| Home | Committees | Membership | Publications | Legislation | Chronology | Commission | Tour | Search |
| Friday 12 April 2002 Planning Service Special Studies Unit Mr Jim Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the average length of time taken by the Special Studies Unit of the Planning Service to issue a substantive reply to letters from elected representatives. (AQW 1906/01) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Nesbitt): [holding answer 5 March 2002]: Planning Service does not know the average time taken to provide a substantive reply to correspondence from elected representatives, as we do not hold a central database to provide that information. Correspondence received by the Special Studies Section relates mainly to specific planning applications or enforcement cases. This correspondence is handled through Planning Service’s 20/20 computer system in a similar manner to all letters of objection and representation received by the Service. This correspondence is acknowledged and attached to the relevant case file and dealt with on a case by case basis. The existing system for dealing with correspondence triggers substantive responses at the appropriate time, on the issue of a formal planning decision or on the resolution of enforcement cases. However, our current systems focus on individual cases and do not include a monitoring capacity to provide aggregated information on specific individuals or groups. Townland Names Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of the Environment what he has done to encourage the use of townland names in written communications. (AQW 1968/01) Mr Nesbitt: My department’s policy is to facilitate the use of townland addresses when it has been notified of them. It will also reply to correspondence using the address given including the townland name. Townland Names Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of the Environment how many local district councils have officially endorsed and encouraged the use of townland names. (AQW 2065/01) Mr Nesbitt: [holding answer 5 March 2002]: The Department of the Environment does not monitor the activities of district councils, in relation to the use of townland names. The issue of the use of townland names by district councils is not the responsibility of my department. Wake up to Waste Roadshow Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 1886/01, to detail (a) the firm of PR Consultants which designed and directed the 'Wake up to Waste Roadshow'; and (b) the cost of this project. (AQW 2254/01) Mr Nesbitt: [holding answer 12 March 2002]: The ‘Wake up to Waste Roadshow’ was designed and directed by McCann Erickson (Belfast) Ltd, who have been awarded the advertising contract for the Department’s Public Awareness and Information Campaign. The projected cost of the 11 Roadshows is around £33,000. They are elements of a £1.5 million project, over the next 3 years, to raise public awareness throughout Northern Ireland on waste management issues. All key shopping centres are able to calculate accurately weekly visitor numbers from electronic monitoring devices which detect all visitors entering the building. It would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for the selected shopping centres, for reasons of commercial sensitivity. Fourteen other locations were investigated, but not selected to host the Roadshows. Again, for reasons of commercial sensitivity, it would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for these locations. There are currently no plans to make a modular version of it available in this phase of the public awareness campaign. However, this may be considered for subsequent phases. Following discussions with the consultants, the Department has now allocated a portion of the media budget to the provision of transportable stands, with 'Wake Up to Waste' graphic material, for each District Council to use. These have already been delivered to every Council and can be used in Council offices, shopping centres, libraries, schools and conference venues. It is not possible to provide details of individual Roadshow costs. They are a combination of both fixed and variable costs of set design, hire charges, the Roadshow team and venue space. Wake up to Waste Roadshow Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 1886/01, to detail (a) the methodology of calculating visitor numbers to locations selected for the 'Wake up to Waste Roadshow'; and (b) the visitor figures to these locations suggested by such methodology. (AQW 2255/01) Mr Nesbitt: The ‘Wake up to Waste Roadshow’ was designed and directed by McCann Erickson (Belfast) Ltd, who have been awarded the advertising contract for the Department’s Public Awareness and Information Campaign. The projected cost of the 11 Roadshows is around £33,000. They are elements of a £1.5 million project, over the next 3 years, to raise public awareness throughout Northern Ireland on waste management issues. All key shopping centres are able to calculate accurately weekly visitor numbers from electronic monitoring devices which detect all visitors entering the building. It would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for the selected shopping centres, for reasons of commercial sensitivity. Fourteen other locations were investigated, but not selected to host the Roadshows. Again, for reasons of commercial sensitivity, it would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for these locations. There are currently no plans to make a modular version of it available in this phase of the public awareness campaign. However, this may be considered for subsequent phases. Following discussions with the consultants, the Department has now allocated a portion of the media budget to the provision of transportable stands, with 'Wake Up to Waste' graphic material, for each District Council to use. These have already been delivered to every Council and can be used in Council offices, shopping centres, libraries, schools and conference venues. It is not possible to provide details of individual Roadshow costs. They are a combination of both fixed and variable costs of set design, hire charges, the Roadshow team and venue space. Wake up to Waste Roadshow Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 1886/01, to state the visitor figures for other locations investigated but not selected to host the 'Wake up to Waste' roadshow. (AQW 2274/01) Mr Nesbitt: The ‘Wake up to Waste Roadshow’ was designed and directed by McCann Erickson (Belfast) Ltd, who have been awarded the advertising contract for the Department’s Public Awareness and Information Campaign. The projected cost of the 11 Roadshows is around £33,000. They are elements of a £1.5 million project, over the next 3 years, to raise public awareness throughout Northern Ireland on waste management issues. All key shopping centres are able to calculate accurately weekly visitor numbers from electronic monitoring devices which detect all visitors entering the building. It would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for the selected shopping centres, for reasons of commercial sensitivity. Fourteen other locations were investigated, but not selected to host the Roadshows. Again, for reasons of commercial sensitivity, it would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for these locations. There are currently no plans to make a modular version of it available in this phase of the public awareness