mournes, and from the Annalong River. A combination of those measures has already reduced demand on the Silent Valley reservoirs and can further reduce it by 30%.

On the one hand, measures are being taken to reduce the pressure on the Silent Valley supply, and on the other, the Department is alerting the public on how it can help, through its water efficiency plan. Simple measures include the use of the "Hippo bag", an item that I am happy to not demonstrate fully in the Chamber. It is a simple bag which, when filled with water and put in a cistern, reduces by about one third the amount of water used to flush a toilet. Measures to reduce considerably the amount of water that is used include turning off taps while cleaning teeth or washing; the hon Gentleman taking a shower instead of a bath - I am not sure what demand he makes on water supplies - and washing dishes only in fully loaded dishwashers.

The Department is doing its bit, and the consumer can help. More prayers for the good, wet Ulster weather can also see us through. It is to be hoped that we will not need to introduce any measures.

Does the Minister agree that his statement and appeal to the public must have been remarkable, because it has barely stopped raining in the upper Mourne area since he made them? Can he apply those same semi-miraculous powers to solve the problems faced by the sheep farmers who have been denied grazing in that area?

The Member's question is perhaps not directly related to the main question. Does the Minister care to answer it?

Perhaps it is relevant. Maybe the hon Member was suggesting that the sheep had drunk the water from the Silent Valley reservoirs. However, the Department has certain requirements on health standards. Members are aware of how dangerous cryptosporidium can be if it is introduced to a great extent. It is already present in water supplies, but not at a level that causes difficulties. Sheep that are around a reservoir catchment area would not help to keep that level down. That is one of the factors that the Department for Regional Development must take into consideration, and it always takes advice from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on that.

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4.

asked the Minister for Regional Development when he proposes to make further decisions regarding the congestion at Sandyknowes roundabout.

(AQO 750/01)

The Roads Service is actively pursuing the investigation of options to alleviate the congestion experienced there during the morning peak period. It has commissioned a leading UK traffic consultant to undertake a major evaluation of the situation. Particular consideration has been given to two possible short-term options. These essentially involve controlling or limiting the number of vehicles permitted to enter the motorway system, thereby improving traffic flow on the main lines, and controlling the traffic speed on the motorway by introducing regulatory speed limits appropriate to traffic levels, thereby increasing the capacity of the system. These two concepts are used by road authorities in other countries, although their effectiveness depends on the complexity of the network in each case.

It must be recognised, however, that the real problem is that traffic demand at this interchange exceeds the existing road capacity. That is the case on many commuter routes during peak hours. It is likely, therefore, that significant improvements can be achieved only by a major scheme, probably involving an additional traffic lane from Sandyknowes to Greencastle. This aspect is also being considered by the consultant. His final report is due by the end of this month, and I hope to be able to make a statement on the Department's proposals in the spring.

Can the Minister assure the House that he is committed to providing an efficient road infrastructure for the key northern transport corridor, which includes the M2 and the A26 from Belfast to Coleraine, given the increasing congestion at Sandyknowes and given that more than 15,000 vehicles travel from Coleraine to Glarryford each day on a slow single carriageway?

I accept fully the hon Member's remarks. That is a well-used stretch of carriageway. The M2 motorway at Sandyknowes carries over 60,000 vehicles a day. There is a significant area of development at the roundabout. Therefore, I am not convinced that the measures we are considering at present can do anything more than improve things in an interim capacity. A major scheme is required. The Department has looked at that area and has taken several steps over the past number of years to improve the situation. However, ultimately it will require a major scheme, and that major scheme will require funding.

Anyone who listens to Seamus McKee, Wendy Austin and Conor Bradford presenting 'Good Morning Ulster', will know that Sandyknowes is not the only congested area. The traffic news is the same every day. There is also congestion on the Saintfield Road, at Tillysburn and on the Westlink at Broadway. Does the Minister plan to look at those areas as well, considering that he brought forward the transportation strategy and is committed to a 10-year plan?

I remind Members that if a question is asked about a specific area, it is not in order to have a geographical round robin. That has been said before. However, if the Minister does care to answer, he may.

Members will be able to go into detail on whatever issues they wish during the debate on the regional transportation strategy. However, those who listen to the traffic reports on 'Good Morning Ulster' will know that the Sandyknowes roundabout is frequently in the headlines in that section of the programme.

However, the Member is right to identify problems in several other areas. The Roads Service is always looking at how some busier sections of the road infrastructure can be improved. Undoubtedly, the regional transportation strategy will make many improvements. I recently met delegations from the Saintfield Road about the major problems in that area. Again, we are looking at what proposals can be brought forward to improve life for both motorists and residents in that area.

