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Proceedings of the Regional Development Committee Minutes of meeting held in public session on Wednesday, 25 September 2002 in room 135, Parliament Buildings 1. Minutes of last meeting Present were: Apologies: In Attendance: The meeting was called to order at 10:39 am. The minutes of the meeting held on 18 September 2002 were agreed. Members noted that the Chairman would be unavailable for the 2nd stage of the Harbours Bill and therefore the Deputy Chairman would speak in his absence. 3. Telecommunications Masts on Water Service Property Mr Robinson joined the meeting at 10:41am. Mr John Leslie and Mr Brian Aitken from the Water Service joined the meeting at 10:44 am. They briefed the Committee and answered members' questions in relation to the findings of the review into the policy of siting telecommunication masts on departmental land. Agreed: The Committee was of the view that a number of issues needed to be incorporated into the proposed policy and assessment criteria. Officials were asked to take on board the points members had raised, when finalising the policy. The Clerk will write to the Department in relation to the points raised by members. Mr Ervine joined the meeting at 11:26 am. The Committee discussed the proposed Coleraine Harbour Order. Agreed: To invite representatives from Coleraine Borough Council, Coleraine Harbour Commissioners and Departmental Officials to a future meeting to discuss the Coleraine Harbour Order. 5. Public Meeting in Craigavon Mr Robinson rejoined the meeting at 11:35 am. The Committee discussed the arrangements for the public meeting to be held in the Council Chamber at the Craigavon Civic Centre on 16 October 2002. Agreed: Where appropriate, Members should travel to Craigavon by train and return to Belfast by Ulsterbus. Members should advise Committee staff of their travel arrangements as soon as possible. 6. Visit to LUAS Rapid Transit System and National Toll Roads PLC in Dublin The Committee discussed the arrangements and the proposed itinerary for the visit to Dublin on 22 - 24 October 2002. Agreed: Members were content with the proposed itinerary. Members were asked to confirm their attendance as soon as possible. The Committee discussed the Review of Rating Policy consultation paper. Agreed: To write to the Department to obtain information on the proportion of domestic rates allocated for the provision of water and Sewage services, prior to April 1999. The Researcher was asked to provide some further information in relation to the history of the rating system in Northern Ireland. It was agreed to return to this matter at a later date. Mr Hussey left the meeting at 11:58 am. 8. Strategic Planning Bill - Evidence Session Mr Billy Gamble, Mr Ian Raphael and Ms Sharon Mossman from the Department joined the meeting at 11:59 am. They gave a presentation on the Bill, particularly the areas of concern expressed by the Planning Appeals Commission and the Royal Town Planning Institute. The officials answered members' questions on the Bill. Mr McNamee left the meeting at 12:20 pm. The Deputy Chairman thanked the officials and they left the meeting at 12:45 pm. Agreed: It was agreed that no further evidence sessions were required. The Committee would conduct a clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill at next week's meeting. Agreed: To defer this item to next week's meeting.
The Committee noted the bids submitted to the Department of Finance and Personnel in this year's September Monitoring Round. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 02 October 2002 at 10.30am in room 135, Parliament Buildings. The meeting adjourned at 12:46 pm. |
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