campaign. However, this may be considered for subsequent phases. Following discussions with the consultants, the Department has now allocated a portion of the media budget to the provision of transportable stands, with 'Wake Up to Waste' graphic material, for each District Council to use. These have already been delivered to every Council and can be used in Council offices, shopping centres, libraries, schools and conference venues. It is not possible to provide details of individual Roadshow costs. They are a combination of both fixed and variable costs of set design, hire charges, the Roadshow team and venue space. Wake up to Waste Roadshow Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 1886/01, if a modular version of the 'Wake up to Waste' roadshow will be available, and if so, when, and at what cost. (AQW 2275/01) Mr Nesbitt: The ‘Wake up to Waste Roadshow’ was designed and directed by McCann Erickson (Belfast) Ltd, who have been awarded the advertising contract for the Department’s Public Awareness and Information Campaign. The projected cost of the 11 Roadshows is around £33,000. They are elements of a £1.5 million project, over the next 3 years, to raise public awareness throughout Northern Ireland on waste management issues. All key shopping centres are able to calculate accurately weekly visitor numbers from electronic monitoring devices which detect all visitors entering the building. It would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for the selected shopping centres, for reasons of commercial sensitivity. Fourteen other locations were investigated, but not selected to host the Roadshows. Again, for reasons of commercial sensitivity, it would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for these locations. There are currently no plans to make a modular version of it available in this phase of the public awareness campaign. However, this may be considered for subsequent phases. Following discussions with the consultants, the Department has now allocated a portion of the media budget to the provision of transportable stands, with 'Wake Up to Waste' graphic material, for each District Council to use. These have already been delivered to every Council and can be used in Council offices, shopping centres, libraries, schools and conference venues. It is not possible to provide details of individual Roadshow costs. They are a combination of both fixed and variable costs of set design, hire charges, the Roadshow team and venue space. Wake up to Waste Roadshow Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 1886/01, to detail the cost, exclusive of design costs, of staging each of the 'Wake up to Waste' roadshows. (AQW 2276/01) Mr Nesbitt: The ‘Wake up to Waste Roadshow’ was designed and directed by McCann Erickson (Belfast) Ltd, who have been awarded the advertising contract for the Department’s Public Awareness and Information Campaign. The projected cost of the 11 Roadshows is around £33,000. They are elements of a £1.5 million project, over the next 3 years, to raise public awareness throughout Northern Ireland on waste management issues. All key shopping centres are able to calculate accurately weekly visitor numbers from electronic monitoring devices which detect all visitors entering the building. It would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for the selected shopping centres, for reasons of commercial sensitivity. Fourteen other locations were investigated, but not selected to host the Roadshows. Again, for reasons of commercial sensitivity, it would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for these locations. There are currently no plans to make a modular version of it available in this phase of the public awareness campaign. However, this may be considered for subsequent phases. Following discussions with the consultants, the Department has now allocated a portion of the media budget to the provision of transportable stands, with 'Wake Up to Waste' graphic material, for each District Council to use. These have already been delivered to every Council and can be used in Council offices, shopping centres, libraries, schools and conference venues. It is not possible to provide details of individual Roadshow costs. They are a combination of both fixed and variable costs of set design, hire charges, the Roadshow team and venue space. Disposal of Dead Animals Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of the Environment to detail each District Council's policy on the dumping of dead animals in the countryside. (AQW 2476/01) Mr Nesbitt: [holding answer 21 March 2002]: Disposal of dead animals is the responsibility of the owner. However, where irresponsible owners choose to avoid the effort or cost of safe disposal and dump carcasses in the countryside, this can lead to a public health nuisance. While the Department does not have the details of each District Council’s policy it is, normally the responsibility of District Councils to take action. Fallen animals are an agricultural rather than a controlled waste and their disposal is likely to become more difficult with restrictions to on-farm burial under the proposed EU Animal By-Product Regulation. However, my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will be working together to develop a strategy for agricultural waste to be incorporated into the overall Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy, at its first review point in 2003. Disposal of Dead Animals Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of the Environment what plans are in place to deal with the problem of dumping dead animals in the countryside. (AQW 2477/01) Mr Nesbitt: [holding answer 21 March 2002]: Disposal of dead animals is the responsibility of the owner. However, where irresponsible owners choose to avoid the effort or cost of safe disposal and dump carcasses in the countryside, this can lead to a public health nuisance. While the Department does not have the details of each District Council’s policy it is, normally the responsibility of District Councils to take action. Fallen animals are an agricultural rather than a controlled waste and their disposal is likely to become more difficult with restrictions to on-farm burial under the proposed EU Animal By-Product Regulation. However, my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will be working together to develop a strategy for agricultural waste to be incorporated into the overall Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy, at its first review point in 2003. CCTV Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment if he has any plans to provide funding to District Councils to enable them to install CCTV schemes. (AQW 2479/01) Mr Nesbitt: The Department of the Environment is not providing any funding for CCTV schemes, nor has it any plans to do so. However, the Northern Ireland Office is making provision for community safety in the forthcoming Justice (NI) Bill. This legislation will enable the Secretary of State to develop, in consultation with all relevant bodies, a strategy for community safety, which may provide for the establishment of Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) for each district council area. At present, the Department of the Environment is considering making legislation that would enable district councils to engage in community safety activities, including participation in CSPs. I understand that CSPs would be charged with developing community