RD 19/02 (2)

Proceedings of the Regional Development Committee

Minutes of meeting held in public session on Wednesday 29 May 2002 in Room 135, Parliament Buildings

1. Minutes of last meeting
2. Statutory Rule Laid in the Assembly
3. Review of Rating Policy
4. Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA)
5. Breakdown of Enterprise Trains
6. Letter from Construction Employers Federation
7. Date of Next Meeting

Present were:
Mr A Maginness(Chairman)
Mr PJ Bradley
Mr D Ervine
Mr D Hussey
Mr R Hutchinson
Mr P McNamee
Mr M Robinson
Mr G Savage

Apologies:
Mr A McFarland(Deputy Chairman)
Mr J Byrne
Mr W Hay

In Attendance:
Mr L Barr(Committee Clerk)
Mr N Currie(Assistant Committee Clerk)
Miss C Lagan(Executive Support)
Miss K Davidson(Executive Support)
Mrs S Young(Administrative Support)
Ms J Betts(Assembly Research Team)

The meeting was called to order at 10:37am.

1. Minutes of last meeting

   The minutes of the meeting held on 22 May 2002 were agreed.

2. Statutory Rule Laid in the Assembly

The Committee considered one Statutory Rule, subject to negative resolution, which has been made and laid in the Assembly.

Question Put:That the Regional Development Committee has considered the Statutory Rule 143/2002-

Traffic Signs (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002

Agreed:The Committee has no objection to the rule.

The Committee discussed the use of bus lanes by taxis and the definition of 'permitted taxi'.

Agreed:The Clerk will obtain some further information in relation to this matter.

3. Review of Rating Policy

Mr Brian McClure from the Department of Finance and Personnel joined the meeting at 10:46 am. He gave a presentation on the Review of Rating Policy consultation and answered members' questions.

Mr Savage joined the meeting at 10:52 am.

Mr Hussey joined the meeting at 11:15 am.

Mr Hussey declared an interest as a member of the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade.

Mr Ervine left the meeting at 11:27 am.

Mr Hutchinson left the meeting at 11:30 am.

The Chairman thanked Mr McClure for his attendance and he left at 11:36 am.

4. Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA)

The Committee discussed a draft letter to the Minister of Finance and Personnel, seeking information on the possibility of rates relief for small businesses adversely effected by major roads schemes. Members also discussed a draft letter to the Minister for Regional Development, seeking clarification on the procedures for ensuring full consultation with local residents and traders during major roads schemes.

Agreed:The draft letters were agreed.

5. Breakdown of Enterprise Trains

The Committee discussed a draft letter to Translink detailing the Committee's concerns about the breakdown of the Enterprise Train on 27 February 2002.

Agreed:The Committee agreed a couple of amendments to the letter. Committee staff will issue the letter to Translink once the amendments have been made.

Mr Savage left the meeting at 11:50am.

6. Letter from Construction Employers Federation

The Committee discussed a letter received from WA Doran, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation, offering to brief the Committee on the Industry's perspective and reaction to the Roads Service review of its procurement process.

Agreed: It was agreed to invite Mr Doran to brief the Committee at a future meeting.

Mr Savage rejoined the meeting at 11:52am.

Any Other Business

a) North Down Waste Water Treatment Works

Agreed:It was agreed to defer this item until the 05 June 2002 meeting.

b) Letter from Portstewart Resident

The Committee discussed the Minister's response to its letter regarding the concerns of a Portstewart resident. The Committee noted that a number of the issues would be dealt with in the forthcoming Planning Policy Statement on Housing in Settlements.

Agreed:It was agreed to write to the resident advising her of the situation.

c) Water Leaks

The Committee noted the Department's response in relation to the repair of water leaks.

d) Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS)

Agreed:The Committee agreed that the forthcoming discussions on the RTS at the meetings on 5 and 12 June 2002 should be in closed session.

e) Meetings outside Parliament Buildings

Members suggested a number of locations for future meetings / visits outside of Parliament Buildings.

Agreed: The Clerk will draw up a draft schedule of future meetings and site visits outside Parliament Buildings for discussion at a future meeting.

7. Date of Next Meeting

   The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 05 June 2002 at 10:30 am in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.

   The meeting adjourned at 11:56 am.