COMMITTEE FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
WEDNESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2009
ROOM 21, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present:
Fred Cobain MLA (Chairperson)
Michelle McIlveen MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Cathal Boylan MLA
Allan Bresland MLA
Tommy Gallagher MLA
Danny Kinahan MLA
Raymond McCartney MLA
Ian McCrea MLA
George Robinson MLA
Brian Wilson MLA
In Attendance:
Roisin Kelly (Assembly Clerk)
Colin Jones (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Andrew Larmour (Clerical Supervisor)
Alison Ferguson (Clerical Officer)
Apologies:
Willie Clarke MLA
Members decided to commence the meeting at 10.40 am in open session.
1. Apologies.
Apologies are detailed above.
Members noted papers which were tabled for consideration later in the meeting.
2. Draft Minutes of Meetings held on 16 September 2009 and 22 September 2009.
Members agreed the minutes of the meetings held on 16 September 2009 and 22 September 2009 for publication on the Assembly website.
3. Matters Arising.
Members noted that Mr Boylan was not available to participate in the visit to the European Commission in Brussels in October 2009.
Members noted the Department for Regional Development’s (DRD) response to issues raised by the Committee on audio visual systems in buses and decided to return to this issue when considering a response to DRD on its Accessible Transport Strategy Action Plan.
Members noted the arrangements for the Committee’s travel to work event on 7 October 2009. Members agreed a press release and a handling plan from the Assembly’s Communications Office, containing suggested media coverage for the event.
Members agreed that the Deputy Chairperson will stand in for the Chairperson, if required, for the media interviews listed on the handling plan.
Mr McCrea and Mr Robinson indicated that they were unable to participate in the event.
Members decided that the Chairperson will represent the Committee and address the seminar on Exploring the Future of Public Transport on 28 October 2009.
Members agreed an interim response to DRD on the outline business case for public transport reform.
Members noted DRD’s response to the Assembly Research paper on the outline business case and agreed that this will be forwarded to Assembly Research for comment.
Members noted DRD’s response on revenue from the proceeds of crime and agreed to forward the response to the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure.
Members noted DRD’s response on progress on implementing the Gender Equality Strategy and agreed to forward it to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (COFMDFM).
Members noted an Assembly Research paper on the Gender Equality Strategy which had been prepared for COFMDFM.
Ms McIlveen joined the meeting at 10.55 am.
Members noted that the briefing from Carson McDowell Solicitors on the proposed runway extension at George Best Belfast City Airport had been moved to 4 November 2009 and that the Assembly Research report on the Accessible Transport event held in June 2009, will now be considered on 14 October 2009, in the context of the Accessible Transport Strategy Action Plan.
Members noted that the informal briefing from officials from Northern Ireland Water on its Annual Report for 2008-09, which had been scheduled for Monday 28 September 2009, had been cancelled to facilitate Members’ attendance at the Minister’s statement on the review of winter services. Members decided that the session will be rearranged for 12 noon on Monday 5 October 2009.
4. Proposed Legislation for Rapid Transit System – Briefing from the Department for Regional Development
The Committee was briefed by Ciaran de Burca and Lindsay Rainey from DRD on the proposed public consultation on enabling legislation for Rapid Transit.
Members agreed that they were content for DRD to seek Executive approval to proceed to public consultation on the proposals and to schedule further briefing from DRD officials once the public consultation had been completed.
Ms McIlveen left the meeting at 11.13 am.
Mr Wilson joined the meeting at 11.16 am.
5. Progress on A5 and A8 Road Schemes – Briefing from the Department for Regional Development
The Committee was briefed by John White and Pat Doherty from DRD and by Andy Campbell from Mouchel, on progress to date on the A5 road scheme.
The Committee was briefed by John White and Jim Beattie from DRD and by Stephen Hall from Arup, on progress to date on the A8 road scheme.
Ms McIlveen joined the meeting at 12.07 pm.
Members decided to seek a written response from DRD officials on the issues raised by Members and to forward the letters of opposition, received by Committee Members and the committee office, to DRD to respond directly to the individuals concerned. Members decided to request written updates from DRD on future progress against key milestones for these schemes.
6. Review of Winter Service – Briefing from the Department for Regional Development
The Committee was briefed by Pat Doherty and Sam Webb from DRD on the outcome of the review of winter service policy in the context of the specific difficulties faced by rural schools.
