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Friday 22 September 2000
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)
HIGHER AND FURTHER EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT
New Deal Programme
Mrs Robinson asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment if he considers the training period offered to candidates in the New Deal programme to be adequate and if he is satisfied that the New Deal programme is adequately resourced.
(AQW 89/00)
The Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment (Dr Farren): The New Deal for 18-24 year-olds and the New Deal for 25+ pilot both provide a training period of up to 52 weeks for eligible participants who wish to undertake full-time training while on New Deal. For those who do not choose to follow the training route, work experience placements lasting up to 26 weeks (New Deal 18-24) and 13 weeks (New Deal 25+ Pilot) are available.
The present New Deal 25+ Pilot programme is due to end on 31 March 2001, at which time it will be replaced by a substantive New Deal 25+ programme. I am currently in discussion with the responsible GB Minister regarding aspects of the design of this programme, including the duration of the work experience element.
I remain satisfied that the 52 weeks allowed for those following the full-time training route is adequate to achieve the targeted outcome.
The resources allocated to the New Deal programmes from the windfall levy are sufficient to cover the present demands on the programmes. Funding for future years, when the windfall levy moneys have been exhausted, has yet to be finalised with HM Treasury. I will be arguing for Northern Ireland to receive the necessary resources to allow for continued successful implementation of the New Deal programmes.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Regional Development Strategy
Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to help develop a commercial corridor across Northern Ireland on an east/west basis so that a balanced approach is achieved in the overall development of Northern Ireland.
(AQW 15/00)
The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Campbell): The regional development strategy, currently being finalised, will emphasise the value of achieving balanced development across the region. A regional strategic transport network with key and link transport corridors is identified. This will provide the skeletal framework for the future development of Northern Ireland. The strategy will be to exploit the economic potential of the key and link transport corridors which offer larger consumer markets, good links between the main towns and access to significant labour markets and rural catchment areas, in effect creating commercial corridors across the region. The Strategy recognises the importance of the east-west key transport corridor which links Belfast, Craigavon, Dungannon and Enniskillen with the important transport spine through the west of the Londonderry-Strabane-Omagh-Dublin route, thereby providing a number of hubs around which economic development in the west can be focused.
Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Regional Development if he has a working plan or model that would correspond to the north-east corridor of Ballymena, Coleraine, Limavady for the south of Lough Neagh corridor to Enniskillen and Omagh/Strabane.
(AQW 16/00)
Mr Campbell: The Regional Development Strategy, when it is finalised, will provide a spatial framework, or model, for future development and will emphasise balanced development across the region. A regional strategic transport network with key and link transport corridors is identified. This will provide the skeletal framework for the future development of Northern Ireland. The strategy will be to exploit the economic potential of the key and link transport corridors which offer larger consumer markets, good links between the main towns and access to significant labour markets and rural catchment areas, in effect creating commercial corridors east to west across the region.
As a counterbalance to the north-east, the regional development strategy identifies what could be described as a broad crescent of economic development nodes to the south and west of Lough Neagh, following the south-western transport corridor and connecting with the western transport corridor (Londonderry-Strabane- Omagh-Dublin). This ‘crescent’ stretches from Craigavon/ Omagh through Dungannon/Cookstown to Omagh, Enniskillen and the North-West, thus providing a range of centres for employment and services on which future economic growth in the west can be focused.
Roads
Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to overcome the lack of infrastructure investment over the last 30 years in the rural roads in West Tyrone.
(AQW 17/00)
Mr Campbell: It is clear that the levels of expenditure on Northern Ireland’s roads over recent years have been inadequate to maintain properly or improve the existing road network. I will therefore be considering, as part of the work currently under way to develop a long-term transport strategy, the scale of infrastructure investment required on roads, including rural roads, and how such investment might be funded. This is an issue which I will also be pursuing in my input to the Programme for Government.
Omagh Waste Water Treatment Works
Mr Byrne asked the Minister for Regional Development when he intends to approve new waste water treatment works for Omagh on an out-of-town site.
