PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 7 MARCH 2001
IN ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
1. M1/Westlink Inquiry
2. Minutes of last meeting
3. Matters arising
4. Statutory Rules
5. Regional Development Strategy (RDS)
6. Any other business
7. Date of next meeting
Present were:
Mr A Maginness (Chairman)
Mr A McFarland (Deputy Chairman)
Mr J Byrne
Mr D Ervine
Mr W Hay
Mr D Hussey
Mr G Savage
Apologies:
Mr PJ Bradley
Absent:
Mr R Hutchinson
Mr P McNamee
Mr J Wells
In Attendance:
Mr L Barr ( Committee Clerk)
Mr S Fay ( Assistant Committee Clerk)
Mr N Currie (Executive Support)
Mrs S Young (Administrative Support)
Ms L Wilson (Assembly Research Team)
The meeting commenced at 10.33am.
1. M1/Westlink Inquiry
The Committee discussed the reply form the Department.
Mr Ervine joined the meeting at 10.46pm.
Agreed: That the Committee would consider correspondence received from groups or individuals that have been involved in the Inquiry.
2. Minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 28 February 2001 were agreed.
3. Matters arising
- Port of Belfast.
- Review of Roads and Water Services.
The Committee noted the Take Note motion, which has been placed with the Business Office to enable the Assembly to debate the Committee's response to the Minister on the economic appraisal on the Port of Belfast. The Business Committee has not yet confirmed the date for the debate.
Agreed: That Committee staff prepares a detailed file note for future reference.
The Committee discussed the Department's offer of seminars to discuss this issue in more detail.
Agreed: That the Department is asked to arrange a one-day seminar to discuss the review of the Roads and Water Services.
4. Statutory Rules
The Committee noted the details of five Statutory Rules, which the Department intends to make. They do not have to be laid in the Assembly.
5. Regional Development Strategy (RDS)
The Committee considered the final draft of the RDS. There was a lengthy and wide-ranging discussion and the key issues discussed included:
- the targets set for urban and rural housing growth, in particular brownfield sites;
- overzoning;
- the development of new villages
- the importance of environmental considerations;
- the continuing growth of the Belfast Metropolitan Area (BMA);
- current planning policy on housing development;
- the problems associated with urbanisation;
- the development of rural areas;
- Lisahally and Warrenpoint ports;
- upgrading some main hubs to "regional centres";
- a stronger emphasis on a better quality of life for all;
- the implementation of the RDS.
Mr Hussey joined the meeting at 11.40am.
Mr Savage left the meeting at 12.20pm.
Mr Ervine left the meeting at 12.21pm.
Agreed: That the Clerk will summarise the key points arising for further consideration by the Committee, prior to finalising a response to the Department.
6. AOB
(a) Proposed closure of the Antrim to Knockmore railway line.
The Committee noted the submission from the Crumlin Development Association.
Agreed: That the Committee will hear an oral presentation from the Association at the meeting on 21 March 2001 when it will also receive a presentation from the Department.
That the Department is asked to obtain details of the terms of reference for Translink's economic appraisal
(b) Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS)
The Committee considered a submission from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
Agreed: That the Committee will invite the CBI to make an oral presentation. That other relevant groups who have asked to give oral evidence should also be invited.
(c) Inquiry into Education and Training for Industry.
The Committee noted the Terms of Reference for the Inquiry to be held by the Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment Committee into Education and Training for Industry.
Agreed: That there is no overlap between the Committee's remit and the terms of reference of the Inquiry.
(d) Press notice from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR).
A press notice from DETR announcing an investment of £62 million for investment in rural buses in England and Wales was noted and will be copied to Members.
(e) The use of bus/cycle lanes by motor cycles and taxis.
A letter to the Minister from the Northern Ireland Cycling Initiative expressing concern about proposals to allow motor cycles and taxis to use bus/cycle lanes was noted and will be copied to Members.
(f) Ring of Gullion
The Committee noted that the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) is currently undertaking a policy review of language, including multi-lingual road signs.
Agreed: That the clerk will enquire into the current status of the policy review.
(g) Northern Ireland Audit Office Report on Road Openings by Utilities.
Agreed: That the position with regards to the Department for Regional Development's response to this report will be checked.
7. Date of next meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 14 March 2001 at 10.30am. in room 135, Parliament Buildings.
The meeting closed at 1.00pm.