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| Friday 12 April 2002 Total Spend on Road Improvements : Strangford Constituency Mr Tom Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) the total spend on road improvements in the Strangford constituency over the last 3 years; and (b) the total spend as a percentage of total road improvement for Northern Ireland over the same period. (AQW 2591/01) Mr Robinson: My Department’s Road Service does not maintain details of expenditure on road improvements on a parliamentary constituency basis nor for the Peninsula area of the Strangford constituency. However, I am able to provide statistics for the district council areas of Ards and Castlereagh, which form the majority of the Strangford constituency. The table below shows Roads Service’s capital expenditure on major and minor road improvements. It should be noted, however, that major road improvements are prioritised on a country-wide basis and not on a Roads Service Divisional or district council basis, taking account of a broad range of criteria such as strategic planning policy, traffic flows, number of accidents, potential travel save times, environmental impact and value for money. While the actual spend on a major works scheme may be within one district council area, the benefits of such schemes are not confined to the district council or constituencies in which they are located. Roads Service expenditure on minor road improvements includes minor works, accident remedial schemes, transportation measures and minor bridge strengthening. The resources available for such works are allocated to the 4 Roads Service Divisions and, in turn, apportioned across district council areas using appropriate indicators of need. Capital Expenditure on Major and Minor Road Improvements 1998/1999 to 2000/2001
Total Spend on Road Improvements : Strangford Constituency Mr Tom Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development what percentage of total spend on road improvements was spent in the Peninsula area of the Strangford constituency. (AQW 2592/01) Mr Robinson: My Department’s Road Service does not maintain details of expenditure on road improvements on a parliamentary constituency basis nor for the Peninsula area of the Strangford constituency. However, I am able to provide statistics for the district council areas of Ards and Castlereagh, which form the majority of the Strangford constituency. The table below shows Roads Service’s capital expenditure on major and minor road improvements. It should be noted, however, that major road improvements are prioritised on a country-wide basis and not on a Roads Service Divisional or district council basis, taking account of a broad range of criteria such as strategic planning policy, traffic flows, number of accidents, potential travel save times, environmental impact and value for money. While the actual spend on a major works scheme may be within one district council area, the benefits of such schemes are not confined to the district council or constituencies in which they are located. Roads Service expenditure on minor road improvements includes minor works, accident remedial schemes, transportation measures and minor bridge strengthening. The resources available for such works are allocated to the 4 Roads Service Divisions and, in turn, apportioned across district council areas using appropriate indicators of need. Capital Expenditure on Major and Minor Road Improvements 1998/1999 to 2000/2001
Ballyalton Road Mr Tom Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans has Roads Service to restrict the use of the single track at Ballyalton Road being used as a 'short cut' for traffic travelling from Comber to the Dundonald dual carriageway and vice-versa. (AQW 2593/01) Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service currently has no plans to introduce restrictions on vehicles using Ballyalton Road. However, as you may be aware, the current North Down and Ards Area Plan includes proposals for the improvement of the primary route network around Comber and Newtownards. One of these proposals is the construction of Phase 2 of the Comber Bypass. Work on that scheme is due to commence later this year. When completed, the proposals included in the Area Plan will help to alleviate congestion in the town centres. They should also encourage road users to use the main roads, thereby reducing traffic flows on rural roads which may currently be used as 'short cuts', including Ballyalton Road. Roads Service will continue to monitor the situation. Traffic Calming Schemes Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) if he will consider increasing the funding for traffic calming schemes; and (b) if requests for such schemes from estates and areas within the Strangford constituency will be implemented. (AQW 2605/01) Mr Robinson: In April 2001, my Department launched a Traffic Calming Initiative to help address the high demand for traffic calming right across Northern Ireland. At that time, the funds available were increased for traffic calming for the 2001/2002 financial year by some 30%. This amounted to an annual expenditure of £1.8 million, an increase of £400,000 on the original allocation. This allowed my Department’s Roads Service to implement around 45 schemes, rather than the 35 schemes originally