(AQW 18/00)
Mr Campbell: I am aware of the concerns expressed by public representatives and residents about the siting of the new Omagh waste water treatment works. I intend to visit Omagh shortly to see the proposed sites and to meet Omagh District Council to discuss the issues involved.
I hope to be in a position to make an announcement in the next two to three months.
Water Supply Aluminium
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what are the current levels of aluminium in the water supply.
(AQW 19/00)
Mr Campbell: I am replying as this is a matter for the Department for Regional Development.
The most recent assessment available for levels of aluminium in the water supply is contained in the Drinking Water Quality Report 1999, published by the Water Service in June 2000.
Approximately 94% of samples comply with the regulatory standards for aluminium contained in the Water Quality Regulations 1994. A significant programme of capital works, costing approximately £100 million, is planned to upgrade water treatment works and increase compliance levels generally.
Water Metering
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development whether there are any plans to introduce metering of water in households in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 20/00)
Mr Campbell: There are no plans to introduce metering of water in households in Northern Ireland under the existing arrangements for funding the provision of water and sewerage services. However, in recognition of the very substantial investment needs of both services over the next decade and beyond, I intend to consider the options for future charging arrangements. The aim of such arrangements might be to provide a more sensible, transparent and accountable relationship between the Water Service and its customers and promote the sustainable use of water resources. If, at any time in the future, there is consideration of introducing a separate water charge for domestic customers, consultation will be undertaken with the Department of Finance and Personnel.
Roads Maintenance
Mr Hay asked the Minister for Regional Development if he has any plans to increase resources to rural areas in Northern Ireland, especially for roads maintenance and grass and hedge cutting.
(AQW 21/00)
Mr Campbell: I will be considering, as part of the work currently under way to develop a long-term transport strategy, the need to maintain properly the existing road network, including rural roads. This will include examining the criteria used in prioritising capital and maintenance schemes within the available resources. I am very conscious that I have inherited a significant roads maintenance backlog and that the existing levels of funding for the roads budget fall far short of what is required. These are issues which I will also be pursuing in my input to the Programme for Government.
Major Road Works (A26)
Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister for Regional Development what progress has been made to date with the major road works on the A26 at Ballymena; if he will indicate any additional measures being considered for pedestrian safety; and if he will make a statement.
(AQW 28/00)
Mr Campbell: I was pleased to visit the A26 scheme recently and to see the excellent progress currently being made. The new dual carriageway is already taking shape, and a substantial length has now been surfaced. To date there has been relatively little disruption to the 21,000 drivers who use the road every day, and the contractor has made the most of the summer weather.
Progress from now is likely to be slower as the winter months approach and because of the complications of adjacent properties. Nevertheless, the contract is likely to be completed by May 2001—several weeks ahead of the original programme.
The scheme provides for pedestrian safety in that a continuous footway will be constructed along the eastern side. There will also be short lengths of footways to bus stops along the western side and at crossing points. Furthermore, special arrangements will be made at Valley Road to accommodate the parents of children attending Carnaghts Primary School. In addition to a crossing point for the school crossing patrol, parking facilities will be provided on surplus ground near the school.
Abandonment of Roads
(North Antrim)
Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister for Regional Development to list any roads identified for abandonment in the North Antrim constituency.
(AQW 32/00)
Mr Campbell: At present my Department’s Roads Service is not considering any large-scale road abandonments.
In North Antrim a small number of minor abandonments are being progressed, mainly at the request of adjacent landowners. These are:
968m2 of road at the end of the U2209 Old Crebilly Road, Ballymena;
1,121m2 of road embankment beside the A36 Larne Road Link, Ballymena, at the Castle Demesne Link junction;
3,100m2 of road embankment beside the A36 Larne Road Link, Ballymena, at the Crebilly Road junction; and
1,695m2 of road embankment beside the A36 Larne Road Link at Ballymena, adjacent to Edwin May’s car showroom complex.
