RD 20/02 (2)

Proceedings of the Regional Development Committee

Minutes of meeting held in part public / part closed session on Wednesday, 05 June 2002 in room 135, Parliament Buildings

1. Minutes of last meeting
2. Attacks from Bridges over the M2 Motorway
3. North Down Waste Water Treatment Works
4. Gates at Back Entries
5. Correspondence from Transport 2000
6. Draft Schedule of Possible Meetings Outside Parliament Buildings
7. Regional Transportation Strategy
8. Date of Next Meeting

Present were:
Mr A Maginness(Chairman)
Mr A McFarland(Deputy Chairman)
Mr J Byrne
Mr D Hussey
Mr R Hutchinson
Mr M Robinson
Mr G Savage

Apologies:
Mr D Ervine

Absent:
Mr P J Bradley
Mr W Hay
Mr P McNamee

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

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

1. Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 29 May 2002 were agreed.

Mr Hutchinson joined the meeting at 10:39am

2. Attacks from Bridges over the M2 Motorway

The Committee discussed the Departments' response in relation to attacks from bridges over the M2 Motorway.

Agreed:To review the situation after the summer recess.

Mr Hussey joined the meeting at 10:45am

3. North Down Waste Water Treatment Works

The Committee discussed the briefing paper from the Department in relation to the siting of the North Down Waste Water Treatment Works.

The Deputy Chairman advised that the Minister is intending to take a number of representatives from a cross section of the North Down area to visit the Eastbourne Waste Water Treatment Works.

Agreed:To defer this matter until after the Eastbourne visit.

4. Gates at Back Entries

The Committee noted the Departments' response with regard to its policy in relation to the erection of gates at back entries. The response stated that a review of existing policy is currently taking place and the Committee will be informed of developments.

5. Correspondence from Transport 2000 - Antrim to Knockmore Railway Line - Equality Impact Assessment

The Committee noted correspondence from Transport 2000 along with a letter it has sent to the Equality Commission regarding the Department for Regional Developments Equality Impact Assessment in relation to the proposed discontinuance of the Antrim / Knockmore Railway Line.

6. The Committee agreed in principle the schedule of possible future meeting and site visits.

   The meeting moved to private session

7. Regional Transportation Strategy

Mr Hutchinson left the meeting at 11:26am

The Committee discussed the proposed changes to the Regional Transportation strategy.

Agreed:To discuss this matter further in closed session at next week's meeting. The Minister should be invited to the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 19 June 2002.

8. Date of Next Meeting

A number of members indicated that they would not be available for a meeting on 12 June 2002. It was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Monday, 10 June 2002. The meeting is due to commence at 12.30pm in room 144, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting adjourned at 11:47 am.