TABLE 1

TABLE 2

I should explain, however, that in progressing the bypass scheme a number of arrangements for this junction were assessed on economic, environmental and safety grounds. The preferred option, comprising a staggered junction with two right-turn lanes and a pedestrian underpass, was subjected to a full safety audit before being included in the overall scheme.

In the circumstances, I am satisfied that my Department’s Roads Service has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that a safe and effective junction is provided at this location.

However, arising from a recent examination of the bridge by officials from the Roads Service and the Police, a number of traffic management measures were identified to improve pedestrian safety. These include the provision of verge marker posts, reflective signs to highlight the ends of the bridge and SLOW road markings and NO FOOTWAY warning signs on the approaches to the bridge to alert motorists of the possible presence of pedestrians on the road. The measures should be in place by the end of March 2002

In this context, the Roads Service grass-cutting programme is carried out for road safety reasons, the aim being to ensure that sightlines, road markings and traffic signs are not obstructed by overgrown vegetation. The Roads Service’s current policy is to cut roadside verges up to five times a year in urban areas and up to twice a year in rural areas.

In some cases where district councils wish to have a higher standard of grass maintenance for aesthetic or amenity reasons, they accept responsibility for the work within their respective boundary and are reimbursed by the Roads Service for the number of cuts determined by the normal Roads Service policy.

As regards weed control, the Roads Service policy and procedures are again aimed at ensuring the safety of road users. Chemical control of weeds is normally carried out in the spring on an annual basis as a curative measure, with any significant regrowth being dealt with as necessary. Spraying is carried out by trained personnel in accordance with advice from manufacturers and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development using the minimum treatment necessary compatible with required results.

Also, the Northern Ireland Audit Office report on the 'Structural Maintenance of Roads and the Management of On-street Parking in Belfast', published in December 2000, concluded that, inter alia, the enforcement and administration of the scheme should be improved. As a consequence of that report, consultations between the Roads Service and the Police Service of Northern Ireland have been continuing over the past several months regarding the establishment of a service level agreement with a view to improving the quality of service and the standard of enforcement.

In addition, the Roads Service intends shortly to initiate a study into the introduction of decriminalised parking enforcement in Northern Ireland whereby the Department would be responsible for enforcing parking restrictions.

The group discussed a number of important matters relevant to the successful implementation of the strategy. In particular, it considered how each Northern Ireland Department can, individually and collectively, contribute to the achievement of the strategic objectives of the RDS. Those contributions from Departments will be incorporated into a composite draft paper that will outline the arrangements for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the strategy. The draft paper will, importantly, also set out the practical first steps being taken by my officials working in collaboration with groupings of local authorities to give effect to the strategy at the sub- regional level.

I will, of course, invite the views of the Regional Development Committee on the draft paper. I would hope to forward it to the Committee by the end of February.

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

The review of the water resources strategy 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, which is nearing completion. I expect that the draft strategy will be published for consultation later this year and it will enable all interested parties, including Newry and Mourne District Council, to comment on the proposals.

Mr M Murphy asked the Minister for Regional Development to ensure that any delay in finalising the NI Water Resource Strategy 2001 and environmental impact assessment for the proposed water abstraction increase for Camlough Lake, will not put at risk the potential to maximise the drawdown of EU grant aid to develop the lake as a major tourism resource for the Newry and Mourne District.

(AQW 1901/01)

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. Proposals to increase the volume of water abstracted have been deferred by the Water Service pending the outcome of a major review of its water resources strategy for the period up to 2030. Consequently, there are no plans to publish the environmental impact assessment of these proposals.

The review of the water resources strategy 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, which is nearing completion. I expect that the draft strategy will be published for consultation later this year and it will enable all interested parties, including Newry and Mourne District Council, to comment on the proposals.

The figures provided are the most recent available and are for August 2001.

(a) Committee agrees terms of reference for inquiry;

(b) Committee identifies need for specialist adviser;

(c) Committee agrees terms of reference for the specialist adviser;

(d) Committee agrees on criteria for selection of adviser;

(e) Committee Clerk and Research and Library arrive at an estimated cost based on (c);

(f) If this exceeds £10,000, the Committee will invite tenders for the work through public advertisement;

(g) If the cost is not likely to exceed £10,000, Research and Library will produce a shortlist of suitable candidates for consideration by the Committee;

(h) Candidates contacted but not shortlisted will be notified by Research and Library

(i) Committee makes final selection;

(j) Committee Clerk notifies successful candidate and makes contractual arrangements;

(k) The Clerk notifies any unsuccessful shortlisted candidates who were approached during the selection process

This procedure has been made available to Committee Clerks and is currently before the Chairpersons’ Liaison Group for endorsement.

I would also advise that this matter is to be considered in the near future by the Assembly Commission.

<< Prev