Road Maintenance
Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister for Regional Development what assessment has been made of the Northern Ireland Audit Office report on the structural maintenance of roads (NIA 15); and if he will make a statement.
(AQW 33/00)
Mr Campbell: The Northern Ireland Audit Office report on the structural maintenance of roads recognised the decline in expenditure in real terms for this key activity. As a result of funding constraints over a number of years, the Roads Service has had to focus its resources on motorways and those other roads which make up the trunk road network. The report confirmed that expenditure on structural maintenance of roads in Northern Ireland has been consistently lower than in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
I am very conscious that I have inherited a significant road maintenance backlog and that the existing levels of funding fall far short of what is required. These are issues that I will be pursuing in my input to the Programme for Government.
Road Works Programme
Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his policy (roadworks preparation pool) on the upgrading of roads and to specify whether this programme includes the upgrading of the main road from Ballymena to Ballymoney—the Frosses Road.
(AQW 34/00)
Mr Campbell: I refer the Member to a letter dated 20 July 2000 which the former Regional Development Minister, Mr Robinson, issued to all Northern Ireland MPs, MLAs and district councils. In that letter my predecessor explained the Department’s new policy arrangements for delivering the Roads Service programme of major works.
These arrangements include the establishment of a major works preparation pool for schemes that the Roads Service hope to construct or start work on within the next five years or so. A 10-year forward planning schedule, to align with the Department’s 10-year transportation strategy, will also be prepared. I hope to publish that schedule next year.
A scheme to dual the Frosses Road is not included in the major works preparation pool. At present my Department’s Roads Service is considering a number of potential schemes for possible inclusion in the forward planning schedule. One of the schemes being considered is the dualling of the Frosses Road between Glarryford and the Ballycastle Road junction.
Telecommunications Masts
(South Down)
Mr M Murphy asked the Minister for Regional Development whether approval has been given for the proposed erection of telecommunications masts on Water Service property in the Rostrevor, Kilcoo and Downpatrick areas.
(AQW 37/00)
Mr Campbell: I am replying as this is a matter for the Department for Regional Development.
The Water Service has not received any requests for the erection of telecommunications masts at its installations in the Rostrevor area. The Water Service recently received four applications for the erection of masts in the Kilcoo and Downpatrick areas. The position on each is as follows:
(a) The application in respect of Kilcoo waste water treatment works has been turned down. The works are to be extended, and the site could not accommodate the proposed mast.
(b) Applications are currently being considered for the erection of masts at Lough Island Reavy water treatment works (near Kilcoo), Sampson’s Stone service reservoir (in Downpatrick) and Clough wastewater treatment works (approximately five miles from Downpatrick).
The three applications will be carefully examined against very rigorous criteria. This includes ensuring that the proposed installation does not affect Water Service operations, that all licensing and public safety requirements are met and that the cellular companies involved have obtained planning approval from the Planning Service for their proposals. Applications which meet these criteria are likely to be approved by the Water Service.
Cryptosporidiosis
Mrs Carson asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide information on water treatment at all reservoirs in Northern Ireland and to confirm that no other areas of population are at risk from further outbreaks of cryptosporidium.
(AQW 39/00)
Mr Campbell: The type of treatment provided at each water treatment works depends on the quality of the raw water. Hence, treatment methods vary. Commonly used treatment methods are sand filtration and/or chemical treatment employing widely used flocculates based on iron and aluminium. Significant capital investment is required to enhance water treatment facilities across Northern Ireland to satisfy public health requirements and comply with EC Directives.
All Water Service sources of supply have been assessed for cryptosporidium risk. The risk assessment method is based on that used in England, Wales and Scotland, developed in consultation with the NI Drinking Water Inspector and agreed with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. Risk assessments are revised each year and are used to improve treatment.
The Silent Valley was the only source with a risk factor which indicated the need for continuous analysis during the higher-risk period (February to May each year).
A new water treatment works for the Silent Valley supply is due for completion in 2003/04 at a cost of £35m. This works will provide a primary barrier for the removal of cryptosporidium.