planned. Two of these schemes were carried out at Main Street, Millisle and Main Street, Kircubbin within the Strangford constituency. With regard to funding for future years, the Regional Transportation Strategy proposes increased funding of some £23.7 million for traffic calming initiatives over the next ten years. This would more than double the current funding level. Until the final strategy is agreed and the significantly enhanced funding is secured, I propose to maintain the traffic calming budget for 2002/2003 at the increased level of £1.8 million. In the meantime, despite the recent increase in funding, the demand for traffic calming measures still greatly exceeds the resources available for this type of work. Priorities therefore have to be established to ensure that the available resources are targeted towards those locations that would derive the greatest benefit, primarily in terms of accident reduction. Accordingly, all requests for traffic calming are assessed and prioritised using criteria such as road accident history, vehicle speeds, volume and type of traffic and environmental factors, such as the presence of schools, playgrounds, shops etc. As regards the Strangford constituency, I can advise that two schemes for that area are currently programmed for 2002/2003, at Darragh Road and the West Winds Estate in Comber. Wastewater Treatment Works : Ards Peninsula Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will liaise with his Ministerial colleague in the Department of the Regional Development to ensure residential development can continue in the Ards Peninsula in light of the upgrading of the sewage works in the villages of Ballywalter, Ballyhalbert, Ballygowan and Lisbane. (AQW 2606/01) Mr Robinson: 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 the interim, the Environment and Heritage Service has indicated that it does not wish any further properties to be connected to the public sewerage system where this would cause overloading of the system or exacerbate non-compliance with the Regulations. In such circumstances, Water Service will advise Planning Service of the impact of the proposed development and of the need to consult with the Environment and Heritage Service. The granting of planning approval is of course a matter for Planning Service alone. My officials will continue to liaise with officials in the Department of the Environment on these matters, but we must be guided by the advice coming from them on these environmental issues. I would be willing to liaise with the Minister of the Environment on any suggestions he may have to deal with the situation. Telecommunication Masts : Departmental Property Mr Eamonn ONeill asked the Minister for Regional Development what is his policy in dealing with the erection of telecommunication masts on Departmental property. (AQW 2634/01) Mr Robinson: The policy on the erection of telecommunication masts at Departmental property, other than within the public road boundary, is currently being reviewed. The review is at an advanced stage and I hope to be in a position to consult the Regional Development Committee about its conclusions shortly. Since the review commenced last year, the Department has not entered into any agreements with telecommunication companies for the erection of masts on Departmental land. However, telecommunications companies, which are licensed by the Department of Trade and Industry under the Telecommunications Act 1984, have a statutory right to place apparatus, including masts, within the public road boundary in accordance with the Telecommunications Code and the relevant legislation. This requires a licensed company to give my Department’s Road Service 28 days notice of its intention to install apparatus within the public road. In assessing such notices, Roads Service can consider only matters that affect the safety and convenience of road users. The companies must also obtain planning approval for the installation. Road Safety Implications : Bus Lanes Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister for Regional Development what assessment has he made of the road safety implications, particularly with respect to cyclists, of the decision to allow taxis to use bus lanes. (AQW 2638/01) Mr Robinson: Officials from my Department’s Roads Service consulted with their counterparts in the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions and a number of local authorities in England who presently allow taxis to use bus lanes. From these consultations, it would appear that there have been no identifiable adverse safety problems associated with the schemes presently operating in Great Britain and, to date, no authority has proposed abandoning their scheme. By limiting the types of taxis permitted to use bus lanes to Belfast public hire taxis and "black" taxis licensed to operate bus-type services, Roads Service will be in a position to monitor the overall operation of the bus lanes and gather relevant safety information which will be used to help formulate future policy with regard to other taxis. A decision on whether or not to allow the introduction of other taxi types will not be taken until a suitable monitoring period has elapsed. Antrim-Knockmore Railway Line Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister for Regional Development what assessment