I was a little disappointed that the Minister's response dwelt on the Roads Service. Given the difficulties in making any major improvements to the M2 and the Sandyknowes junction, is it not time that his Department expedited the building of a park-and-ride station to join the railway to the motorway at Ballymartin, a mile outside Templepatrick, thereby encouraging car drivers from Coleraine to switch to the train and avoid Sandyknowes altogether?

Again, that matter is closely associated with the regional strategy. My best chance of convincing motorists that it is better for them to use trains is to improve the railway network and to ensure the availability of good trains and buses that provide good services.

People will not be encouraged to use public transportation, whether rail or bus, unless there is a good dependable service, particularly for people coming to work. That is why the regional transportation strategy identifies a significant increase in the amount of funds that will be available for public transport. Indeed, the amount of funds that has been spent in the past 10 years will be doubled over the next 10 years.

5.

asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the expected start and completion dates for the construction of the proposed Omagh wastewater treatment works; and to make a statement.

(AQO 748/01)

Last January, we announced that the new wastewater treatment works for Omagh should be constructed at Mountjoy, and not on the site of the existing works at Hunter's Crescent. Considerable progress has been made with detailed studies to prepare for the construction of the works.

Preliminary land and planning investigations are ongoing, and the planning application will be submitted to the Planning Service later this month. Formal negotiations will begin shortly for the acquisition of land for the new works and access road. Subject to planning approval and completion of all land issues, it is expected that the contract for the design and construction of the new works will commence in October 2003. It will take two years to complete, and the estimated cost is £10 million.

Can the Minister assure me that the design process by Department for Regional Development officials is progressing? Can he also assure me that officials from the Department for Regional Development and the Department of the Environment will expedite the planning process?

I recently visited the existing Omagh wastewater treatment works and spoke with the team in the area about the proposals. The Member probably already knows that they are as enthusiastic as he is to move to the new order. The design proposals are well advanced. The next major stage is the planning stage, which is being given a fair wind by Omagh District Council. I am sure that the Member will also support it.

Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Is the Minister prepared to meet with residents' representatives in the Strathroy, Derry Road, Hunter's Crescent, Gortrush and Mountjoy areas of Omagh to listen to concerns about the relocation of the treatment works and how those matters can be approached?

I understood that people in those areas welcomed the Department's proposal. If they have a concern, it is that the Department should get on with it as quickly as possible. We have taken some interim steps to ensure that some of their problems are dealt with. For example, when I was in the area, I was told of the flooding that can occur. As I understand it, more drainage tanks are being constructed so that the surrounding area does not have problems in times of heavy rainfall.

Interim steps are being taken to alleviate some of the area's problems. Ultimately, however, those problems will be better resolved when the Department can proceed with the wastewater treatment works at the new site.

6.

asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the progress and estimated completion date for the re-lay of the Bangor to Belfast railway line.

(AQO 735/01)

Translink advised that the Bangor to Craigavad line was re-laid and brought into service, with effect from 14 January this year. Work is now taking place on the line in the other direction, from Craigavad to Bangor. The track has been lifted, and drainage works are under way. Bottom ballast is being installed, and the track re-laying machine recommenced operation on 27 January.

Re-railing work is also taking place on both lines between Craigavad and Belfast. In addition, drainage works will have to be carried out on sections of the lines between Craigavad and Holywood. That work, together with the replacement of sleepers, is due to commence shortly. All work is due for completion in April 2002.

I understand that the whole project is behind schedule. Phase 1 is taking the same length of time as was estimated for the entire project, and it is not yet complete. Will the Minister comment on the potential costs of that overspend and the potential knock-on effects on other projects? Is he happy with Translink's management of the project?

Taking the last point first, the original project managers have been replaced. I was not pleased that that was necessary. I ask the House not to press me too much on the matter, because legal issues arise from it, but that caused some of the delay. Secondly, the track re-laying machine arrived in Northern Ireland late. The machine came from the USA, obviously not by first-class post. Nonetheless, it is now doing the job. Thirdly, the main contractors encountered problems in the signalling work. I expect that there will be an overrun in costs, but we have been unable to ascertain the exact extent of that.

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7.

asked the Minister for Regional Development what progress has been made in acquiring new rolling stock for Northern Ireland Railways.

(AQO 712/01)

The process of procuring new rolling stock for Northern Ireland Railways is nearing completion. That has been managed to date by a rolling stock steering group comprised of senior officials from Translink, the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company and my Department.

The steering group has been advised by professional consultants with expertise in train procurement. An independent panel of experts with industry-specific expertise has quality assured the procurement process. The rolling stock steering group has completed the process of evaluating the tenders and will shortly make a recommendation to the board of the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company, which is responsible for awarding the contract.