Cryptosporidium is ubiquitous in the community, is carried by many animals and some humans and can be spread, for example, through contact with animals.
I can assure you that Water Service will do all in its power to minimise any risk of cryptosporidiosis through the public water supply.
Mrs Carson asked the Minister for Regional Development what information has been forwarded to the Department of Health, Social Service and Public Safety from the Department of Regional Development with regard to the outbreak of cryptosporidium.
(AQW 41/00)
Mr Campbell: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and the Department for Regional Development have an agreed joint protocol for the management of an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis. This is based on the recommendations of the 1998 report of the group of experts on cryptosporidium chaired by Prof Ian Bouchier.
The protocol was followed in the recent outbreak in the Lisburn and south-west Belfast areas with the establishment of an outbreak control team. The Team was chaired by the consultant for communicable disease control and involved officials of the Eastern Health and Social Services Board and the Water Service. Information on matters such as the extent of the area affected, water analysis results and ongoing investigations were dealt with by the team on a daily basis. Communications to the public were also agreed by the Team and issued as joint press statements.
The Department of Health was kept informed of progress by the Water Service, with a total of six reports being issued during the course of the incident. In addition to these formal methods of communication, there was regular liaison between the officials of the two Departments.
Water and Sewerage Services
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development how many of the estimated 6,000 homes without running water have benefited since the increase in financial allowances for the provision of mains water and public sewerage to existing homes.
(AQO 3/00)
Mr Campbell: Since the 4 May 2000 announcement about the increased financial allowances, the Water Service has approved applications for connecting 62 existing properties to mains water supplies. These properties require the implementation of 23 construction schemes.
Two schemes, involving nine properties, are currently under construction, and the remaining 21 schemes, involving 53 properties, are either at design stage or out to contract.
Strangford Bridge
Mr McCarthy asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will support requests from local residents for a bridge across Strangford Lough between Portaferry and Strangford as a replacement for the ferry service.
(AQO 23/00)
Mr Campbell: The projected traffic volumes using such a bridge would simply not be high enough to justify its very considerable construction costs.
The span across Strangford Lough between Portaferry and Strangford measures 0.6 mile, and the cost of constructing a bridge at this location is estimated to be £25 million to £30 million..
The environmental impact of the bridge would be a contentious issue in this area of outstanding natural beauty, particularly because the bridge would have to be a high-level construction to allow for continued navigation of the lough.
The Member for Strangford will be aware that my Department’s Roads Service has recently awarded the contract for a new vessel for use on the Strangford Lough ferry service. The contract is for the design, construction and delivery of a new 28-car ferry vessel within a 12-month period. The contract sum is within the £3 million budget which was set aside for this project, and the procurement of a new vessel will ensure the continuation of a safe and reliable ferry service between Portaferry and Strangford.
Public Transport (Finance)
Mr Ford asked the Minister for Regional Development what action he has taken to ensure that Northern Ireland will obtain additional funding for public transport in line with that allocated by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions in Great Britain.
(AQO 21/00)
Mr Campbell: The Northern Ireland 2000 spending review is the process by which public expenditure allocations will be made. In light of the fact that significant additional resources have been provided to the Northern Ireland block as a result of increased allocations in GB, including 20% annual increases for roads and transport, my aim is to ensure that substantial increases are provided for roads and transport in Northern Ireland. As part of the spending review process I have proposed bids for additional resources which have been notified to Mark Durkan, who will be presenting a draft Budget to the Executive Committee and the Assembly in the autumn. I will be promoting these bids strongly throughout the process leading to the agreement of the Budget. (I have also provided the Executive Committee with a paper setting out the current work in my Department in preparing a 10-year regional transportation strategy and have recently taken receipt of the Railways Task Force’s interim report.)
Sewerage (Ballyclare)
Mr J Wilson asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his proposals for the enhancement of sewage treatment facilities and the sewer network in the greater Ballyclare area; and if he will give a start date for the commencement of work.