safety action plans for local areas. Such plans may include the provision of CCTV in areas where there is a proven need. Funding of CSPs is the responsibility of the NIO. National Trust : Funding Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) any funding provided to the National Trust in each of the last 10 years directly or indirectly by his Department or agencies; (b) the allocation of the funding; (c) the auditing process; and (d) the criteria for releasing funding. (AQW 2536/01) Mr Nesbitt: The following funding has been provided to The National Trust over the last 5 years: 1997/1998 - £513,265 1998/1999 - £501,220 1999/2000 - £437,590 2000/2001 - £419,465 2001/2002 - £129,913 (up to 28th February 2002). Figures relating to the period before 1997/98 could only be provided at disproportionate cost, because of changes to the computerised accounting system at that time. Funding was allocated on the following basis:- Land acquisition and conservation schemes grant-aid: 1997/1998 - £498,957.71 1998/1999 - £500,000 1999/2000 - £423,590 2000/2001 -£408,002.89 2001/2002 -£116,075.14 (up to 28 February 2002). Historic buildings grant-aid: 1997/1998 - £14,306.83 1998/1999 - £1,220.06 1999/2000 - £14,000 2000/2001 -£11,462.50 2001/2002 -£13,838.13 (up to 28 February 2002) Funding provided to The National Trust by the Department is subject to both Internal Audit and Northern Ireland Audit Office scrutiny. In relation to land acquisition and conservation schemes grant aid, funding is released on transfer of title of the lands in the case of land acquisition and on receipt of audited annual accounts, annual reports and management plans in the case of grant aid for management of the sites. In relation to historic buildings grant aid, funding is released on successful completion of eligible works. Pollution Regulations Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the number of incidents where the Department or any of its agencies has been found to be in breach of pollution regulations; and (b) the fines imposed relating to these in each of the last 5 years. (AQW 2584/01) Mr Nesbitt: I understand that this Question is seeking information on the number of EU Directives on environmental issues which have not been transposed in Northern Ireland. There are currently 16 Directives and 1 Regulation which have not been transposed or have been only partially transposed in Northern Ireland. These are: Directive 89/369/EEC – Prevention of air pollution from new Municipal Waste Incineration Plants. Directive 89/429/EEC - Prevention of air pollution from existing Municipal Waste Incineration Plants Directive 94/66/EC - Limitations of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants. Directive 96/61/EC - Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control* Directive 96/62/EC - Ambient Air Quality Management and Assessment Directive 99/13/EC - Limitations of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain activities and installations* Directive 99/30/EC - Limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in air* Regulation (EC) No 2037/2000 - Substances that deplete the ozone layer* Directive 75/439/EEC – Disposal of Waste Oils* Directive 75/442/EEC - Waste Framework Directive* Directive 99/30/EC - Limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in air* Directive 91/338/EEC - 10th amendment to Directive 76/769/EEC relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations* Directive 94/60/EC - 14th amendment to 76/769/EEC Directive 98/101/EC - Batteries and Accumulators containing certain dangerous substances* Directive 99/31/EC - Landfill of Waste* Directive 99/51/EC - 5th amendment to Annex 1 to Directive 76/769/EEC* Directive 80/778/EEC - Quality of water intended for human consumption* Directive 97/11/EC - Assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (This Directive has been largely transposed through planning legislation. Non-transposition element relates to agricultural water management abstraction schemes)* The Commission has commenced or is pursuing infraction proceedings in the 12 cases above marked with an asterisk. Directive 78/659/EEC – Quality of fresh waters needing protection or improvement in order to support fish life Directive 91/271/EEC - Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/676/EEC - Protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources Directive 91/689/EEC - Hazardous Waste Directive 92/43/EEC - Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna To date no fines have been imposed by the European Court of Justice in respect of any transposition case. EU Water Quality Legislation Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of the Environment what is being done to comply with EU water quality legislation. (AQW 2596/01) Mr Nesbitt: These Regulations, which incorporate the water quality requirements of the EC Drinking Water Directive, are implemented by the Drinking Water Inspectorate of Environment and Heritage Service (EHS). In the case of the Water Quality Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994, the Water Service of the Department for Regional Development, is responsible for the supply and distribution of public drinking water and for implementing the requirements of the Regulations. The Drinking Water Inspectorate of EHS has an independent responsibility to assess and regulate compliance against these standards. The Inspectorate publishes an annual report which provides an overview of drinking water quality in Northern Ireland. Private water supplies are monitored by the Drinking Water Inspectorate in co-operation with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the District Councils. Urban Waste Water Treatment (UWWT) Directive 91/271/EEC The Urban Waste Water Treatment (UWWT) Directive aims to reduce pollution of waters by domestic sewage and industrial waste water, collectively known as "urban waste water". It is implemented here through the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations (NI) 1995, under which EHS sets standards for all discharges from Water Service Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTWs). The Directive itself sets minimum standards for the collection and treatment of urban waste water, and requires that appropriate treatment should be in place at all WWTWs by the end of 2005. Annual compliance is assessed and reported, on an UK-wide basis, to the European Commission. Water Service is advised of instances of non - compliance here and is responsible for ensuring that compliance is achieved. A report on compliance is currently being prepared by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). EHS will contribute. EHS is also preparing a report to the Assembly Environment Committee on Water Service compliance, during 2001, with EHS standards including those set under the UWWT Directive. Waters which are vulnerable to nutrient enrichment (eutrophication) may be designated as 'sensitive', under the terms of the UWWT Directive. Such designation requires nutrient reduction to be put in place at larger WWTWs. The catchments of the Erne and Lough Neagh were designated as 'sensitive' in 1994, and, following a further review by EHS, inner Belfast Lough, the Tidal Lagan and the Quoile Pondage area of Strangford Lough have also been designated as Sensitive Areas. EHS also recently reviewed the status of 'Less Sensitive' Areas, under the Directive and this resulted in the removal of this categorisation from 3 