7. Quarterly Update on the Department for Regional Development’s Performance Against Public Service Agreement and Efficiency Delivery Plan Targets for 2009/10
Members noted a DRD report on performance to date against targets contained in the Department’s Public Service Agreements and Efficiency Delivery Plan.
8. Department for Regional Development’s Annual Report to the Equality Commission
Members noted DRD’s Annual Report to the Equality Commission.
9. Subordinate Legislation
Members noted the following proposals to make subordinate legislation from DRD:
- The Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills (Footpath) (Abandonment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2010; and
- The Prohibition of Right-Hand Turn ( Knockwood Park Belfast) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009.
Members agreed to inform DRD that they were content with the policy merits of the following proposals to make subordinate legislation:
- The Parking Places on Roads (Keady) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009;
- The Parking Places on Roads (Lisburn) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009;
- The Parking Places on Roads (Newry) (Amendment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009; and
- The Bus Lane ( Crumlin Road, Belfast) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009.
Members noted the following statutory rules which had been received from DRD but were not subject to Assembly procedure:
- 2009/307 The One-Way Traffic (Newtownabbey) (Amendment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009;
- 2009/308 The Cycle Routes (Amendment No. 2) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009; and
- 2009/309 The Waiting Restrictions ( Newcastle) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009.
Members considered the following statutory rules which had been laid in the Assembly’s Business Office by DRD and were subject to the negative resolution procedure. Members noted that the Examiner of Statutory Rules, in his first report to the Assembly for 2009/10 had made no comments on these rules.
In the absence of any objections, the following questions were put and agreed.
‘That the Committee for Regional Development has considered statutory rule 2009/269 The Tullynacross Road , Lisburn (Footway) (Abandonment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 and has no objection to the rule?’
All those in favour: Cathal Boylan, Alan Bresland, Fred Cobain, Tommy Gallagher, Danny Kinahan, Raymond McCartney, Ian McCrea, Michelle McIlveen, George Robinson, Brian Wilson
Those against: None
All Members present voted. No Members present abstained.
'That the Committee for Regional Development has considered statutory rule 2009/277 The Main Street , Castledawson (Footway) (Abandonment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 and has no objection to the rule?’
All those in favour: Cathal Boylan, Alan Bresland, Fred Cobain, Tommy Gallagher, Danny Kinahan, Raymond McCartney, Ian McCrea, Michelle McIlveen, George Robinson, Brian Wilson
Those against: None
All Members present voted. No Members present abstained.
'T hat the Committee for Regional Development has considered statutory rule 2009/278 The Clifton Street and Glenravel Street, Belfast (Footpath) (Abandonment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 and has no objection to the rule?’
All those in favour: Cathal Boylan, Alan Bresland, Fred Cobain, Tommy Gallagher, Danny Kinahan, Raymond McCartney, Ian McCrea, Michelle McIlveen, George Robinson, Brian Wilson
Those against: None
All Members present voted. No Members present abstained.
'That the Committee for Regional Development has considered statutory rule 2009/291 The Glencam Road , Omagh (Abandonment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 and has no objection to the rule?’
All those in favour: Cathal Boylan, Alan Bresland, Fred Cobain, Tommy Gallagher, Danny Kinahan, Raymond McCartney, Ian McCrea, Michelle McIlveen, George Robinson, Brian Wilson
Those against: None
All Members present voted. No Members present abstained.
'That the Committee for Regional Development has considered statutory rule 2009/292 The Street Works (Inspection Fees) (Amendment) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 and has no objection to the rule?’
All those in favour: Cathal Boylan, Alan Bresland, Fred Cobain, Tommy Gallagher, Danny Kinahan, Raymond McCartney, Ian McCrea, Michelle McIlveen, George Robinson, Brian Wilson
Those against: None
All Members present voted. No Members present abstained.
'That the Committee for Regional Development has considered statutory rule 2009/300 The Barbour Gardens and Kingsway, Dunmurry (Abandonment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 and has no objection to the rule?’
All those in favour: Cathal Boylan, Alan Bresland, Fred Cobain, Tommy Gallagher, Danny Kinahan, Raymond McCartney, Ian McCrea, Michelle McIlveen, George Robinson, Brian Wilson
Those against: None
All Members present voted. No Members present abstained.
' That the Committee for Regional Development has considered statutory rule 2009/301 The T6 Land Frontier-Aughnacloy-Ballygawley-Eniskillen-Belcoo-Land Frontier Trunk Road Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 and has no objection to the rule?’