(AQO 2/00)
Mr Campbell: A detailed technical and economic appraisal is currently being carried out of the options for providing enhanced waste water treatment facilities in Ballyclare. There will be ongoing consultation with public representatives as plans are being progressed.
Subject to completion of all the formalities, the scheme is programmed to commence in the financial year 2002/03. It is expected to cost around £5 million and take two years to complete.
A study of the sewerage system in Ballyclare has recently been completed, and a range of improvements have been identified. These are expected to cost in the region of £500,000. However, due to other priorities, it is not likely that work on these can commence before 2005/06.
Portadown-Armagh Road (A3)
Mr Watson asked the Minister for Regional Development when he proposes to proceed with the dualling of the A3 Portadown-Armagh road.
(AQO 7/00)
Mr Campbell: The Member will know that the A3 between Portadown and Armagh is a two-lane carriageway route. The volumes of traffic currently being recorded are well within the capacity for this type of road. My Department’s Roads Service has no plans at present to dual the road within the short-to-medium term and hence no such scheme is currently included in the Roads Service major works preparation pool. Options for improving the A3 will, however, be considered for possible inclusion in the Roads Service 10-year forward planning schedule, which will be published next year.
Flood Management
Mrs E Bell asked the Minister for Regional Development what contingency plans his Department has now in place in the event of any further flooding.
(AQO 19/00)
Mr Campbell: The Water Service, as part of its responsibility for the delivery of day-to-day water and sewerage services, has had in place emergency planning procedures to deal with a range of potential incidents. These procedures include a single province-wide telephone number, dedicated customer service/call handling units, 24-hour telemetry monitoring of key installations and deployment of emergency response staff and contractors to specific locations to deal with incidents.
The Water Service is currently reviewing these procedures to take account of issues identified during the recent exceptional flooding incidents in the Belfast area. I have also agreed with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development that the existing Inter-Agency Flood Group, led by the Rivers Agency and including staff from the Roads and Water Services, which has been addressing key issues of flood management co-ordination, will examine how current arrangements and procedures can be enhanced in order to improve the response to flooding incidents.
Public Transport:
Concessionary Fares
Mr Neeson asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans his Department has to introduce free public transport for pensioners in Northern Ireland.
(AQO 20/00)
Mr Campbell: I and my predecessor, Mr Robinson, are totally committed to seeing the introduction of a free travel scheme for older people at the earliest opportunity. To this end, Mr Robinson issued a discussion paper on this subject to councils in February 2000. I am pleased to advise that there was widespread support among councils for the provision of a free fare travel scheme for older people, although opinion was divided about how the scheme should be financed.
Mr Robinson again wrote to councils in June to seek a definitive opinion on financing the scheme. Councils were asked to comment by 1 September 2000. To date, 12 replies have been received.
The Department has put forward a Concessionary Fares Bill, and the Assembly agreed to incorporate this in the programme of legislation announced on Monday 11 September. The Bill provides for the introduction of a free public transport travel scheme(s) for older people (men and women 65 or over) and to enable district councils to contribute to the cost.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme
Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister for Social Development if the scheme, recently announced in Great Britain, to provide central heating systems for older people on low incomes will be extended to Northern Ireland.
(AQW 36/00)
The Minister for Social Development (Mr Morrow): No, the scheme will not extend to Northern Ireland. However, my Department has announced proposals, which are currently out for consultation, for a new Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme. This scheme will be introduced in April 2001 and will provide a package of insulation measures, including central heating for low-income private-sector pensioner households on certain benefits.
ASSEMBLY COMMISSION
Questions
Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Assembly Commission if it has any plans to publish information relating to the number of questions tabled by Members, broken down by party, Department and individual member.
(AQW 45/00)
Dr O’Hagan (Assembly Commission): I am responding on behalf of the Assembly Commission.
The Assembly Commission has no plans to publish information relating to the number of questions tabled by Members, broken down by p1arty, Department and individual Member.
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