has he made of the impact on passenger numbers on the Antrim-Knockmore railway line of variations on the timetabling of train services. (AQW 2639/01) Mr Robinson: In March 2001 Translink conducted a survey which showed that on average just over 100 passengers journeys per day originated from or terminated at stations on the Antrim/Knockmore line. Figures gathered by Translink during the period May 2001 to November 2001 indicate that there are now less than 80 passenger journeys per day. Up to 10th June 2001 116 train services operated in both directions each week along the line. Since 10th June 2001 some 27 train services have operated in both directions each week along the line. Water System : Leakage Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his strategy in relation to identifying leakage within the water system in (a) the business/commerce sector; (b) the public sector; and (c) the domestic sector. (AQW 2730/01) Mr Robinson: Water Service has adopted a leakage strategy to identify, manage and control leakage. The strategy consists of five main elements, which are:
The strategy is aimed at all parts of the water distribution system. As part of its intensive leakage management programme, Water Service carries out leakage detection exercises on the water distribution network. These exercises often identify leaks, on private property, which are the responsibility of the owner to repair. In these circumstances, a waste notice is issued, requiring the owner to have the leak repaired within 28 days. It is estimated that 20% of leakage is the responsibility of customers. Water Service has a proactive campaign of raising the awareness of its customers of using water wisely, through a number of initiatives, including leaflets drops, and exhibitions. All customers have been advised, through a series of leaflet drops in 2000, 2001, and 2002 on the efficient use of water and of the importance of repairing leaks. The majority of the business, commercial and public sectors are metered and these customers pay for water used. The onus is therefore on these customers to reduce costs by regularly monitoring their water consumption and repair any leaks detected on their pipework. During 2001, a leaflet giving useful hints on how to save water and save money was sent to all metered customers. Water Service is liaising with the Area Health and Social Services Boards to promote water efficiency in hospitals. Water Efficiency Plan Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his approach to the promotion of water savings in domestic dwellings, aside from leaflets urging conservation. (AQW 2731/01) Mr Robinson: As part of its Water Efficiency Plan, Water Service has promoted initiatives to increase the awareness of the need to use water wisely. Customers have been made aware of these initiatives through a series of leaflets, which in addition to urging conservation, provide practical tips on how to save water in the home and elsewhere. Water Service promotes water efficiency measures at exhibitions, including ‘Ideal Home’, agricultural shows and garden festivals throughout Northern Ireland. It also has a ‘Water Bus’ which visits schools throughout Northern Ireland which aims to educate children on a variety of aspects of Water Service’s activities including information on water efficiency. The children are encouraged to complete a water audit either during or prior to the visit. Water Service provides practical assistance in the form of cistern displacement devices, which reduce the amount of water used each time the toilet is flushed. These are known as Hippo bags and are provided free to customers, on request. To date over 37,000 have been issued to customers. Water Service is currently reviewing its water regulations to encourage the use of water fittings in new plumbing installations that are more water efficient, e.g. smaller sized cisterns. Falling Water Reserves Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister for Regional Development to indicate when he and the Water Service first became aware of falling water reserves from last September, in advance of press coverage on the shortage in January 2002. (AQW 2732/01) Mr Robinson: Levels in all reservoirs across Northern Ireland are monitored by Water Service on a continuous basis. It is normal for reservoir levels to fall from springtime as a result of decreasing rainfall in late spring and summer months. However, the storage levels generally recover as a result of increased rainfall in the autumn and winter. The unusually dry autumn prevented the normal recharge of the reservoirs particularly in the Silent Valley where the rainfall was the lowest for over 30 years. My predecessor, Gregory Campbell and I have been kept advised of water storage levels across Northern Ireland since the summer of 2001. In light of the developing situations, I felt it was prudent to alert the public in January 2002 to the water situation in the Silent Valley and further promote the need for customers to use water wisely and conserve supplies. Water Supply Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister for Regional Development what measures have been implemented to control the demand of water, given the below average rainfall over the last year. (AQW 2733/01) Mr Robinson: Water Service seeks to meet the water needs