Minutes of meeting held in public session on Wednesday, 18 September 2002 in room 135, Parliament Buildings

1. Minutes of last meeting
2. Statutory Rules
3. Strategic Planning Bill - Evidence Sessions
4. Proposals for the Implementation of EC Directive
5. Quinquennial Review of the Northern Ireland Water Council
6. Ulsterbus / Citybus Pensions Letter
7. Extending the Use of Bus Lanes to include Private Hire Taxis
8. Railway Safety Act - Statutory Rules
9. Research Paper on Passenger Transport Authorities
10. Inquiry into the Approach of the NI Assembly and the Devolved Government on European Union Issues
11. Public Meeting in Craigavon Area on 16 October 2002
12. Light Rail and Rapid Transit Conference
13. Use of Mobile Phone on Enterprise Train
14. Any Other Business
15. Date of Next Meeting

Present were:
Mr A McFarland (Deputy Chairman)
Mr PJ Bradley
Mr J Byrne
Mr D Ervine
Mr W Hay
Mr D Hussey
Mr R Hutchinson
Mr P McNamee
Mr M Robinson
Mr G Savage

Apologies:
Mr A Maginness (Chairman)

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 10:36 am.

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2002 were agreed.

a) The Committee noted four Statutory Rules which the Department intends to make, but which will not be laid in the Assembly.

b) The Committee considered the Statutory Rules:

The Department intends to make these rules which are subject to negative resolution.

Agreed: The Committee agreed the course of action proposed

in the rules.

Mr Bradley joined the meeting at 10:40 am.
Mr Savage joined the meeting at 10:45 am.
Mr Hussey joined the meeting at 10:53 am.
Mr Hay joined the meeting at 11:05 am.

Mr John Warke, Chief Commissioner of the Planning Appeals Commission, joined the meeting at 10:40 am and Ms Jenny Crawford and Mr Alex Coleman from the Royal Town Planning Institute joined the meeting at 11:00 am. They gave presentations on their views and concerns about this Bill and answered Members' questions.

The Chairperson thanked the representatives for their attendance. Mr Warke left the meeting at 10:59 am and Ms Crawford and Mr Coleman left at 11.40 am.

Mr Ervine left the meeting at 11:22 am.
Mr Hussey left the meeting at 11:40 am.

The Committee briefly discussed the evidence given by the representatives of the Planning Appeals Commission and the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Agreed: To write to the Department for Regional Development, requesting information on the implications of amending or adding a clause to the Bill, to allow all participants an opportunity to raise an objection after a public inquiry and before the adoption of a development plan.

Mr Hussey rejoined the meeting at 11:55 am.

The Committee discussed proposed legislation to implement an EC Directive in relation to harbour works in Northern Ireland.

Agreed: To await the outcome of the consultation process and, if necessary, ask officials to brief the Committee.

The Committee discussed the Quinquennial Review of the Northern Ireland Water Council, currently being conducted by the Department.

Agreed: The Committee acknowledged the important role played by the Water Council prior to devolution. However, as the Committees for Regional Development and Culture, Arts and Leisure now fill this role, the Members were of the view that there is no longer a need for the Water Council to be retained.

The Committee noted the response from Translink in relation to a letter received by the Committee, concerning the method under which Pensions were paid to retired Ulsterbus / Citybus employees.

Agreed: To write back to Mr O'Callaghan, enclosing a copy of the reply from Translink and advising him that as he has not raised this matter with Translink, he may wish to address any further concerns to Translink in the first instance.

The Committee noted the Department's response to its request for information on the Department's progress in considering extending the use of bus lanes to include private hire taxis. The response stated that the Department is to monitor the use of bus lanes for another twelve months and that no decision on private hire taxis is expected before then.

The Committee noted a letter from the Department setting out the proposals to make seven Statutory Rules under powers conferred by the Railway Safety Act (NI) 2002.

The Committee welcomed the research paper on 'The role of Passenger Transport Authorities'.

The Committee discussed a proposed visit to London Transport and possibly the Passenger Transport Authority in Merseyside.

Agreed: The Committee agreed that the proposed visit would be very useful in helping it formulate a response to the Department's consultation 'A New Start for Public Transport in Northern Ireland' recently announced by the Minister.

The Committee noted the Department's response to its request for the establishment of formal arrangements for considering EU issues relating to the Department.

The Committee discussed arrangements for the visit to Craigavon on 16 October 2002.

Agreed: If possible, the meeting should be held in the Civic Centre at Craigavon Borough Council. It was agreed that, where appropriate, Members would travel to the meeting on the Enterprise train and return to Belfast by Ulsterbus. Members were asked to confirm their attendance with Committee staff as soon as possible.

Member's had received details of a Light Rail and Rapid Transit Conference to be held in London on 27 September 2002.

Agreed: The Committee Office would make the necessary arrangements for any members wishing to attend the conference.

The Committee considered a letter from a Translink customer, regarding the use of mobile phones on Enterprise trains. The letter requested that Translink establish a 'quiet coach' because of the excessive and obtrusive use of mobile phones by business users.

Agreed: The Committee acknowledged the query, but recognised that due to the limited resources at Translink's disposal, it would not be feasible to provide a quiet coach. A reply should be sent to this effect.

1. Visit to LUAS Rapid Transit and National Toll Roads in Dublin

The Clerk advised members of the proposed programme for the visit and that it was scheduled for 22 - 24 October 2002.

Agreed: The Committee was content with the proposals. Members were asked to confirm their attendance as soon as possible.

2. Access to Newry Train Station

The Committee discussed the recent difficulties in gaining access to Newry Train Station.

Agreed: To write to Translink to obtain further information on the recent difficulties and inquire about future plans in relation to this matter.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 25 September 2002 at 10.30am in room 135, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting adjourned at 12:30 pm.

11 September 2002 / Menu / 25 September 2002