coastal areas: Portrush, Bangor and Kilkeel. Council Directive 91/676/EEC; concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (referred to as the Nitrates Directive) This Directive is designed to protect surface waters and groundwaters against nitrate pollution from agriculture. It aims to reduce nitrate levels in areas where the water is polluted, and to prevent new pollution. It is implemented here through the Protection of Water Against Agricultural Nitrate Pollution Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996 (as amended by S.R. 1997 No. 256 and S.R. 1999 No. 3) and the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999. In line with this Directive, three Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs), were designated in March 1999: one at Clogh Mills, Co Antrim and two near Comber, Co Down. Action Programmes were implemented in June 1999, setting out the measures which must be followed by those farming within these NVZs. EHS is reviewing its water quality monitoring data, which includes steps to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to meet the requirements of the Directive. Robust sampling for nitrates will continue for both groundwaters and surface waters: recent results from the monitoring of our groundwaters indicated elevated nitrate levels in a small number of boreholes. Further investigations will take place in 2002 to determine whether these elevated results are indicative of general groundwater quality within the locality or are caused by local pollution (due to the possible contamination of the sample sites from the close proximity of farm areas/septic tanks). Where the pollution of groundwaters is confirmed, candidate NVZs will be identified. EHS will also examine whether in 2002 eutrophic surface waters need to be included in designated NVZs. Individual nitrate 'budgets' for the Lough Erne and Lough Neagh (excluding the Lower Bann) catchments, which have already been designated as 'Sensitive Areas' under the UWWT Directive, will be produced later this year. Where the agricultural contribution of nitrates to these catchments is greater than 20% of the total, the catchments will be identified as candidate NVZs. Following this, a review of the eutrophication status of freshwaters, outside the current NVZ designations and the Sensitive Area designations, will be undertaken. EHS recently completed a review of the eutrophic status of the five main sea loughs around our coast. The results show that the Quoile Pondage, near Downpatrick, may have to be identified as water affected by nitrate pollution, due to the contribution of agriculturally-derived nitrates. EHS will consult interested parties (especially farmers) on proposals to designate any further NVZs. The Shellfish Waters Directive (79/923/EEC) Northern Ireland has nine designated shellfish waters, all of which are in sea loughs. They are given special protection under the Shellfish Waters Directive. All designated Shellfish Waters are monitored and action programmes have been developed for each site to ensure compliance with the Directive. EHS is reviewing the number of designations with a view to designating more sites; the shellfish industry, government and the general public will be consulted. Planning Service Consultations With Water Service Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment if he will liaise with his Ministerial colleague in the Department for Regional Development to ensure residential development can continue in Ards Peninsula in light of the upgrading of the sewage works in the villages of Ballywalter, Ballyhalbert, Ballygowan and Lisbane. (AQW 2600/01) Mr Nesbitt: Planning Service consults Water Service of the Department for Regional Development and Water Management Unit of Environment and Heritage Service as necessary on proposals for housing development. When consulted by Planning Service my Department’s Environment and Heritage Service seeks to identify the risk to the environment through assessment of the performance of the waste water treatment works (WWTW) and the sewerage system and also compliance with current and proposed Environment and Heritage Service and Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive standards. In the locations referred to, all of the WWTWs are operating in excess of their capacity and Environment and Heritage Service has requested Planning Service that no further development be permitted until they have been upgraded. Peter Robinson, Minister for Regional Development has advised that as part of the ongoing programme to upgrade wastewater treatment works to meet the requirements of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations (NI) 1995, Water Service plans to commence the upgrading of the works in Ballywalter, Ballyhalbert, Ballygowan and Lisbane in 2004/05. This is of course subject to completion of all the required procedures, including planning approval, and the availability of the necessary resources at that time. In order to seek to facilitate development, I have asked Planning Service to seek further advice from Environment and Heritage Service and Water Service on alternative or interim arrangements which might be applied to specific applications. These might include phasing of development, use of negative conditions attached to a planning consent to prevent development commencing pending a solution being put in place, or requests to the developer to contribute funding to possible solutions. You will appreciate that each case will have to be dealt with on its own merits. Where no alternative can be found, a refusal of planning permission would normally follow. My officials will continue to liaise with officials in the Department for Regional Development on these matters. I would be happy to liaise with Minister for Regional Development on these matters also. Council Planning Committees : Holding Veto Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment, in the interests of democratising the planning process ahead of the lengthy consultation procedure involved in the Review of Public Administration, if he would consider giving Council Planning Committees a holding veto on all contentious planning applications until that review is completed and the consequent legislation introduced. (AQW 2620/01) Mr Nesbitt: The Planning Service must consider planning applications within the existing legislation. Under Article 20 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 and Article 15 of the Planning (General Development) Order (NI) 1993 the Department is required, before determining an application for planning permission, to consult with the district council for the area in which the land is situated. A veto could not be given to Councils without legislative change. I am not persuaded, however, that there is a case for such legislative change pending the outcome of the Review of Public Administration. It is not possible to anticipate what the outcome of this Review will be. Enforcement Officers and Cases Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the number of enforcement officers currently working in each District Planning Office; (b) the number of enforcement cases currently being processed in each District Planning Office; and (c) the number of cases cleared by enforcement officers in each District Planning Office over the past year. (AQW 2627/01) Mr Nesbitt: The number of posts purely devoted to enforcement within the Planning Service is 20. This is made up of 6 Higher Professional and Technology Officers (HPTOs), 8 Professional and Technology Officers (PTOs) and 6 Administrative Officers (AOs). All Divisions except Omagh and Londonderry have 1HPTO, 1PTO and 1 AO. Omagh and Londonderry each has an additional PTO to enable them to cover the Divisional Sub –Offices. In addition, a proportion of senior management in each Division is devoted to enforcement work. Details of the number of cases currently being processed and the number of cases cleared by enforcement officers over the past year are set out below:
Disposal of Abandoned Cars Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 1274/01, what obligations local government authorities will have following 1 April, with regard to the disposal of abandoned cars, in the light of EC End of Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive (2000/53/EC). (AQW 2628/01) Mr Nesbitt: Under Article 30 of the Pollution Control and Local Government (NI) Order 1978, and subject to the other provisions of the Article, District Councils have a duty to remove abandoned vehicles. Article 31 of the Order empowers Councils to dispose of vehicles so removed, in such manner as they think fit. It is not expected that implementation of the ELV Directive will impose any direct obligations on District Councils with regard to the removal or subsequent disposal of abandoned cars. However, following implementation of the ELV Directive, Councils exercising their powers to dispose of abandoned vehicles, whether through their own facilities or those provided by agreement with another person, will be required to do so in compliance with the requirements of the Directive. As acknowledged in the previous reply, this could lead to higher disposal costs. However, because of the complexity of the issues involved and the need for further consultation in relation to systems and processes, the UK will not be in a position to implement the Directive by the implementation date of 21 April 2002. In the light of public consultation during 2001, discussions are continuing within Whitehall to determine the best legislative and implementation options. My officials are closely involved in those discussions. It is therefore unlikely that the Directive will be transposed into GB or NI law before mid-2003. Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment what discussions he has held with his Ministerial counterpart in Whitehall about the date on which the UK Government will eventually ratify the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change. (AQW 2630/01) Mr Nesbitt: The policy of this issue is reserved to the UK Government and as such the devolved administrations have been consulted in writing on the matter. DEFRA has informed the Department that the Kyoto Protocol has been laid before Parliament for a sitting period of 21 days after which time the Foreign Secretary will authorise the Ratification process. This is due to take place on or after 19 April 2002. Sellafield Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment what representations he has made to his Ministerial counterpart in Whitehall regarding the need for the nuclear reprocessing plant at Sellafield to be properly decommissioned and closed down; and to make a statement. (AQW 2631/01) Mr Nesbitt: I met Mr Michael Meacher at the British-Irish Council (Environment Sectoral Group) meeting in Edinburgh on 25 February 2002, which he chaired. At that meeting, I emphasised that there was widespread concern in Northern Ireland about emissions from Sellafield, despite the fact that our extensive monitoring programme shows that such emissions are of negligible radiological significance to the Northern Ireland population. I informed the meeting of the recent motion of the Northern Ireland Assembly on Sellafield and pointed out that the motion enjoyed cross-party support. I also said that the British-Irish Council was the most appropriate forum for making such representations about Sellafield. Mr Meacher recognised the concerns which I had expressed and committed himself to bringing forward a UK Strategy on Radioactive Discharges within the next few months. As you know, my predecessor, Sam Foster, wrote to Margaret Beckett seeking assurances that safety and security issues were assessed as part of the MOX decision-making process. In its reply of 23 January 2002, the Department of Trade and Industry (which is responsible for energy issues) gave assurances that: 1. The Office for Civil Nuclear Security had satisfied itself about security, not only of the MOX plant, but of the Sellafield site as a whole; 2. Following a review, security had been enhanced at nuclear sites since 11 September 2001; and 3. Safety arrangements for the transportation of nuclear material to and from Sellafield were adequate to protect public safety against any consequences of a terrorist attack or sabotage. Environment Protection Agency Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment what further progress has been made towards the establishment of an Environment Protection Agency; and to make a statement. (AQW 2632/01) Mr Nesbitt: Operational responsibility for environmental protection lies with the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) of my Department. I have no plans at present to establish an Environment Protection Agency. Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change : USA Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment what representations he has made to the Administration in the United States of America regarding their need to reduce greenhouse gases to 7% by 2010; to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change; and to make a statement. (AQW 2633/01) Mr Nesbitt: I have made no representations to the Administration in the United States of America with regard to the Kyoto Protocol. Any decision to make representations to other parties to the Protcol would be for the United Kingdom Government. However, in any future discussions on climate change with representatives of other administrations, I will emphasise the importance of industrialised countries doing all that they can to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Pollution Incidents : Agricultural Slurry Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the number of pollution incidents involving agricultural slurry; and (b) the fines imposed relating to these incidents in each of the last 5 years. (AQW 2647/01) Mr Nesbitt: (a) Over the 5 year period, from 1996 to 2000, the Department's Environment and Heritage Service has recorded 704 substantiated pollution incidents involving agricultural slurry. These figures include cattle slurry, pig slurry and poultry waste. Cattle slurry has been the most prominent pollution category of the three, over this 5 year period. (b) 79 prosecutions have been taken by the Department in respect of incidents involving agricultural slurry that occurred during this period, resulting in fines imposed by the courts totalling £28, 595. The breakdown of these figures is as follows:
The fines in any year will not necessarily relate to incidents occurring in that year. The relevant statistics are not yet available for the year 2001. Telecommunications Companies : Compulsory Mast Sharing Mr Mitchel McLaughlin asked the Minister of the Environment if he has any plans to introduce powers to make mast sharing by Telecommunications companies compulsory. (AQW 2662/01) Mr Nesbitt: I have no plans to introduce legislation to make mast sharing by Telecommunications companies compulsory. I will, however, be publishing very shortly a new Planning Policy Statement, PPS 10, on telecommunications to accompany the introduction of new legislation into the Assembly which will abolish the current telecommunications ‘Prior Approval’ system and require full planning permission for all telecommunications development. The sharing of masts will be a strong feature in the Department's new policy. For any new mast applicants will reasonably be expected to provide evidence that they have considered the possibility of erecting antennas on an existing building, mast or other structure and indicate why this approach has not been pursued. This planning policy approach is backed up by conditions in the licences granted by the Department of Trade and Industry which already require Code System Operators to explore the possibility of sharing an existing radio site. In addition the Telecommunications (Interconnection) Regulations 1997 provide that, in any instance where there is a dispute regarding the sharing of an existing mast or site, either party may ask the Director General of Telecommunications to resolve the matter. If the Director General considers it appropriate, he may direct the relevant telecommunications operators to share. The powers available under the Regulations do not, however, cover the refusal by a third party, such as a landowner, to allow shared use of a mast. EU Water Quality Directives Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of the Environment how many EU water quality directives affect Northern Ireland. (AQW 2666/01) Mr Nesbitt: There are 19 European Commission Directives which impact on water quality throughout the European Union including Northern Ireland. The Directives are set out below using the Commission’s legislative citations: 1) 75/440/EEC of 16 June 1975 concerning the quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water; 2) 76/160/EEC of 8 December 1976 concerning the quality of bathing water; 3) 76/464/EEC of 4 May 1976 on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment. In addition to this ‘parent’ Directive there are five ‘daughter’ Directives which are listed below as Nos 4 – 8. 4) 82/176/EEC of 22 March 1982 on limit values and quality objectives for mercury discharges by the chlor-alkali electrolysis industry; 5) 83/513/EEC of 26 September 1983 on limit values and quality objectives for cadmium discharges; 6) 84/491/EEC of 9 October 1984 on limit values and quality objectives for discharges of hexachlorocyclohexane; 7) 86/280/EEC of 12 June 1986 on limit values and quality objectives for discharges of certain dangerous substances included in List 1 of the Annex to the Directive; 8) 88/347/EEC of 16 June 1988 amending Annex II to Directive 86/280/EEC on limit values and quality objectives for discharges of certain dangerous substances included in List 1 of the Annex to Directive 76/464/EEC; 9) 78/659/EEC of 18 July 1978 on the quality of fresh waters needing protection or improvement in order to support fish life; 10) 79/869/EEC of 9 October 1979 concerning the methods of measurement and frequencies of sampling and analysis of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water; 11) 79/923/EEC of 30 October 1979 on the quality required of shellfish waters; 12) 80/68/EEC of 17 December 1979 on the protection of groundwater against pollution caused by certain dangerous substances; 13) 80/778/EEC of 15 July 1980 relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption; 14) 87/217/EEC of 19 March 1987 on the prevention and reduction of environmental pollution by asbestos; 15) 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment; 16) 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources; 17) 91/692/EEC of 23 December 1991 standardizing and rationalizing reports on the implementation of certain Directives relating to the environment; 18) 98/83/EEC of 3 November 1998 on the quality of water intended for human consumption; (This revises and will replace Directive 80//778/EEC – No.13 on this list - when implemented at end of 2003) and 19) 2000/60/EC of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy. This major Directive is commonly known as the Water Framework Directive and, when fully implemented, will subsume some of the older water quality Directives. Hazard Perception Test Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment when will the new hazard perception test be included in the driving theory test. (AQW 2673/01) Mr Nesbitt: The Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency of my Department expects the new hazard perception test to be included in the driving theory test by December 2002. Telephone Bookings Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment when will telephone bookings for MOT tests be available from the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency. (AQW 2674/01) Mr Nesbitt: The Agency expects the telephone booking service to be available from August 2002. Monitoring of Shellfish Beds Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment if the current arrangements for the monitoring of shellfish beds in Larne Lough compare favourably the equitably with the procedures currently in place in (a) Scotland; and (b) the Republic of Ireland; and to detail any deviations in monitoring requirements and standards in these three locations. (AQW 2695/01) Mr Nesbitt: Monitoring of shellfish beds is carried out under two Directives - the Shellfish Waters Directive and the Shellfish Hygiene Directive. My Department’s Environment and Heritage Service, as the competent authority under the Shellfish Waters Directive, monitors water quality in Larne Lough as part of the requirements of the Shellfish Waters Directive (79/923/EEC). Monitoring is carried out quarterly as required by the Directive. Results to date indicate that water quality in the designated shellfish water meets the imperative standards set down in the Directive. The monitoring requirements under the Directive apply equally in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. The Shellfish Hygiene Directive (91/492/EEC) deals with the quality of shellfish flesh for human consumption. Monitoring of the bacteriological quality of shellfish flesh under this Directive is the responsibility of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) of the Department of Health, Social Service and Public Safety. Monitoring of shellfish waters for the presence of toxin producing algae which may affect shellfish is a matter for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). A monitoring programme for contaminants such as heavy metals and organohalogens in shellfish flesh has been in place since 1993. Contaminant monitoring is carried out bi-annually to ensure that any seasonal variations are accounted for. The programme is jointly co-ordinated by DARD, the FSA and EHS and meets the monitoring requirements of both Directives. Water Quality in Larne Lough Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the liaison that currently exists between his officials, officials in the Environmental Health Office of Larne Borough Council and officials in the Food Standards Agency, in the monitoring of water quality levels in Larne Lough; and (b) the impact of decisions made by each of these agencies upon the commercial shellfish industry in the Lough. (AQW 2696/01) Mr Nesbitt: (a) There is no direct liaison