of all its customers, but it is the customer who ultimately controls the total demand for water, whatever the rainfall levels. Reduced demand can therefore only come about through the actions of customers in using water wisely and conserving it where possible. Water Service will continue to encourage customers to do so and will continue to actively promote its Water Efficiency Plan. A high profile campaign is underway to persuade all customers to use less water, and as part of this, a leaflet promoting water saving techniques is currently being issued to all 720,000 properties in Northern Ireland. In addition Water Service is urging all customers to fit Hippo bags in their toilet cisterns. These are easy to fit and can save up to 3 litres of water each time the toilet is flushed. They are available free of charge and can be obtained by telephoning Water Service’s Customer Service Unit on 08457440088. The Water Efficiency Plan is an important element of Water Service’s Water Resource Strategy, which addresses the total water needs over a 30-year period, and how these needs can best be met. Water Supply Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister for Regional Development what reassurance can he give the business sector and local citizens in general that their water supply needs will be met without disruption; and to make a statement. (AQW 2734/01) Mr Robinson: All impounding reservoirs in the Province, apart from those in the Silent Valley, are full. There are therefore no concerns about the water supply in any areas other than those supplied from the Silent Valley reservoirs. The unusually dry autumn and mild winter meant that the Silent Valley reservoirs were not replenished in the normal way and by January were only one-third full. The increased rainfall during February and March has improved the storage levels and the reservoirs are now over 60% full. However, the reservoirs would normally be around 90% full at this time of year. There is therefore no immediate threat to water supplies in those areas of County Down and Belfast supplied from the Silent Valley. However, to avoid difficulties later in the year, we need average rainfall over the coming months, and the co-operation of customers to use water wisely and conserve supplies where possible. Water Service will also take all possible operational measures to reduce demand on the Silent Valley reservoirs. Knockmore Railway Line Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any steps being taken to gain funding from the Rural Transport Fund to subsidise the Knockmore Railway Line. (AQW 2789/01) Mr Robinson: The Rural Transport Fund supports road passenger transport services in rural areas under the powers in Sections 11 and 75A of the Transport Act 1967. These powers do not permit the Fund to be used to subsidise railway services. Planning Regulations for Farm Land : Relaxation Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister for Regional Development if he has any plans to relax planning in the countryside regulations for farm land. (AQO 1143/01) Mr Robinson: May I take this opportunity to emphasise the importance I attach to the contribution of the rural community to the economic and social well being of Northern Ireland. This, I believe, is fully recognised in the Regional Development Strategy, which was launched on 4 December 2001. One of its key aims is to develop an attractive and prosperous rural area based on a balanced and integrated approach to the development of town, village and countryside. I believe that this approach will help sustain a strong and vibrant rural community; one which is able to contribute to the overall prosperity of Northern Ireland. In progressing the strategy, I will be bringing forward detailed strategic planning policy guidance on a range of important issues. My officials have already started work on a new planning policy statement on development in the countryside. While the final content and nature of this guidance has yet to be decided, it is likely to contain strategic rural planning policies within which Departments will be expected to structure, interpret and implement individual operational policies. I recognise fully that an issue to be addressed in the emerging policy guidance will be the challenge to maintain the economic and community life of rural areas in the face of the hardships currently besetting farmers. I also recognise the tension that exists between the desire for development in the rural area, particularly for business and residential use, and the need to protect good farm land and the general environment of our countryside. A balance will need to be struck if we are to avoid the detrimental effects of either excessive development or the blight on rural communities from a policy, which is too restrictive. Clearly this is an issue of significant public interest and I will ensure that the Assembly, its committees and rural communities, are fully consulted as the work on this strategic planning policy progresses. Damaged Bus Shelters Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Minister for Regional Development how much has been spent on the replacement or repair of damaged bus shelters in each of the last 3 years. (AQW 2794/01) Mr Robinson: My Department's Roads Service, in partnership with most district Councils (Omagh, