Friday 11 May 2001
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people with haemophilia who received blood products which have been traced to a donor who died from variant CJD and (b) what steps she is taking to (i) provide counselling for those affected and (ii) protect haemophiliacs against future exposure.

(AQW 2696/00)

Ms de Brún: The number of patients with haemophilia who received blood products now traced to a plasma donor since diagnosed with vCJD is six (2 adults and 4 children).

All the patients, and parents of the children, were informed personally, at the earliest opportunity, in the most appropriate manner felt suitable to the different individuals.

The best available means of protecting haemophiliacs against further risk is to provide them with recombinant products. These are not derived from human blood. At present recombinant products are provided for all haemophiliac children under 16 and any new patients who have not previously received Plasma-derived Factor VIII. My Department is working with Boards to bring about a situation, as soon as possible, in which all haemophilia patients will receive only recombinant products.

Seisear is ea líon na n-othar le haemaifilia a fuair táirgí fola a bhfuil a lorg anois curtha siar go deontóir plasma fáthmheasta le CJDa ó shin (2 duine fásta agus 4 páiste).

Cuireadh in iúl do na hothair uile, agus do thuismitheoirí uile na bpáistí go pearsanta, ag an deis ba luaithe, agus sa dóigh cheart a síleadh cóir de réir na ndaoine éagsúla.

Is í an dóigh is fearr le haemaifiliaigh a chosaint óna thuilleadh baoil ná táirgí athchuingreacha a sholáthar dóibh. Ní thagann siad seo ó fhuil daonna. Faoi láthair, soláthraítear táirgí athchuingreacha do gach uile páiste haemaifiliach faoi bhun 16 agus d’othair nua ar bith nach bhfuair Fachtóir VIII Plasma-dhíorthach roimhe sin. Tá an Roinn s’agamsa ag obair le Boird leis na tosca a dhéanamh a luaithe agus is féidir ar dhóigh nach bhfaighidh gach uile othar haemaifiliach ach táirgí athchuingreacha amháin.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline her plans to increase the number of occupational therapists in the Ards Borough council area.

(AQW 2698/00)

Ms de Brún: Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts are responsible for ensuring that occupational therapy provision is adequate to meet the assessed needs of the population.

The Ulster Community and Hospitals HSS Trust is in the process of establishing a new senior occupational therapy post for community services. The Trust also has plans to further increase the occupational therapy workforce in line with the Trust’s share of the new monies made available this year.

Boird agus Iontaobhais Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta atá freagrach as cinntiú go bhfuil an teiripe saothair a sholáthraítear sásúil le riar ar riachtanais mheasúnaithe an phobail.

Tá Iontaobhas SSS Phobal agus Otharlanna Uladh i mbun post sinsearach nua teiripe saothair a chruthú do na seirbhísí pobail. Níl sé ar intinn ag an Iontaobhas an mheitheal oibre teiripe saothair a mhéadú a thuilleadh de réir sciar an Iontaobhais de na hairgid nua a cuireadh ar fáil i mbliana.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of occupational therapists employed by the EHSSB and, of these, how many are based in the Ards Borough Council area.

(AQW 2700/00)

Ms de Brún: At present there are 96.13 whole-time equivalent community occupational therapists employed by the EHSSB. It is not possible to identify separately those staff based in the Ards Borough Council area.

Faoi láthair, tá 96.13 teiripí saothair pobail choibhéis ama iomláin fostaithe ag an BSSSO. Ní féidir an fhoireann sin atá suite i gceantar Chomhairle na hAirde a aithint ina nduine agus ina nduine.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how many people are awaiting visits from occupational therapists in the Ards Borough Council area.

(AQW 2701/00)

Ms de Brún: Currently there are 490 people on the waiting list for occupational therapy services in the Ards Council area.

Faoi láthair, tá 490 duine ar an liosta feithimh do sheirbhísí teiripe saothair i gceantar Chomhairle na hAirde.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of General Practitioners who were appointed in the financial year 2000-2001 and how many of these were (a) part time and (b) full time.

(AQW 2729/00)

Ms de Brún: There were 40 General Practitioners admitted to the Medical List in the financial year 2000- 2001. Of this number, 27 work part time and 13 work full time.

Cuireadh 40 Gnáthdhochtúir ar an Liosta Míochaine sa bhliain airgeadais 2000-2001. Den líon seo, oibríonn 27 go páirtaimseartha agus 13 go lánaimseartha.

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2366/00, to detail the estimated flying time for an air ambulance based in Glasgow to (a) the closest location within Northern Ireland and (b) the furthermost location within Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2734/00)

Ms de Brún: The estimated flying time by air ambulance from Glasgow to Ballycastle ranges from approximately 40-60 minutes and from Glasgow to Belleek from 60-90 minutes, depending on the type of aircraft used and the prevailing weather conditions.

Tá an t-am eitilte le haerotharcharr ó Ghlaschú go Baile an Chaisleáin measta sa réimse ó thart faoi 40 go 60 nóiméad, agus ó Ghlaschú go Béal Leice sa réimse ó 60 go 90 nóiméad, ag brath ar an sórt eitleáin a úsáidtear agus ar staid na haimsire.

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 1744/00 and her letter dated 7 August 2000, to detail (a) the outcome of the meeting which was to take place in early March this year (b) if a decision has been taken to increase the number of speech and language therapy student places and (c) if a decision will be taken in time to increase the student intake by October 2001.

(AQW 2737/00)

Ms de Brún: The current shortage of speech and language therapists was discussed at a meeting between the Department and the School of Health Science, University of Ulster Jordanstown on 6 March 2001. The Department advised of the need for an increase in the number of training places for Speech and Language Therapy students and the University considered the scope to respond to the increased need.

It is anticipated that the Speech and Language Therapy student intake may require to be increased by 10 and it is agreed that this increase in student places can be achieved with effect from October 2001. The final increase in number will be dependent on resources being available to support this additional training.

Pléadh easpa teiripithe labhartha agus teanga ag cruinniú idir an Roinn agus Scoil Eolas Sláinte, Ollscoil Uladh Baile Mhic Iordáin ar 6 Márta 2001. Thug an Roinn le fios an gá le méadú i líon na n-áiteanna do mhic léinn Teiripe Labhartha agus Teanga agus mheas an Ollscoil a h-ábaltacht chun seo a fhreagairt.

Glactar gur dócha go mbeidh méadú le glacadh isteach mac léinn teiripe labhartha agus teanga le 10 áit agus aontaíodh gur féidir seo a chur i gcrích faoi Dheireadh Fómhair 2001. Tá méadú san uimhir a ghlacfar isteach ag brath ar chur ar fáil acmhainní chun tacú leis an oiliúint.

Mr Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what structures are in place for implementing advice on support to the primary care teams in relation to Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).

(AQW 2739/00)

Ms de Brún: In December last year, my Department issued guidance about developing and extending action within the Health and Personal Social Services to help people stop smoking as part of a wider initiative to tackle tobacco dependence. The guidance included advice on both the prescribing and use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) as part of a range of smoking cessation interventions.

Each Health and Social Services Board has been asked to provide regular monitoring information on the development of cessation services and this will include data on the provision of NRT.

I Mí na Nollag anuraidh, d’eisigh an Roinn s’agamsa treoir ar fhorbairt agus fhairsingiú birt taobh istigh de na Seirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialta Pearsanta chun cuidiú le daoine stop a chur le caitheamh tobac mar chuid de scéim níos fairsinge chun dul i ngleic leis an spleáchas ar tobac. Mar aon leis an treoir, bhí comhairle ar idir ordú agus úsáid Teiripe Mhalartú Nicitín (TMN) mar chuid de réimse idirghabhálacha le haghaidh éirí as tobac.

Iarradh ar gach Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta eolas rialta monatóireachta a chur ar fáil ar fhorbairt na seirbhísí éirí as tobac agus mar aon leis seo, beidh sonraí ar sholáthar TMN.

Mr Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans to adopt the proposed National Institute of Clinical Excellence Guidelines from England.

