PRESS RELEASE

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

03 June 2008

RD 04 /08

WELCOME FOR RAPID TRANSIT IN BELFAST

Developing a rapid transit system for Belfast could bring social and environmental benefits to the city, the Committee for Regional Development has said.

Speaking today, after the Take Note Debate on Rapid Transit in Belfast, the Chairperson of the Committee for Regional Development, Fred Cobain MLA, said:

“The Committee has considered the strategic outline case for Rapid Transit in Belfast since April 2008 and held many discussions with Departmental officials. Members also had the opportunity to see for themselves some of the proposed routes in Belfast. In principle, we would support such a system.

“However, the devil is in the detail – and further work remains to be done on the use of guidance technology, off road segregation, city centre traffic management and on street parking.

“To maximise the passenger numbers and positive passenger experience, there must be: the greatest possible degree of separation between the rapid transit way and other road users, full integration with other forms of public transport, and the best use made of green technologies.

“There are opportunities now to have a truly integrated and forward looking infrastructure for Belfast with benefits for Northern Ireland as a whole – these must not be wasted.”

Ends

Notes for Editors :

Membership of the Regional Development Committee is as follows:

Chairperson:	Mr Fred Cobain
Deputy Chairperson:	Mr Jim Wells
Committee Members:	Mr William Irwin
	Mr Stephen Moutray
	Mr George Robinson
	Mr Brian Wilson
	Mr Cathal Boylan
	Mr Willie Clarke
	Mr Raymond McCartney
	Mr John Dallat
	Mr John McCallister

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