The delivery dates for the new trains are still being discussed, but each of the 23 new train sets should be ready for scheduled passengers approximately six months after delivery, following a commissioning period by Northern Ireland Railways.

The Minister is aware of the serious infrastructure problems in the whole of the Northern Ireland railway system. Can he assure us that as new trains arrive in Northern Ireland, the infrastructure and the system will also be improved?

The responsibility for the operation falls to Translink. Members of the Committee for Regional Development will know that we are examining the structural issues involved in that.

I was disappointed to learn that the tender negotiations showed that the date of the expected delivery appeared to be unrealistic. The Department has asked Translink and the Committee to determine what the new delivery date might be. Members will be disappointed by a delay, but the industry claims that the dates were unrealistic.

Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) seems to be concentrating on heavy rail. Is the Minister aware of any approaches or costing that NIR may have made for rolling stock for light rail?

When I first took office, I faced a general view from the Northern Ireland Office that all railways in Northern Ireland would close. The Department has attempted to stop that by consolidating the core and building it up. I am not sure that there would be a ready funding response from the Department of Finance and Personnel for a light rail system. I have no doubt that, theoretically at least, Translink is looking at those matters. However, our immediate task is to build up the attractiveness of the core network that A D Little identified, encourage passengers on to those trains and, at that stage, attempt to enhance the overall network.

The environment

Question 16, in the name of Mr Barry McElduff, has been transferred to the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister and will receive a written answer.

1.

asked the Minister of the Environment if he has any plans to legislate for and to promote protected river corridors to ensure fishery interests are included in the planning process.

(AQO 756/01)

Legislation is not required for that purpose. Existing planning policy provides for the protection of river corridors and fishery interests where appropriate. Relevant planning policies can be found in the recently published regional development strategy for Northern Ireland, the planning strategy for rural Northern Ireland and in planning policy statement 2: planning and nature conservation.

The Department may also, through the development plan process, seek to control development along river corridors. During the preparation of a development plan, consultation with other Departments and agencies, district councils, local interests groups and the public often highlights specific areas where such policy protection is justified and should be considered. Each river corridor must be treated on its merits, and the Department could not sustain a blanket policy restricting all development in such areas.

If a specific planning application raised fishery interests, the Department would normally consult with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Depending on the nature and location of the development, consultation replies may also be requested from the Fisheries Conservancy Board, Foyle Fisheries in the Foyle catchment area, the water quality unit of the Environment and Heritage Service, the Rivers Agency, angling clubs in the locality and the leisure and inland waterways division of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. Advice received would be taken into account before a final decision is taken on such applications.

In addition, my Colleague, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, advises me that, in the planning and execution of its drainage programme, that Department has a statutory duty to protect fishery interests.

Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for his detailed reply. I raised the question in response to appeals - that seem to have fallen on deaf ears - from the Faughan Anglers' Association to the many agencies that the Minister mentioned. If the Minister visited the area, he would see that, due to the dumping of waste and sand extraction, the area around the Faughan River is similar to a lunar landscape. Does the Minister consider the planning policies that he outlined sufficient to protect the environment and the river corridors?

I thank the Member for her question. All the aspects that she referred to are considered in any planning application. The Department considers all objective decisions and views of consultees, and it is aware of the need to protect the environment. However, if there are other more specific issues that the Member would like to refer to me, I would appreciate it if she were to write to me.

Did the Department of the Environment contribute to the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee's inquiry into inland fisheries in Northern Ireland? Will the Minister undertake to consult with his ministerial Colleague to ensure that the tertiary treatment will operate in the new sewerage facility at Larne, thus protecting the interests of the local shellfishermen in Larne Lough and ensuring that high levels of water quality are achieved?

As I said in my previous answer, we do, and will, take into consideration all the issues that affect people in the areas concerned - including the Larne area. During its inquiry into inland fisheries in Northern Ireland, the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure made several recommendations that relate to the Department of the Environment. The Department responded fully to those. Officials have been invited to, and have agreed to attend, a meeting of the Committee to discuss the recommendations further.

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2.

asked the Minister of the Environment what progress has been made on reducing the backlog of planning applications.

(AQO 737/01)

During 2000-01, the backlog was reduced by 17%, despite a rise in application numbers of 4·5%. Regrettably, by the end of December 2001, the initial reduction in the backlog had fallen to under 5%. There were several obstacles to progress during 2001. The impact of foot-and-mouth disease delayed the consideration of a substantial number of applications, and local government elections affected consultation arrangements with councils. Planning application numbers increased by a further 6%, representing more than 1,000 applications. If that level of increase were to be sustained, it would represent a 19% increase during the period 1999-2000 to 2001-02. The Planning Service is still recruiting and training new staff to deal with the increased workload. The number of planning decisions issued by the end of December 2001 is up by 3% on last year, despite the obstacles encountered earlier in the year. That increase represents 438 applications.