between my officials and officials in either the Environmental Health Office of Larne Borough Council or the Food Standards Agency in relation to the monitoring of water quality in Larne Lough. Responsibility for carrying out this monitoring lies solely with the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) of my Department. However, EHS is currently co-operating with officials from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in a joint programme monitoring contaminants in shellfish flesh. This monitoring programme fulfils part of the responsibilities of EHS under the Shellfish Waters Directive (79/923/EEC). Liaison also takes place directly between the FSA and officials in the Environmental Health Office of Larne Borough Council in the context of their respective roles and responsibilities for monitoring the bacteriological quality of shellfish flesh for the purposes of the Shellfish Hygiene Directive (91/492/EEC). (b) The FSA is responsible for considering the public health implications of the monitoring carried out under the Shellfish Hygiene Directive and can impose bans on the harvesting of shellfish from affected areas. Larne Lough and Islandmagee : Visits Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment what plans he has to visit the area that includes Larne Lough and Islandmagee to acquaint himself with the pressures impinging on this environmentally sensitive area and its associated zones of special scientific interest. (AQW 2697/01) Mr Nesbitt: I have currently no plans to visit the area that includes Larne Lough and Islandmagee. I am aware that there have been a number of contacts in recent years between my officials in the Environment and Heritage Service and local groups including the Friends of Larne Lough, concerning a range of environmental issues. I understand that my officials have found these meetings to be positive and helpful in fostering an awareness of the importance of the conservation interests relating to Larne Lough. Residential and Marina Development in Larne Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to outline (a) the date that the planning application for Residential and Marina Development at Larne was received; (b) the date Larne Borough Council was consulted; (c) the date the Council's decision on the matter was recorded; and (d) when a planning determination will be made. (AQW 2698/01) Mr Nesbitt: I refer the Member to my reply to AQW 2101/01, to you, which was answered on 1 March 2002. Recycling Vehicles Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment what goals have been set for the recycling of vehicles which have reached the end of their useful life. (AQW 2699/01) Mr Nesbitt: The EC End of Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive (2000/53/EC) aims to reduce the amount of waste arising from scrapped vehicles. In particular, the Directive sets targets for the reuse, recycling and recovery of materials and components; requires manufacturers to design vehicles with reuse and recyclability in mind; requires the setting up of collection and dismantling systems; and sets standards for dismantlers and scrap metal recyclers. Article 7 of the Directive sets targets for economic operators to reuse, recover and recycle 85% of all ELVs by January 2006 and 95% by January 2015. EU Member States are required to transpose the Directive into national legislation by 21 April 2002. The UK will not be in a position to transpose the Directive by this date. Following public consultation in 2001, discussions are continuing between the UK Government and the devolved administrations on the possible legislative options. My officials are closely involved in these discussions. There will also be a need for further public consultation in relation to a number of issues relating to implementation. It is therefore unlikely that the Directive will be transposed into GB and NI law before mid 2003. Larne Lough : Sewage Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to give his assessment of the level of treatment of sewage in the vicinity of Larne Lough and to indicate if tertiary treatment is included in any of the current or proposed schemes. (AQW 2717/01) Mr Nesbitt: Standards for sewage discharges into Larne Lough are set by the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) of my Department at levels to ensure that the water quality standards required by relevant EC Directives, and EHS targets for the quality of coastal waters, are met. It is the responsibility of the Water Service of the Department for Regional Development (DRD) to provide the treatment capacity necessary to achieve these standards. Sewage from the town of Larne is currently discharged untreated through a sea outfall close to the mouth of Larne Lough. Under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, which implement the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, the discharge was required to have secondary treatment from 31 December 2000. EHS has set standards for the discharge, based on the requirements of the Directive and the Regulations. I understand from DRD that the Water Service is seeking to implement a capital works scheme for Larne to provide treatment to comply with the EHS standards. It is planned to commence the capital works during 2002, subject to planning permission and finance being available. A final decision on how the discharge standards are to be achieved has not yet been made, and discussions are continuing between EHS and the Water Service on whether secondary or tertiary treatment will be required. There are other Waste Water Treatment Works in the area at Ballycarry, which currently provides secondary treatment, and Ballystrudder, which currently provides primary treatment. I understand that Water Service is considering plans to pump the sewage from Ballystrudder to the Ballycarry Works for secondary treatment. This would bring the Ballystrudder discharges into line with the requirements of the Directive and Regulations. There are smaller Works at Magheramorne and Glynn. I am advised that the Water Service proposes to pump sewage from these works to the new works at Larne for treatment. A number of private homes in the Millbay area use septic tanks. The Water Service has commissioned a consultant’s report on the future provision of sewage treatment in this area. Housing Development : Town Hill, Saintfield The Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of the Environment to outline (a) the number of letters of opposition to the proposed development at Tower Hill, Saintfield (ref R/02/0039/09) which have been received; (b) that each letter will be taken into consideration by the Planning Service; (c) the date the planning application was received; (d) the result of the consultation with Down District Council; and (e) the date when a decision will be made. (AQW 2719/01) Mr Nesbitt: Sixty letters of objection to the application for planning permission for a housing development at Town Hill, Saintfield have been received. The application was received on 14 January 2002 and it is not possible to indicate when a decision will be made as consultations with other statutory Agencies are not complete as yet. My Department has not yet consulted Down District Council and will not be in a position to present an opinion to the Down District Council for discussion until all consultation responses have been received. Finally I assure you that issues raised in all letters of objection received