(AQW 1662/01)

Ms de Brún: Details of the Home-Start schemes that are being funded by Health and Social Services Trusts in the current financial year are provided in the table overleaf:

The level of funding provided for Home-Start schemes is a matter for individual Trusts to determine and agree with the Home-Start schemes operating within their respective areas.

Baineann an leibhéal maoinithe curtha ar fáil do scéimeanna Home-Start leis na hIontaobhais aonair chun scéimeanna Home-Start, ag oibriú laistigh dá gceantair féin, a chinntiú agus a aontú.

(AQW 1669/01)

Ms de Brún: Following appointment to Health & Personal Social Services (HPSS) bodies and other executive Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPB) for which I am responsible, all board members are expected to subscribe to the highest standards of propriety as set out in the body’s ‘Code of Conduct’ or ‘Code of Best Practice’, and the HPSS ‘Codes of Conduct and Codes of Accountability’.

I have arranged for copies of the HPSS ‘Codes of Conduct and Accountability’, and other ‘Codes of Conduct’ and ‘Codes of Practice’ relating to executive NDPBs to be placed in the Assembly Library.

I ndiaidh na gceapachán d’fhorais na Seirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialta Pearsanta (SSSP) agus d’Fhorais Phoiblí Neamh-Rannacha fheidhmeannacha eile (FPNF) as a bhfuil mé freagrach, iarrtar ar bhaill uile an bhoird cloí leis na caighdeáin is airde de chuibheas mar atá leagtha amach in ‘Cód Iompair’ nó ‘Cód Dea-chleachtais’ an fhorais agus in ‘Cóid Iompair agus Cóid Fhreagrachta’ na SSSP.

Shocraigh mé go gcuirfí cóipeanna de ‘Cóid Iompair agus Fhreagrachta’ na SSSP chomh maith le ‘Cóid Iompair’ agus ‘Cóid Chleachtais’ eile a bhaineann le FPNFanna feidhmeannacha i Leabharlann an Tionóil.

(AQW 1702/01)

Ms de Brún: The Medicines Control Agency has received a total of 252 reports originating from clinicians here, of adverse drug reactions in association with the Meningitis C vaccine. None of these was fatal.

Fuair an Ghníomhaireacht Rialaithe Cógas 252 tuairisc san iomlán ó chliniceoirí anseo ar fhrithghníomhartha díobhálacha drugaí maidir leis an vaicsín Meiningíteas C. Ní raibh ceann ar bith acu seo marfach.

(AQW 1703/01)

Ms de Brún: This information is detailed in the table below.

Tá an t-eolas léirithe sa tábla thíos.

(AQW 1704/01)

Ms de Brún: In 2001, one child aged under 5 years of age was diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis here. This represents 0.0007% of the local population aged 5 years and under.

Sa bhliain 2001, bhí páiste amháin faoi 5 bliain d’aois a diagnóisíodh le meiningíteas neomacocúil anseo. Tá sin mar 0.0007% den phobal áitiúil a bhfuil 5 bliain nó níos lú slánaithe acu.

(AQW 1731/01)

Ms de Brún: I am advised that the Sperrin Lakeland Health and Social Services Trust, which covers West Tyrone, has experienced few problems placing clients in residential homes following their discharge from hospital. At present there are 3 patients in Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital who are experiencing some delay in discharge but this is because they need a specialised assessment and a particular type of placement.

The Trust is confident that, unless there is an unexpected surge in demand, it can respond to the demand for placements in residential care.

Tugadh comhairle dom gur beag fadhb a bhí ag Iontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta Thír Lochanna Speirín, a chlúdaíonn Tír Eoghain Thiar, le cliaint a shocrú i dtithe cónaithe i ndiaidh dóibh bheith scaoilte amach as an otharlann. Faoi láthair tá 3 othar in Otharlann Thír Eoghain agus Fhear Manach a raibh moill éigin leis an scaoileadh amach as siocair go bhfuil sainmheasúnú agus socrú áirithe de dhíth orthu.

Tá an tIontaobhas muiníneach gur féidir leis freastal ar an éileamh ar shocrúcháin i gcúram cónaithe mura bhfuil borradh mór faoin éileamh nach bhfuiltear ag dúil leis.