All those in favour: Cathal Boylan, Alan Bresland, Fred Cobain, Tommy Gallagher, Danny Kinahan, Raymond McCartney, Ian McCrea, Michelle McIlveen, George Robinson, Brian Wilson
Those against: None
All Members present voted. No Members present abstained.
‘That the Committee for Regional Development has considered statutory rule 2009/246 The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Amendment) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 and has no objection to the rule?’
All those in favour: Cathal Boylan, Alan Bresland, Fred Cobain, Tommy Gallagher, Danny Kinahan, Raymond McCartney, Ian McCrea, Michelle McIlveen, George Robinson, Brian Wilson
Those against: None
All Members present voted. No Members present abstained.
‘That the Committee for Regional Development has considered statutory rule 2009/255 The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 and has no objection to the rule?’
All those in favour: Cathal Boylan, Alan Bresland, Fred Cobain, Tommy Gallagher, Danny Kinahan, Raymond McCartney, Ian McCrea, Michelle McIlveen, George Robinson, Brian Wilson
Those against: None
All Members present voted. No Members present abstained.
Members noted that the Business Office will be informed of the Committee’s decisions relating to these rules.
10. Committee Stage of the Water and Sewerage Services (Amendment) Bill
Members decided that the briefing from Assembly Research in relation to the Bill will be scheduled for next week’s meeting.
Members agreed a public notice, publicising the committee stage of the Bill for publication in the Belfast Telegraph; News Letter and Irish News on Monday 5 October 2009.
Members agreed a timetable for the committee stage of the Bill and noted that this will be sent to the Assembly’s Bill Office and to DRD for information.
Members agreed that the Committee will seek written submissions and oral evidence from DRD; Northern Ireland Water; the Utility Regulator; the Consumer Council and the Department of Finance and Personnel. In addition, written submissions on the Bill will be sought from the Committee for Finance and Personnel; the Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions; the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action; the Federation of Small Businesses and the Confederation of British Industry.
11. Correspondence.
Members noted a response from the Speaker to the Minister for Regional Development’s request to rearrange the timing of question time to 19 October 2009.
Members noted correspondence from COFMDFM on the Disability Discrimination (Transport) Regulations. Members noted that the Committee had responded on this issue in the last Assembly session and agreed to consider a response to COFMDFM at next week’s meeting.
Members noted correspondence from the Minister for Regional Development on DRD’s proposal to make regulations entitled the Airports (Sale of Aircraft) Regulations ( Northern Ireland), under powers conferred by Article 23 (5) of the Airports ( Northern Ireland) Order 1994. Members agreed that further briefing will be requested from DRD if Members have any issues to raise after consideration of the relevant SL1.
Members noted correspondence from the Minister of Regional Development on DRD’s proposal to make regulations entitled the Donaghadee Harbour Order (Northern Ireland) 2010, under powers conferred by section 1 (1) and schedule 1 to the Harbours Act (Northern Ireland) 1970. Members agreed that further briefing will be requested from DRD if Members have any issues to raise after consideration of the relevant SL1.
Members noted correspondence from DRD on the feasibility study for a southern relief road scheme for Newry.
Members noted receipt of the following press releases:
- DRD News Release - Regional Development Minister opens £32million water works at Dunore Point. Emailed to Members 17 September 2009.
- DRD News Release - Murphy officially opens new Belfast harbour road scheme. Emailed to Members 17 September 2009.
- DRD News Release - Minister visits £2.6million road scheme in Tyrone. Emailed to Members 17 September 2009.
- DRD News Release – Murphy launches cycle to work scheme. Emailed to Members 18 September 2009.
- DRD News Release - Minister addresses landowner concerns over A5. Emailed to Members 21 September 2009.
- DRD News Release - Murphy addresses the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Emailed to Members 23 September 2009.
- DRD News Release - Publication of Northern Ireland transport statistics 2008-09. Emailed to Members 25 September 2009.
- Statement from Northern Ireland Water responding to the Utility Regulator’s summary draft determination on Northern Ireland Water’s price control. Emailed to Members 18 September 2009.
- Members noted receipt of the following newsletters:
- NI Water’s approach to Price Control 2010. Emailed to Members 17 September 2009.
- Equality Commission NI – September 2009 Newsletter.
Members noted receipt of the following reports:
- Regional Transportation Strategy Review – discussion document.
12. Any Other Business
None.
13. Date, Time and Place of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 7 October 2009 at 10.30 am in the Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 12.48 pm.