I accept the validity of the reasons that the Minister outlined for the backlog not being cleared as quickly as it might have been. However, how many applications are outstanding after a period of six months, and how many are outstanding after a period of one year? Has the Minister set a new date for clearing the backlog of planning applications?

The difficulties experienced in 2001 are, of course, disappointing. I will therefore be monitoring closely the progress that can be made by the end of the year. Much also depends on the increase in planning application numbers. I assure the Member that the Department of the Environment will continue to do its best to reduce the backlog. At the end of December 2001, there were 656 planning applications in the system for the Lisburn district. Of those, 397 are regarded as backlog cases. However, that must be viewed against a 12% rise in application numbers in the Lisburn district. That increase represents 105 applications.

Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Could the backlog be made worse by the problems that some people face with planning applications for small businesses in rural areas under the Peace II and rural development programme funding?

It is difficult to predict such issues. We take each application as it comes. We cannot be sure where applications will come from. However, I assure the Member that the process is under pressure. The economy is going so well in Northern Ireland that extra pressure is being put on us all. Sometimes we wonder if we are able to cope with all the applications. The Member raises an important issue that it is good to address. However, we cannot predict what planning applications will be made. We deal with them as they come, and each application is taken on its own merit.

3.

asked the Minister of the Environment to give his assessment of the environmental impact of the sewage works at Dundrum on the condition of the Newcastle beach; and to make a statement.

(AQO 741/01)

During the 2001 season, the bathing water at Newcastle failed to comply with the mandatory coliform bacteria standards of the EC Bathing Water Directive. The Environment and Heritage Service monitors bathing waters at 27 locations around the coast of Northern Ireland. The monitoring results for the 2001 bathing season showed that the bathing water at Murlough Bay, which is the closest monitoring site to inner Dundrum Bay, complied with the guideline coliform standards of the Directive. That clearly shows that the Dundrum waste water treatment works is not having an adverse environmental impact on Murlough Bay.

Given that Newcastle is over seven kilometres away, it seems unlikely that the works have any such impact on the bathing water at Newcastle. My officials consider that the failure of the bathing water at Newcastle to meet Directive standards is due to excessive discharges from the sewer overflows. Agriculture run-off and the frequent effluent from the Newcastle waste water treatment works may also be contributory factors.

As the Minister is aware, Newcastle was not awarded blue flag status. Given the Minister's assessment, the damage done to the coast and the fact that Newcastle is one of the top three tourist destinations, can the Minister assure us that he will assist Down District Council in its bid for blue flag status in the future? Furthermore, will he take into consideration the bad weather over the weekend and the damage caused to the seafront and the coast in the Newcastle, Killough, and Ardglass areas? Will he put in place the necessary infrastructure to repair this damage, and will he also support those whose homes were damaged by flooding over the weekend? Go raibh maith agat.

Some of the issues that the hon Member raised are not within my remit, so I cannot give him assurances on those matters. However, where responsibility lies with the Department of the Environment, we will take action accordingly. The waste water treatment works at Newcastle already has secondary treatment, and the effluent complied with the Urban Waste Water Directive's registered discharge standard in 2001.

However, there are major concerns about storm overflow discharges from both the works and the sewerage system. My Department has called for improvements to those systems to protect the bathing water in the future. The improvements to the Newcastle sewerage system will involve the Water Service carrying out an assessment of the performance of the system using a hydraulic sewer model. That model will be assessed against the current agreed guidelines for overflow discharges and improvements agreed to provide the required level of environmental protection.

My question relates to the ongoing problem of waterway pollution and waste water treatment works. Will the Minister undertake to prepare a report on the number of pollution incidents on our waterways, and the number and nature of related fish kills in Northern Ireland during 2001?

In 2001 there were 47 fish kills, in comparison with annual figures of around 40 in recent years. While I deplore all pollution incidents, especially those causing significant fish kills, it is encouraging that there has been a reduction of 27% in the number of medium- and high-severity pollution incidents, including fish kills, between 1996 and 2001.

An Environment and Heritage Service report on pollution incidents and prosecution statistics for 2001 is being prepared for publication in April. This report will be put on the Environment and Heritage Service web site.

I again remind Members to ensure that their supplementary questions are relevant to the oral questions.

I hope that my question will be relevant. Does the Minister agree that the condition of the Newcastle beach has more to do with the Newcastle sewerage works than the Dundrum sewerage works and that its condition would be greatly improved if the Minister for Regional Development brought forward the promised improvements to the Newcastle sewerage works? Can the Minister use his good offices to try to facilitate that?

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