(AQW 1457/01)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr P Robinson): The criteria used by my Department’s Roads Service when assessing or considering requests for reduction in speed limits are essentially the same as those that apply in other parts of the United Kingdom. They take into consideration the character of the road, the density of adjacent development, accident rates and the prevailing speed of traffic.

In general terms:

• 20 mph speed limits are only appropriate where they are combined with robust self-enforcing traffic calming measures that naturally restrict the speeds to 20 mph.

• 30 mph is the nationally recognised limit for urban areas. It is typically applied in built up areas with in-depth development on both sides of the road.

• 40 mph is applied to less densely developed suburban roads.

• Accident records and speed of traffic are taken into consideration when it is not possible to make a clear classification from the above criteria or when they indicate that a speed limit should be changed.

• On dual and single carriageway roads with a national speed limit of 70 mph and 60 mph respectively, a reduction in limit should only be considered when an identified accident problem exists.

(AQW 1473/01)

Mr P Robinson: My Department has investigated vehicle occupancy on one of the main arterial routes into Belfast. Officials found that 75% of vehicles were occupied only by drivers. Further research is ongoing to identify what factors encourage people to car-share.

(AQW 1477/01)

Mr P Robinson: The Strategic Rail Authority’s 10-year strategy for the development of rail travel in Great Britain envisages a commitment of some £33.5 billion by Government over the next 10 years. However, as responsibility for rail travel in Northern Ireland has been devolved to the Assembly, the Strategic Rail Authority’s strategy will have no direct implications for railways in Northern Ireland. Funding decisions for railways here are a matter for the Assembly and I will be seeking additional investment for railways in the coming year in accordance with our Regional Transportation Strategy, currently being developed.

(AQW 1500/01)

Mr P Robinson: The current improvement works on the A8 (M) between Corr’s Corner and Sandyknowes involves the replacement of the existing earth mound barrier in the central reserve with corrugated beam safety fencing and the surfacing of the central reserve with asphalt. The work, costing approximately £100,000, was completed on 27 January 2002.

(AQW 1507/01)

Mr P Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service does not maintain details of expenditure on road improvements on a parliamentary constituency basis. However, the table below shows the expenditure incurred by Roads Service on capital (i.e. major and minor road improvement schemes) and maintenance activities in the North Down Borough Council area during the ten year period 1991/92 to 2000/01.

Because of changes arising from the reorganisation of Roads Service in 1999/2000, the maintenance figures for the years 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 are as yet provisional. However, firm figures will be available by the end of March 2002 and I will provide them to you at that time with the relevant details, which I will copy in the Assembly Library.

(AQW 1520/01)

Mr P Robinson: The Roads Service Annual Report and Accounts 1999-2000 recorded details of Roads Service performance in endeavouring to achieve 9 key and 22 other service standards as contained in the Road User’s Charter Statement. Only three of these challenging targets were not met.

The year 1999-2000 was one of considerable change for Roads Service. Not only had the Agency to face the challenges of a major internal reorganisation, it also experienced computer software problems and a significant increase in workload as a consequence of Devolution. All of this was against a background of continuing pressures on staff resources.

Although Roads Service was not fully satisfied with the outturns it achieved in 1999-2000, it believes that the overall level of service provided to customers was satisfactory. The Service is seeking to continually improve its performance.

(AQW 1521/01)

Mr P Robinson: In response to the underachievement during 1999 of acknowledgement and response to formal complaints, my Department’s Roads Service reviewed the manual system for recording mail and introduced in Autumn 1999, an electronic mail tracking system on a pilot basis. Following the successful pilot study, this electronic system was upgraded and implemented throughout the Agency in 2001. The system alerts staff of impending deadlines and more accurately monitors performance against the key targets.

In addition, the system has facilitated monitoring of the Agency’s performance on acknowledgement and response to complaints and enquiries on a monthly basis. This provides early warning of under-achievement and enables management to identify and remedy any local problems.

(AQW 1522/01)

Mr P Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that, arising from the reorganisation of Roads Service on 1 April 1999, some operational difficulties associated with the computer software used for ordering and monitoring defect repairs were experienced. As noted in the Roads Service Annual Report and Accounts 1999-2000, these difficulties affected the accuracy of the Agency’s performance information over a period of approximately 6 months and cast serious doubts on the reliability of the overall performance statistics for the reporting period.

Following the adoption of new road maintenance standards in June 2000, revised performance indicators were set for the repair of defects. These revised targets reduced the response time in respect of defects over 50 mm deep from 3 working days to 1 day, with 90% to be repaired within one day of detection. For the period 1 April 2001 to 31 December 2001, 85% of these defects were repaired within 1 day. Roads Service is currently reviewing the performance of contractors delivering this repair service with a view to improving their performance.

(AQW 1545/01)

Mr P Robinson: Impounding reservoirs in the North and West of the Province are almost full and there are no concerns about the water supply in these areas. However, the unusually dry autumn and mild winter has meant that the Silent Valley reservoirs are much lower than normal for this time of year. The heavy rainfall over the past couple of weeks has improved the situation. There is no immediate threat to water supplies in County Down and Belfast. However, average, or preferably above average, rainfall is required over coming months to prevent difficulties later in the year.

Water Service has implemented a range of measures to reduce demand on the Silent Valley reservoirs. These include increasing water supplies from other sources, abstraction from additional boreholes and other temporary sources, pressure reduction programmes, and enhanced leakage detection and repair. Customers are also being encouraged to use less water. A leaflet promoting water saving techniques is to be delivered to all customers in late February.

Water Service is currently carrying out a major review of its water resources strategy for the period up to 2030. The review is nearing completion and takes account of a range of key factors including growth in population and usage, climate change and the potential for leakage reduction and demand management. I would expect that the draft strategy will be published for consultation later this year.

(AQW 1546/01)

Mr P Robinson: There is no requirement for private housing developers/contractors to provide salt bins within their developments to enable the roads to be adopted by my Department. However, subject to certain criteria being met, Roads Service will provide salt bins on roads in residential areas which have been adopted into the public road network but are not included in its salting schedule.

(AQW 1547/01)

Mr P Robinson: In the case of private streets that have been determined through the planning process, it is the responsibility of developers to bring roads and sewers up to the required standards for adoption by my Department. Where such roads and sewers are provided to the required standards, they are adopted promptly.

Where satisfactory completion of roads and sewers is not effected within a reasonable period from the date of occupation of houses, my Department has enforcement powers under the Private Streets (NI) Order 1980, as amended, to enable it to complete the necessary work at the developer's expense. Such action is normally only initiated after efforts to persuade developers to meet their obligations have proved unsuccessful, with each case being carefully considered on its merits.

Roads Service will, however, normally seek to pursue developers on the issue of adoption where 80% of the houses have been occupied for one year or where adoption has not taken place within two years of the street works being substantially complete.

(AQW 1553/01)

Mr P Robinson: The Central Claims Unit of the Department deals with all public liability claims including vehicle damage claims related to potholes in the road.

The initial procedures upon receipt of the claim are for it to be registered, an acknowledgement sent to the claimant and a report from Roads Service is requested. Also, for higher value claims, an independent vehicle assessor is engaged.

The Roads Service report would include information about the timing of all inspections and repairs of the stretch of road in question. This is central to the ultimate decision because compensation in such circumstances is not guaranteed and is only offered where the Department appears to have been negligent.

Exceptionally, for very low value claims which meet certain criteria, there is a fast track procedure which enables them to be dealt with much quicker than other claims.

With the Roads Service report and, if appropriate, the vehicle assessor’s report, a decision is made either to offer compensation, turn the claim down, refer it to a third party or obtain further information. After obtaining further information, the decision options are the same.

(AQW 1556/01)

Mr P Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that, in the course of its routine maintenance inspection programme, the following numbers of structural defects were identified on the B517 Far Circular Road, Dungannon during the last 5 years:

No claims have been lodged with my Department in the last 5 years due to accidents caused by structural defects on Far Circular Road, although there have been claims in respect of the adjacent Killyman Road. Detailed information about personal injury road claims is maintained by the police. Officials in both Roads Service and Central Claims Unit monitor available information to identify roads or locations with a pattern of accidents.

(AQW 1568/01)

Mr P Robinson: The table below details the expenditure incurred by my Department’s Roads Service on upgrading roads (ie capital expenditure on major and minor road improvement schemes) within the Derry City Council area in each of the last 3 years:

(AQW 1588/01)

Mr P Robinson: Translink has advised that job vacancies at Central Station are advertised in the Belfast Telegraph, are placed on Translink’s web site and are forwarded to the Training and Employment Agency for display. Translink has also advised that it will shortly have a vacancies notice board erected in Central Station advertising vacancies throughout Translink to the general public. Translink has also recently participated in the Gasworks Employment Matching Service (GEM) Job Fair that took place in St George’s Market.

(AQW 1589/01)

Mr P Robinson: Approximately 2.5 megalitres of water per day is abstracted from Camlough Lake as part of the public water supply for Newry Town and the surrounding area. Water Service is currently undertaking a major review of its water resources strategy for the period up to 2030. The review takes account of a range of factors including growth in population and usage, climate change and the potential for leakage reduction and demand management. The future need for water abstraction from Camlough Lake is being considered as part of the overall review.

The review is nearing completion and I expect that the draft strategy will be published for consultation later this year.

(AQW 1595/01)

Mr P Robinson: My Department has made no payments to W & G Baird since devolution.

(AQW 1633/01)

Mr P Robinson: My Department already administers a Rural Transport Fund, which has a prime objective of reducing social exclusion by providing transport opportunities for people with reduced mobility in rural areas. This involves spending £1.6m this year in subsidy for additional Ulsterbus services and in support of accessible transport services provided by local community transport partnerships in rural areas. Expenditure will rise to £1.7m in 2002/03 and to £1.8m in 2003/04.

(AQW 1642/01)

Mr P Robinson: As regards roads, the estimated total cost of adequately maintaining the country’s road network is some £86M per annum whereas, at present, only about half that amount is available to my Department’s Roads Service. In addition, there is a structural maintenance backlog amounting to some £120M. A breakdown of these figures is not available on a constituency basis.

The size of the capital road works programme for the next 10-year period, ie the 10-year Forward Planning Schedule, is currently being considered by my Department within the context of the proposed Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS) which has recently been published for consultation. I hope to announce details of schemes which will be included in the Schedule later this year after the publication of the RTS.

Similarly, with regard to the water and sewerage system, the information is not available on a constituency basis. My Department’s Water Service has information systems based on drinking water supply zones and wastewater collection areas, many of which straddle Assembly constituencies and district council areas.

Water Service is currently compiling its second asset management plan which is due for completion in late 2002. This plan will quantify the total capital cost requirement up to 2020. It will also define, as a part of the total capital cost, the capital maintenance requirement for all of the water and sewerage infrastructure. The plan is based on the condition of the existing infrastructure and the demands being placed on it. The total capital requirement is anticipated to be in excess of £3 billion, which represents an average requirement of more than £150M per annum. Current capital funding is in the order of £100M per annum.

(AQW 1643/01)

Mr P Robinson: The Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice which became operative throughout the UK on 1 February 2002, gives guidance to utilities and their contractors on signing, guarding, lighting and maintaining their works. The introduction of the Code of Practice should help to minimise disruption to road users and failure to comply with the Code may lead to prosecution by my Department’s Roads Service.

As regards the reinstatement of carriageways, I can assure you that Roads Service makes strenuous efforts to ensure that utilities and their contractors comply with the requirements of the Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 and the Code of Practice on the Reinstatement of Openings in Roads. To this end, Roads Service has initiated enforcement action against those utilities who fail to reinstate street works to the specified standards. To date, one prosecution has been successful and a number of other prosecutions are pending.

(AQW 1644/01)

Mr P Robinson: As regards roads, the estimated total cost of adequately maintaining the country’s road network is some £86M per annum whereas, at present, only about half that amount is available to my Department’s Roads Service. In addition, there is a structural maintenance backlog amounting to some £120M. A breakdown of these figures is not available on a constituency basis.

The size of the capital road works programme for the next 10-year period, ie the 10-year Forward Planning Schedule, is currently being considered by my Department within the context of the proposed Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS) which has recently been published for consultation. I hope to announce details of schemes which will be included in the Schedule later this year after the publication of the RTS.

Similarly, with regard to the water and sewerage system, the information is not available on a constituency basis. My Department’s Water Service has information systems based on drinking water supply zones and wastewater collection areas, many of which straddle Assembly constituencies and district council areas.

Water Service is currently compiling its second asset management plan which is due for completion in late 2002. This plan will quantify the total capital cost requirement up to 2020. It will also define, as a part of the total capital cost, the capital maintenance requirement for all of the water and sewerage infrastructure. The plan is based on the condition of the existing infrastructure and the demands being placed on it. The total capital requirement is anticipated to be in excess of £3 billion, which represents an average requirement of more than £150M per annum. Current capital funding is in the order of £100M per annum.

(AQW 1671/01)

Mr P Robinson: Appointees to public bodies for which I have responsibility are expected to be fully committed to the principles and values of public life and be prepared to perform their duties accordingly. The seven principles of conduct underpinning public life are selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

(AQW 1766/01)

Mr P Robinson: The Vice President and General Manager of Bombardier/Shorts did raise this issue with me two years ago, prior to embarking on exploratory talks with Belfast Harbour Commissioners as the owners of the Harbour Estate. I have not had any further discussions with the company on this matter since that time.

Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between BHC and the Department, the Harbour Commissioners are required to consult the Department prior to any disposal or change of use in harbour lands.

(AQO 721/01)

Mr P Robinson: There is no statutory duty on my Department’s Roads Service, or indeed on District Councils who have responsibilities for street cleaning, to salt footways. The whole issue of winter service, including treatment of footways, was reviewed last year and was subsequently fully debated by the Assembly in July 2001. At that time it was recognised that the cost of salting footways was prohibitive and that the basic logistics of introducing such a service, which is largely a manual task, make it impractical. However, my predecessor indicated that, in periods of prolonged lying snow, he would be seeking to enlist the help of other agencies, such as district councils to assist in clearing busy town centre footways.

It was in this context that my predecessor, Gregory Campbell, wrote to each council last autumn, outlining proposals for partnering arrangements for the removal of snow and ice from town centre footways and pedestrian areas. My Department’s Roads Service followed up this initial contact by writing to each council explaining the proposals in detail and enclosing a proposed model agreement.

While some councils have indicated a willingness to participate in a partnering arrangement, others have indicated reservations and, as yet, I am disappointed to report that none have actually signed up to an agreement. Roads Service is arranging to meet with the Northern Ireland Local Government Association to discuss the proposals in more detail.

(AQO 725/01)

Mr P Robinson: I have not met with Mr Dempsey during my period as Minister for Regional Development. I do not accept the need for a single all-Ireland roads strategy. Today I launched in the House the consultation on a draft Regional Transportation Strategy, to follow on from the Regional Development Strategy. I understand that the Republic of Ireland is at present completing its National Spatial Strategy and I can see merit in consultation and practical co-operation in the dovetailing of the outcome of these strategies particularly in relation to specific road projects and railways which cross the border. I am willing to meet Mr Dempsey in due course to consider these matters, which would be consistent with my policy of practical co-operation which does not require the political apparatus of formal north-south structures.

(AQO 710/01)

Mr P Robinson: As the Member will be aware, my Department’s Roads Service has plans to introduce a one-way system in Irish Street, St Patrick’s Avenue and Market Street in Downpatrick to address the problem of traffic congestion in the town centre. Roads Service hopes to commence formal consultations on the proposed one-way system in March 2002.

(AQO 755/01)

Mr P Robinson: Where feasible (and in line with current safety requirements), my Department’s Road Service facilitates the installation of ducts in new works for future use by utilities and itself. All utilities are advised well in advance of proposed new works and are asked to indicate their future intentions. Any ducts that are installed are provided by the utilities and are not rented to them.

(AQO 745/01)

Mr P Robinson: As I indicated in my answer to your Oral Assembly Question (AQO 54/01) on 10 September 2001, my Department’s Roads Service intends to carry out a package of improvements costing some £12 million to the A8 Belfast to Larne road. The relevant Environmental and planning procedures for all of the proposed improvements have been completed and the current position on each of the 5 components is as follows:

• Doagh Road to Coleman’s Corner dualling - the closing date for objections to the Notice of Intention to Make a Vesting Order was 21 January 2002. One objection has been lodged which Roads Service are attempting to resolve;

• link road and roundabout scheme at the A57 junction, Ballynure - the Notice of Intention to Make a Vesting Order is being prepared and should be published by Spring 2002;

• traffic calming measures at Ballynure - these will be implemented as part of the new link road and roundabout scheme at the A57 junction, Ballynure;

• 2 climbing lanes at Ballynure - the land for this work has been acquired by agreement and tenders for the scheme have been invited. Construction should commence early summer 2002; and

• new roundabouts at Millbrook and Antiville - the closing date for objections to the Notice of Intention to Make a Vesting Order was 21 January 2002. One objection has been lodged which Roads Service is attempting to resolve.