in relation to the planning application are carefully considered before an opinion on the application is reached. European Recycling Directives Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment to make a statement regarding the implementation of European Recycling Directives. (AQW 2749/01) Mr Nesbitt: Northern Ireland has made significant progress towards implementing European Recycling Directives. The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 came into operation on 1 June 1999 as a result of the first of the ‘producer responsibility’ Directives, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC). The Directive aims to decrease the amount of packaging waste going to landfill sites. Similar Regulations were introduced in Great Britain in 1997. The Northern Ireland Packing Regulations impose on producers obligations to recover and recycle packaging waste in order to attain targets set in the Packaging Waste Directive. My Department issued a consultation document on 4 March 2002 seeking views on proposals to increase these targets for 2002. The European Commission has carried out a review of the Directive and is proposing a substantial increase to recovery and recycling targets for Member States in 2006. A consultation paper will issue in Northern Ireland in due course seeking views on these proposals. The End of Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive (2000/53/EC) aims to reduce the amount of waste arising from scrap vehicles, and in particular, sets targets for reuse, recycling and recovery. Under Article 7 of the Directive, economic operators must meet reuse, recovery and recycling targets ("recycling targets") of 85% of all ELVs by January 2006 and 95% by January 2015. Subject to consultation, legislation will be introduced in Northern Ireland to transpose the requirements of the Directive. The transposition date is likely to be mid 2003. Pigeon Cull : Priory, Newtownards Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to provide funds to cull feral pigeons at the Priory in Newtownards, in light of the noise and health problems they generate. (AQW 2768/01) Mr Nesbitt: Newtownards Priory is a monument in the ownership of the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) of my Department. I understand that some 40 feral pigeons roost there regularly. Although all wild birds have some legal protection throughout Northern Ireland, it is permissible to cull feral pigeons for public health purposes. This culling may be done under the terms, and subject to conditions of, a general licence issued annually by the EHS. Ards Borough Council has the statutory responsibility for preserving public health, but I am content that, in this case, it is appropriate for the Department, in its capacity as the landowner, to incur the cost of culling the pigeons. EHS has therefore offered to pay the Council to undertake this work. Sellafield Discharges Mr Mitchel McLaughlin asked the Minister of the Environment, in light of the increased levels of technecium-99 being found in seaweed off the coast of Norway and the statement by the Prime Minister of Norway, Brende Borge, for political and legal action to stop the discharges of this substance into the sea from the Sellafield nuclear plant, if he has any plans to meet with Prime Minister Borge to discuss the effects of British nuclear discharges into the Irish Sea. (AQW 2795/01) Mr Nesbitt: I have no plans to meet with the Norwegian Prime Minister to discuss this matter. I understand that very low levels of Technetium 99 of Sellafield origin can be detected in seaweed and seawater in Norwegian waters; and that the Norwegian Government has expressed its concerns to the UK Government. International relations on issues of this nature are a matter for the UK Government. Sellafield discharges are an agenda item for meetings of the British-Irish Council (Environment Sectoral Group). I will continue to emphasise at these meetings the need to reduce Technetium 99 discharges to sea. I understand that the Environment Agency intends to revise the authorisation to discharge radioactivity into the Irish Sea in the near future. This is thought likely to result in a very significant reduction in Technetium-99 discharges. I appreciate that the current levels of discharge of Technetium-99 have led to some public disquiet. It is re-assuring therefore that my Department’s comprehensive programme for monitoring Sellafield discharges demonstrates that, even at prevailing levels, they are of negligible radiological significance. Sellafield Discharges Mr Mitchel McLaughlin asked the Minister of the Environment if he can inform the Assembly of the current levels of technicium-99 in seaweed off the coast of Ireland. (AQW 2796/01) Mr Nesbitt: The Department of the Environment has had a very comprehensive monitoring programme in place since the 1970s to assess the impact on the Northern Ireland coastline of discharges from Sellafield into the Irish Sea. The results of monitoring, including the current levels of Technetium-99 are published in the following reports:- Report of the Chief Alkali Inspector produced by the Environment and Heritage Service; Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) published by the Food Standards Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency; and The Northern Ireland Abstract of Statistics. Copies of these reports can be found in the Assembly Library and the Report of the Chief Alkali Inspector can also be found on the Environment and Heritage Service website, www.ehsni.gov.uk. The RIFE report is on the Food Standards Agency website, www.foodstandards.gov.uk. Results to date indicate that levels of contamination are of negligible radiological significance to the Northern Ireland population. The Technetium-99 levels detected in nephrops, lobster and edible seaweed during 2000 were 60, 60 and 19 becquerals per kilogramme (wet) respectively. These are well below the European Commission's intervention level for food stuffs of 1000 becquerals per kilogramme. Implications of Climate Change Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment when will the results of the Northern Ireland Scoping Study on the Impacts of Climate Change be published. (AQW 2887/01) Mr Nesbitt: A Report entitled "Implications for Climate Change for Northern Ireland: Informing Strategy Development" was published today. This Report identifies the key stakeholders in Northern Ireland who will be most affected by climate change and outlines the implications of climate change impacts on the economy and the environment and the adaptation measures that may be necessary. The Report represents a first step towards developing a Northern Ireland strategy for climate change impacts and will enable NI to play its full role in the policies for climate change currently being developed on a UK, European and world-wide basis. Climate change is one of the areas identified for enhanced cross-border co-operation through the British Irish Council (Environment Sectoral Group). The Report will also inform work in this area. This is a technical Report and a summary is being prepared for a wider distribution. Copies of the Report are available from the Business Office, Parliament Buildings. External Link Disclaimer: The Northern Ireland Assembly does not exercise any editorial control over the websites listed above and therefore cannot be held responsible for the information, products or services contained therein. |