REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
RD09 /07
Minister addresses the Committee
The Committee for Regional Development met on Wednesday 4 July 2007, and received briefings from the Minister Conor Murphy MP MLA and from Paddy Hillyard, and Joan Whiteside of the Independent Review of Water and Sewerage.
The Deputy Chairperson thanked the Minister for attending the meeting.
The Deputy Chairperson, Jim Wells MLA stated that:
“The Committee welcomed the positive discussion with the Minister on the Review of Water and Sewerage, but are concerned with the limited time scale for the first strand of the review to be completed by autumn 2007.
The Committee also discussed the terms of reference and the time scale for the second strand of the review and the need for a full and inclusive public consultation.”
The Deputy Chairperson also thanked the two members of the review panel for attending the meeting.
The Deputy Chairperson, Jim Wells MLA said:
“The Committee are looking forward to working with the four members of the review panel Paddy Hillyard, Charles Coulthard, Joan Whiteside and, newly announced panel member, John Fitz Gerald. The Committee has forwarded all the submission received from the stakeholders to the panel for consideration. Each panel member is bringing a wealth of experience to the review particularly on poverty and social exclusion in Northern Ireland.”
It is important we work together to reach best possible solution for water reform in Northern Ireland. The Committee is committed to working with the review panel over the coming weeks and will be meeting over the summer recess to discuss the progress of the review”
The Committee’s next meeting is on Thursday 9 August 2007. They will be briefed by Chief Executive of Scottish Water, Dr Jon Hargreaves and by Managing Director of Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water), Nigel Annett.
Note for Editor:
The Northern Ireland Assembly has established a Statutory Departmental Committee for Regional Development.
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
The Committee will meet in Parliament Buildings on Wednesday mornings at 10.00am. Visitors are welcome to attend open sessions. Members of the public are advised to check the website prior to arriving at Parliament Buildings as it is likely the Committee will take meetings outside Parliament Buildings.
For further information on the work of the Regional Development Committee, please contact:
Northern Ireland Assembly Information Office,
Room B2, Parliament Buildings,
Belfast BT4 3XX.
Telephone 028 90521137/521396. Fax 028 90521961.
Website Address: archive.niassembly.gov.uk
E-mail: info.office@niassembly.gov.uk
Or
Regional Development Committee Office
Room 402, Parliament Buildings
Belfast, BT4 3XX.
Telephone 02890 521821 / Fax No 02890 525917
Email: roisin.kelly@niassembly.gov.uk