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Proceedings of the Regional Development Committee Minutes of meeting held in public session on Wednesday, 11 September 2002 in room 135, Parliament Buildings 1. Statutory Rules the Department intends to
make Present were: Apologies: In Attendance: The meeting was called to order at 10:41am.
The Committee noted six Statutory Rules which the Department intends to make, but which will not be laid in the Assembly. The Committee considered the submissions received from interested groups on the Strategic Planning Bill. Agreed: In addition to the Department for Regional Development, the Committee agreed to hear evidence from the Royal Town Planning Institute and the Planning Appeals Commission. Mr Robinson joined the meeting at 10:47 am. The Committee discussed a letter from the Minister which sought confirmation of whether the Committee was still of the view that the Harbours Bill should receive accelerated passage. The Chairman explained that as the Minister was looking for an early response on this matter, he had spoken to the Deputy Chairman who was also of the view that, due to the passage of time, the Bill should be progressed in the normal manner, rather than receive accelerated passage. The Chairman advised that he had written to the Minister, to this effect, on 4 September 2002. Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Bill should not receive accelerated passage and that it should proceed in the normal manner. A letter from the Minister dated 11 September 2002, confirming that the Bill would be progressed by the normal legislative procedure, was given out to members at the meeting. The Committee also considered the draft Code of Practice for Trust Ports. Agreed: The Committee noted the content of the Code of Practice and concurred with the Minister's view that the draft Code of Practice should be introduced on a voluntary basis, prior to enactment of the legislation. Mr Hussey joined the meeting at 10:55 am.
The Committee discussed concerns raised by Alderman Billy Leonard of Coleraine Borough Council on the proposed expansion plan for Coleraine Harbour. The Committee noted the Minister's response to its letter on this matter. Agreed: To copy the Minister's response to Alderman Leonard.
The Committee discussed the Department's response to its request for clarification on the appointment process, as set out in the proposed Coleraine Harbour Order. Agreed: To discuss this matter further at a future meeting.
Mr McNamee joined the meeting at 11:04 am. The Committee discussed a letter, forwarded from the Education Committee Chairman, regarding the cost of a Translink pupil ticket for those aged 16 and over. Agreed: To write to the Department for Regional Development requesting information on who has responsibility for the policy and to seek clarification on the procedures used to determine who is eligible to free school transport. The Committee welcomed the joint statement on 22 August 2002 by the Minister for Regional Development and the Minister for the Environment, outlining what they were planning to do to address planning applications for new developments being refused due to insufficient capacity of Wastewater Treatment Works. The Committee acknowledged the efforts taken by both Ministers, working together, to tackle sewage and planning problems. Mr Hutchinson left the meeting at 11:26 am. The Committee discussed a letter from the Chief Executive of Craigavon Borough Council, plus correspondence with the Minister, regarding his request for temporary closure of a pedestrian underpass in Lurgan, due to anti-social behaviour. Agreed: To write to the Department asking for information on its policy in relation to standards of public access and safety in pedestrian underpasses and to ask for a summary of the legal advice sought by the Department on this matter. The Committee discussed various correspondence received in relation to the proposal to site the North Down Wastewater Treatment Works beside the carpet factory in Donaghadee. Agreed: To write to the Minister asking him to clarify the site selection methodology used by the Department, including the criteria and relevant weighting attached to each of the criteria. Mr Ervine left the meeting at 11:45 am The Committee discussed the response from the Minister for Finance and Personnel, to its request for information on the possibility of rates relief for traders who are adversely effected by major road works schemes. Agreed: To write back to Dr Farren, to seek further clarification on some of the points in his letter. Mr Bradley left the meeting at 12:01 pm The Committee noted two letters received from the Chairman of the Social Development Committee, inviting the Committee to submit specific amendments on the proposed Housing Bill and Housing Support Services Bill. Agreed: Not to submit any specific amendments on the Bills.
The Committee was content with the proposed work programme for September 2002 and the proposed schedule of visits and meetings outside Parliament Buildings. The Committee considered correspondence that the Northern Ireland Epilepsy Action Group's Co-ordinator had sent to the Minister, urging him to extend the categories of those entitled to concessionary fares on public transport, to include epilepsy sufferers unable to drive due to their condition. The Committee was sympathetic with the views expressed by the Epilepsy Action Group and endorsed the Minister's response to the group. The Committee considered a request to feature the work of the Committee in a future issue of 'The Account' magazine, which is produced by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). Agreed: The Committee gave its agreement to the request. |
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