(AQW 2740/00)

Ms de Brún: I have recently published the consultation document "Best Practice – Best Care" which sets out proposals for setting standards, strengthening accountability for the services delivered and improving monitoring and regulation in the HPSS.

The proposals for setting standards identifies the possibility for exploring linkages with other standard setting bodies, for example the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.

The document issued for consultation on 11th April 2001. The deadline for responses is 18th July 2001. I will wish to take account of the views expressed during the consultation exercise before taking any final decisions on the best arrangements for improving the quality of services here.

Ar na mallaibh, d’fhoilsigh mé an cháipéis chomhairlithe "Sárchleachtadh – Sárchúram" a leagann moltaí amach chun caighdeáin a leagan síos, freagracht as na seirbhísí a sholáthraítear a neartú, agus chun monatóireacht agus rialachán sna SSSP a fheabhsú.

Aithníonn na moltaí le haghaidh leagan síos caighdeán an fhéidearthacht le naisc le forais eile a leagann caighdeáin síos a scrúdú, mar shampla an Institiúid Náisiúnta um Fheabhas Chliniciúil.

Eisíodh an cháipéis do chomhairliú ar an 11ú Aibreán 2001. Is é an spriocdháta d’fhreagraí an 18ú Iúil 2001. Is mian liom na tuairimí a chuirfear in iúl le linn an chleachtaidh chomhairlithe a chur san áireamh sula ndéanfaidh mé bearta deireanacha ar bith ar na socruithe is fearr chun cáilíocht na seirbhísí anseo a fheabhsú.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what progress she is making in implementing the departmental document ‘Strategy for Reducing Alcohol Related Harm’ and to make a statement.

(AQW 2744/00)

Ms de Brún: I have recently appointed a regional Drug Strategy Co-ordinator, supported by a dedicated team within my Department, to take responsibility for steering the implementation both of the Drug Strategy and of the Strategy for Reducing Alcohol Related Harm.

To ensure coherent and consistent delivery of the aims of the Strategy priority has been given to establishing appropriate implementation structures. I am pleased that good progress has already been made and I hope to be in a position to make a further statement about this shortly. I expect work towards all the Alcohol Strategy targets to progress rapidly as soon as the implementation structures are in place.

Cheap mé Comhordaitheoir Réigiúnach Straitéise Drugaí ar na mallaibh, tacaithe ag foireann dhíograiseach taobh istigh den Roinn s’agamsa, le bheith freagrach as maoirseacht chur i gcrích na Straitéise Drugaí agus na Straitéise do Laghdú sa Dochar Bainteach le hAlcól araon.

Le comhlíonadh leanúnach seasta aidhmeanna na Straitéise a chinntiú, tugadh tosaíocht do bhunú struchtúr cuí cur i gcrích. Tá áthas orm go ndearnadh dul chun cinn maith cheana féin agus tá súil agam go mbeidh mé i riocht ráiteas breise a dhéanamh faoi seo ar ball. Tá mé ag súil go ndéanfar obair le dul chun cinn na spriocanna Straitéise Alcóil a bhaint amach go gasta, a luaithe agus atá na struchtúir chur i gcrích i bhfeidhm.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of (a) haemophilia patients currently being treated with plasma derived clotting factor products (b) patients being treated with recombinant factor products and (c) adults and children in each of the above categories.

(AQW 2753/00)

Ms de Brún: Currently there are 105 adults and 48 children registered with haemophilia A here, some of whom do not require treatment. Of these, 31 adults receive plasma-derived therapy. Fifty-four adults receive recombinant factor products. Thirty children with haemophilia A are on factor replacement therapy, and all children receive recombinant therapy.

There are seven adults and three children with haemophilia B. Only two adults have severe enough disease to need regular treatment, and receive recombinant therapy. All the children receive recombinant therapy.

Faoi láthair, tá 105 duine fásta agus 48 páiste cláraithe le haemaifilia A anseo, roinnt díobh nach bhfuil cóireáil de dhíth orthu. De na daoine seo, faigheann 31 duine fásta teiripe plasma-dhíorthach. Faigheann 54 duine fásta táirgí athchuingreacha fachtóra. Tá 30 páiste le haemaifilia A ar theiripe malartú fachtóra agus faigheann na páistí uile teiripe athchuingreach.

Tá 7 duine fásta agus 3 páiste ann le haemaifilia B. Níl ach 2 duine fásta le galar géar go leor le cóireáil rialta a bheith de dhíth orthu, agus a fhaigheann teiripe athchuingreach. Faigheann na páistí uile teiripe athchuingreach.

Mr Byrne asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment if he is pursuing any elements of his work on a North/South basis and to outline what level of contact has there been with colleagues in the Republic of Ireland.

(AQO 1390/00)

The Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment (Dr Farren): There are a number of issues which fall to my Department and which are the subject of North/South co-operation requiring regular contact with colleagues in the South, at ministerial and official, level. These contacts and co-operation include issues such as higher education research, vocational education and training, mutual recognition of vocational qualifications, tourism training, joint overseas recruitment, and European funding issues. I also have attended meetings of the North South Ministerial Council Sector Bodies on Trade and Development and on Tourism.

Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to explore the viability of establishing a university across two or more sites on both sides of the border and if he will seek European funding for this initiative.

(AQO 1376/00)

Dr Farren: There are no plans to explore the viability of establishing a university on both sides of the border.

Mr Neeson asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment if he has any plans to transfer the Department of Catering at The University of Ulster at Jordanstown to the Northern Ireland Hotel and Catering College, Portrush.

(AQO 1383/00)

Dr Farren: The Governing Body of the Northern Ireland Hotel and Catering College has submitted to the Department a proposal to merge with the University of Ulster. The Department is presently considering this proposal.

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment if he will be undertaking any short term training initiatives to assist the tourism sector in overcoming recent difficulties.

(AQO 1393/00)

Dr Farren: My officials are currently working with industry representatives and colleagues from CERT, the body with responsibility for tourism in the Republic of Ireland, to develop a range of initiatives to meet the needs of industry, in particular the needs of businesses and SMEs. I will keep Members informed of these developments over the next four to six weeks.

Mrs Courtney asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to outline on what basis will the 1,000 extra higher education places be allocated and if he anticipates that there will be an increase in university places in the northwest region.

(AQO 1387/00)

Dr Farren: Decisions have not yet been taken on the allocation of the additional places.

Mr Fee asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment what steps he has taken to review the success or otherwise of New Deal; and to make a statement.

(AQO 1419/00)

Dr Farren: My Department is undertaking an extensive programme of evaluations to investigate the effect of New Deal. Some initial findings have already been made public. They suggest that participants’ perceptions of New Deal are generally positive. A number of changes have already been made to New Deal provision as a result of the evaluations.

A detailed overview of the evaluations and a summary of key findings to date were published in my Department’s Labour Market Bulletins No13 and No14, which are available in the Assembly Library. In addition copies of the final reports of a survey of leavers from the New Deal for 18-24 Year Olds and a qualitative study of Key New Deal Players are also available in the Library.

Mr Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) how he intends to spend the money allocated from Executive funds for the A8 Larne/Belfast road, namely, £0.8 million during 2001-02, £1.2 million during 2002-03 and £2.3 million during 2003-04, (b) if the short fall for the announced project will be met by departmental funds during the period 2001-04; and if he will ensure that junctions with a poor road safety record along this route will be upgraded as a matter of priority.

(AQW 2622/00)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Campbell): As I indicated in my answer to your Written Assembly Question (AQW 2084/00) on 12 March 2001, the package of proposed improvements to the A8 Belfast to Larne road comprises discrete schemes (No. 3) and the statutory procedures for each scheme are being progressed separately so that any difficulty in one does not affect the others. On completion of the statutory procedures (including the acquisition of the necessary land), the schemes will be considered for progression into the Major Works Construction Programme.

Until the respective statutory procedures for each scheme are completed, Roads Service is not in a position to programme the schemes within the Construction Programme or to advise how the Executive Programme Funds for the A8 will be spent.

You will be aware that, despite the additional Executive Programme Funds, there still remains a funding deficit if all the schemes within the Major Works Preparation Pool are to be completed as quickly as would be desirable. Whether the shortfall for the A8 improvements will be met by Departmental funds during 2001/04 will depend on the availability of such funds at that time.

The timing of the improvements to the Millbrook and Antiville junctions will be dependent on the completion of the statutory procedures for that scheme and the availability of funds at that time.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his plans to improve public transport in West Tyrone.

(AQW 2642/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Rural Transport Fund continues to support improvements to public transport in West Tyrone. The Fund is subsidising services on four new rural routes operated by Ulsterbus in the West Tyrone area and grant aid has been provided to Ulsterbus for the purchase of a new fully accessible midi-bus, based in Omagh.

The Fund is also supporting improvements to public transport information. A new Information Kiosk will be sited in Newtownstewart and 15 new bus stops have been located throughout the area at such locations as the Folk Park, the History Park, Beragh, Sixmilecross, Carrickmore, Castlederg, Drumquin, Fintona, Dromore, Greencastle, Newtownstewart and Mountfield.

Furthermore, my Department will be handing over a second fully accessible minibus for use by the Strabane District Rural Transport Partnership.

Public transport services in all rural areas, including West Tyrone, will be considered during the development of the 10-year Regional Transportation Strategy.

Ms Lewsley asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the steps (a) already taken and (b) to be taken this year to make arrangements for ensuring, and assessing, public access to information and to services provided by the authority as required by Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

(AQW 2661/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department, in accordance with commitments outlined in its Equality Scheme (approved by the Equality Commission on 15 February 2001), has completed an audit of current provision of information and services in formats accessible to Section 75 groups.

The Equality Scheme for the Department for Regional Development contains a commitment to the highest level of inclusivity in the provision of its information and services. Accordingly, the Department is actively participating in cross-departmental consultation with Section 75 groups on the provision of accessible formats.

Mr Wells asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the schemes which he has sanctioned to improve the A50 Road between Banbridge and Castlewellan.

(AQW 2680/00)

Mr Campbell: In addition to on-going structural maintenance and resurfacing works, my Department’s Roads Service plans to carry out the following minor road improvement schemes on the A50 Banbridge to Castlewellan road during 2001/02:-

• Stage 2 improvements at the Flough Road junction;
• corner improvements at the district council boundary on the Bann Road, Castlewellan;
• Stage 2 corner improvements at Castlewellan Road, Banbridge, west of Corbet; and
• improvements at U4325 Gargarry Road junction.

This is in addition to the extensive works already carried out over the last 5 years on this route.

Dr O’Hagan asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail what plans there are for investment in street lighting in the Craigavon Borough Council wards of Derrytrasna and Aghagallon and at what locations that money is to be invested.

(AQW 2702/00)

Mr Campbell: I should point out that the following information relates to the locally known areas of Derrytrasna and Aghagallon which may not coincide precisely with the Council wards.

My Department’s Roads Service has no specific street lighting schemes planned for Derrytrasna and Aghagallon other than to provide street lighting at new housing developments.

In the last five years, Roads Service has spent approximately £26K and £20K respectively on the provision or improvement of street lighting facilities at the following locations in the Derrytrasna and Aghagallon areas:

Derrytrasna

• Island Hill Manor;
• Raughlan Meadows;
• Ballynerry North Road;
• Derrytrasna Road/Ballynerry North Road Junction;
• Ardmore Road;
• Pier Rampart.

Aghagallon

• Lagan Close;
• Beechgrove Avenue;
• Colane Manor;
• Loughview;
• Ferngrove area;
• Bayview Park.

Dr O’Hagan asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail how much has been spent in the last five years on street lighting in the Craigavon Borough Council wards of Derrytrasna and Aghagallon and in what locations it has been invested.

(AQW 2703/00)

Mr Campbell: I should point out that the following information relates to the locally known areas of Derrytrasna and Aghagallon which may not coincide precisely with the Council wards.

My Department’s Roads Service has no specific street lighting schemes planned for Derrytrasna and Aghagallon other than to provide street lighting at new housing developments.

In the last five years, Roads Service has spent approximately £26K and £20K respectively on the provision or improvement of street lighting facilities at the following locations in the Derrytrasna and Aghagallon areas:

Derrytrasna

• Island Hill Manor;
• Raughlan Meadows;
• Ballynerry North Road;
• Derrytrasna Road/Ballynerry North Road Junction;
• Ardmore Road;
• Pier Rampart.

Aghagallon

• Lagan Close;
• Beechgrove Avenue;
• Colane Manor;
• Loughview;
• Ferngrove area;
• Bayview Park.

Dr O’Hagan asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail what plans there are for investment on the rural roads in the Craigavon Borough Council wards of Derrytrasna and Aghagallon and at what locations that money is to be invested.

(AQW 2704/00)

Mr Campbell: I should explain that details of expenditure on road maintenance are not readily available on a ward basis. My Department’s Roads Service, however, is currently in the process of formulating a programme of road maintenance and improvement works to be undertaken within the Craigavon Borough Council area during the current financial year. A report detailing the proposed programme will be formally presented by the Divisional Roads Manager to the Council on 18 June 2001. Copies of the report will be issued to Council members in advance of the meeting and I have arranged for a copy to be forwarded to you at that time. While the report will not identify and group work on a ward basis, it will provide details of single substantial works on specific roads. As regards past expenditure, I can advise that specific improvement works to the value of £555K and £98K were spent on roads in the Derrytrasna and Aghagallon areas respectively during the last five years. This expenditure was incurred at the following locations:

Derrytrasna

• road realignment at Kiln Road;
• traffic calming at Derrymacash;
• traffic signals at Lough Road/Kiln Road;
• sightline improvements at junction of cycle track and Annaloiste Road; and
• bridge strengthening works at Derrymacash motorway bridge (cost approximately £375K).

Aghagallon

• road realignment at Bell’s Row railway crossing, Lurgan;
• sightline improvements at Cornakinnegar Road;
• traffic calming in Aghagallon; and
• new footway in Aghagallon.

I should point out that the above information relates to locally known areas of Derrytrasna and Aghagallon which may not coincide precisely with the Council wards.

Dr O’Hagan asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide a breakdown of the money spent on rural roads in the Craigavon Borough Council wards of Aghagallon and Derrytrasna and at what locations the money was invested in the last five years.

(AQW 2705/00)

Mr Campbell: I should explain that details of expenditure on road maintenance are not readily available on a ward basis. My Department’s Roads Service, however, is currently in the process of formulating a programme of road maintenance and improvement works to be undertaken within the Craigavon Borough Council area during the current financial year. A report detailing the proposed programme will be formally presented by the Divisional Roads Manager to the Council on 18 June 2001. Copies of the report will be issued to Council members in advance of the meeting and I have arranged for a copy to be forwarded to you at that time. While the report will not identify and group work on a ward basis, it will provide details of single substantial works on specific roads. As regards past expenditure, I can advise that specific improvement works to the value of £555K and £98K were spent on roads in the Derrytrasna and Aghagallon areas respectively during the last five years. This expenditure was incurred at the following locations:

Derrytrasna

• road realignment at Kiln Road;
• traffic calming at Derrymacash;
• traffic signals at Lough Road/Kiln Road;
• sightline improvements at junction of cycle track and Annaloiste Road; and
• bridge strengthening works at Derrymacash motorway bridge (cost approximately £375K).

Aghagallon

• road realignment at Bell’s Row railway crossing, Lurgan;
• sightline improvements at Cornakinnegar Road;
• traffic calming in Aghagallon; and
• new footway in Aghagallon.

I should point out that the above information relates to locally known areas of Derrytrasna and Aghagallon which may not coincide precisely with the Council wards.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister for Regional Development what account he took of parking facilities when considering the application for an extension to ‘The Sly Fox’, Moy, Co Tyrone and is he satisfied that road safety has not been compromised due to the increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area.

(AQW 2709/00)

Mr Campbell: As these are matters for my Department’s Roads Service, questions AQW 2709/00 and AQW2711/00 have been passed to me for a reply.

When assessing the planning application for the proposed extension for ‘The Sly Fox’ in Moy, Co Tyrone, Roads Service considered that:

• adequate parking is available in the vicinity of the premises - this includes the Diamond, Killyman Street and Charlemont Street;
• the proposal would not add to the morning or afternoon traffic peaks in the town as licensed premises generally attract most of their business in the evenings, after normal business hours;
• existing servicing from Killyman Street is unlikely to be greatly intensified due to the extension of the premises;
• a town centre public bar such as this is likely to attract a considerable number of customers on foot; and
• pedestrians approaching these premises from any direction are able to use public footways.

Considering all of the above and, given that the premises are within the 30 mph speed limit, I am satisfied that road safety has not been compromised as a result of the planning approval.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister for Regional Development what account he took of the impact on traffic when considering the application for an extension to ‘The Sly Fox’, Moy, Co Tyrone.

(AQW 2711/00)

Mr Campbell: As these are matters for my Department’s Roads Service, questions AQW 2709/00 and AQW2711/00 have been passed to me for a reply.

When assessing the planning application for the proposed extension for ‘The Sly Fox’ in Moy, Co Tyrone, Roads Service considered that:

• adequate parking is available in the vicinity of the premises - this includes the Diamond, Killyman Street and Charlemont Street;
• the proposal would not add to the morning or afternoon traffic peaks in the town as licensed premises generally attract most of their business in the evenings, after normal business hours;
• existing servicing from Killyman Street is unlikely to be greatly intensified due to the extension of the premises;
• a town centre public bar such as this is likely to attract a considerable number of customers on foot; and
• pedestrians approaching these premises from any direction are able to use public footways.

Considering all of the above and, given that the premises are within the 30 mph speed limit, I am satisfied that road safety has not been compromised as a result of the planning approval.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any monitoring that has taken place on the usage of existing cycle lanes and/or cycle routes.

(AQW 2715/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service has initiated the monitoring of the use of cycle lanes and cycle routes in Northern Ireland by establishing its Cycle Usage Survey. The Survey uses automatic cycle counters to record the number of bicycles that pass 31 fixed positions located throughout Northern Ireland. The results of the Survey will be used to monitor progress towards achieving the Northern Ireland Cycling Strategy targets to:

• double the number of trips by cycle (based on 2000 figures) by the end of 2005; and
• quadruple the number of trips by cycle (based on 2000 figures) by the end of 2015.

The data collected during 2000 by the Survey is currently being collated and validated and will be available in early summer. I will arrange for a copy of the Survey Report to be sent to the Assembly Library.

Mr Wells asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) the amount of revenue received from parking fees in Kilkeel, Newcastle, Downpatrick and Ballynahinch for the years 1999 and 2000 and (b) the administration costs incurred in collecting these payments.

(AQW 2719/00)

Mr Campbell: Whilst my Department’s Roads Service operates a number of car parks in Kilkeel and Newcastle, none is subject to charging.

The table below shows the amount of revenue received from car parking fees in the towns of Downpatrick and Ballynahinch and the administration costs incurred in collecting those fees for the years 1999/2000 and 2000/01:

I should make it clear that the administration costs included in the above table are the costs paid by Roads Service to its contractor for manning the car parks (where necessary) and for collecting the fees. These costs do not include maintenance and repair, rates or capital charges.

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of park & ride places which have been made available at Mossley West Railway Station and to indicate when the station will become available for commuter use.

(AQW 2725/00)

Mr Campbell: Translink has advised that it plans to provide initially around 80 park and ride spaces at Mossley West railway station. There is scope for the provision of further spaces although this will be subject to passenger demand and the availability of resources. The station will become available for commuter use once safe pedestrian access to it has been provided and the outstanding planning consideration resolved. Translink’s preferred solution to the access problem is currently being given further consideration by Roads Service. Translink officials are optimistic that there will soon be a prompt resolution to the issue.

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the costs involved in re-instating Mossley West Railway Station after recent vandalism attacks.