(AQO 753/01)

Mr P Robinson: I am aware of the concerns expressed by public representatives and members of the public about the siting of the wastewater treatment works for the North Down/Ards area. I am carefully considering all the issues with officials. I propose to announce my decision on the preferred site in a statement to the Assembly later this month.

(AQO 716/01)

Mr P Robinson: My Department is very conscious of the needs of the extensive rural community in Northern Ireland and routinely considers the rural dimension as part of the making and implementation of policy. Indeed an example of this is reflected in the proposed Regional Transportation Strategy where the concept of ‘rural proofing’ was applied and my officials liased closely with officials from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the preparation of the Strategy.

(AQO 722/01)

Mr P Robinson: Translink has advised that in the financial years 97/98, 98/99, 99/00, 00/01 and 01/02 to date, the costs of criminal damage to its bus fleet were £683,000, £660,000, £737,000, £872,000 and £743,000 respectively. Similar historical figures are not available for rail but Translink advise that in this current financial year costs of almost £250,000 have been incurred through criminal damage.

These costs represent only the direct cost of repairs, ie labour and materials. They do not include the loss of fare revenue that arises when vehicles have to be taken out of service without warning, the cost of personal injury claims from staff and the public which are inevitably settled retrospectively and other consequential losses which are difficult to quantify.

In respect of attacks against personnel there have been 88, 98, 78, 65 and 64 reported attacks on bus drivers in the calendar years 1997-2001.

As a general rule Translink do not incur direct costs for vehicles which temporarily replace those damaged through criminal acts. Instead spare buses which may be due for scheduled maintenance are utilised and maintenance deferred if necessary.

I deplore and condemn without reservation these wanton acts of vandalism on public transport vehicles. The money that Translink has used to repair the vehicles could obviously have been much better utilised in improving services. Furthermore, these acts of vandalism do nothing to encourage the general public to utilise public transport. I will therefore continue to support Translink in its ongoing efforts to try and eradicate such problems.

(AQO 713/01)

Mr P Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that the Foyle Arts Centre, including the 120-space Laurence Hill car park in Londonderry is owned by Derry City Council. Roads Service has, however, an unrestricted right to use the car park for public car parking. The car park is well used, particularly by those attending the nearby North West Institute.

I understand that, in May 2001, the University of Ulster expressed an interest in acquiring the Centre to facilitate a planned expansion of its campus. The University plans involve the exclusive use of the car park. Since then, Roads Service officials continue to meet with various interested parties in an effort to reach an accommodation whereby the University would agree to provide convenient alternative public parking, thus enabling Roads Service to relinquish its right to continued public parking in the Laurence Hill car park.

(AQO 751/01)

Mr P Robinson: Translink has advised that during the period from January 1996 to date there have been 83 external advertisements for posts in Central Station, Belfast. On some occasions these have been composite advertisements for more than one vacancy. There are 3 current job vacancy advertisements for posts in Central Station and Translink expect some 18 appointments will be made from these advertisements.

(AQO 749/01)

Mr P Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service undertakes an annual inspection of road markings on all routes. Arising from this inspection, a programme of repainting works is compiled for each district council area. Within these programmes, the works are prioritised to ensure that the worst worn markings are repaired.

In addition to its annual inspections, Roads Service inspects all roads on a regular basis and, where necessary, arrangements are made for road markings to be renewed.

(AQO 758/01)

Mr P Robinson: Translink has advised that it provides 16, 20, 16, 120, 29 and 34 park and ride spaces at Yorkgate, Whiteabbey, Greenisland, Carrickfergus, Whitehead and Larne Town stations respectively. Whilst it is difficult to be precise about usage throughout the day Translink considers that, based on its estimates and observations, utilisation of these facilities is quite high.

Park and ride facilities can play a valuable part in encouraging a modal shift from private to public transport. Translink will continue to develop existing facilities and provide new and additional ones to meet increased demand, subject to the availability of suitable sites and finance.