(AQW 2726/00)

Mr Campbell: Translink has advised that it estimates the costs involved in repair work to the Mossley West railway station after recent vandalism attacks to be between £5,000 and £7,000. Translink is currently considering the installation of CCTV in order to deter any future vandalism.

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the costs involved in the construction of the railway station at Mossley West in Newtownabbey.

(AQW 2727/00)

Mr Campbell: Translink has advised that the construction cost of the Mossley West railway station is estimated at £815,000. There may be additional costs incurred in order to provide safe pedestrian access to the station.

Mr Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) what proportion of the £1.8m set aside during this financial year for traffic calming will be spent in the constituency of East Antrim and (b) the locations and cost of each planned traffic calming scheme.

(AQW 2735/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service has not programmed any traffic calming schemes in the constituency of East Antrim during the current financial year. A number of sites within the constituency are, however, currently being assessed by Roads Service for possible inclusion in future traffic calming programmes.

Additional funding for traffic calming in this year has enabled the Roads Service to bring forward some schemes that would otherwise not have been completed. The advancement of these schemes has enabled Fernagh Estate (between Doagh Road and Station Road) in Newtownabbley to become a priority traffic calming scheme for 2002/03.

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the consultation he has undertaken with his Ministerial colleagues in an attempt to alleviate the current problems regarding the opening of Mossley West Railway Station.

(AQW 2741/00)

Mr Campbell: As there is no disagreement between my Department and any other Department in relation to the pedestrian access problem that is delaying the opening of Mossley West railway station, I have not consulted any other Minister about the problem. This is an operational issue for Translink to resolve. Translink are currently engaged in discussions with Roads Service about how best to provide pedestrian access and I understand that they are optimistic that there will soon be a resolution to the issue.

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the funding required to construct a footbridge at Mossley West Railway Station; and to make a statement.

(AQW 2742/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the cost of providing an independent footbridge at the proposed Mossley West railway halt would be approximately £150K.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development whether there are plans to provide purpose built bus station facilities in Strabane.

(AQW 2748/00)

Mr Campbell: Translink has advised that there are currently no plans to provide purpose built bus station facilities in Strabane.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his plans to encourage the transfer of freight traffic from road to rail.

(AQW 2751/00)

Mr Campbell: Due to the size of Northern Ireland, the relatively short distance to its ports and the relatively small railway network there are limited opportunities for the economic use of rail freight in Northern Ireland. Even within the context of both NI and RoI there are likely to be limited opportunities to encourage a transfer of freight from road to rail. The contribution that the rail network can make to the movement of freight will be considered in the context of the overall Regional Transportation Strategy. In the meantime, Northern Ireland Railways will keep under review the potential for enhancing the rail freight aspect of their business, including the encouragement of freight traffic to rail from road.

Mr Maskey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of (a) fatal and (b) non- fatal accidents that have occurred across each divisional headquarters area in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2816/00)

Mr Campbell: The provision of information in relation to road accidents is a matter for the Northern Ireland Office.

Mr Maskey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of (a) fatal and (b) non- fatal accidents that have occurred across each parliamentary constituency in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

(AQW 2817/00)

Mr Campbell: The provision of information in relation to road accidents is a matter for the Northern Ireland Office.

Mr A Maginness asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline how he has taken account of New TSN in the prioritisation of road projects.

(AQW 2828/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service is currently assessing potential major works schemes for possible inclusion in its 10-year Forward Planning Schedule. The assessments are on the basis of the five key criteria of integration, safety, economy, environment and accessibility in accordance with the Department’s Northern Ireland Transport Policy Statement, ‘Moving Forward’, published in November 1998. The process takes into consideration the objectives of the Department’s New Targeting Social Need policy, primarily under the accessibility criterion. Consultants, appointed in December 1999, have reviewed the assessment methodology used by Roads Service and have confirmed that it provides a practical means of addressing New Targeting Social Need policy considerations.

Mr Berry asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of reported accidents on the Mullahead Road, Tandragee in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available.

(AQW 2831/00)

Mr Campbell: The provision of information in relation to road accidents is a matter for the Northern Ireland Office.

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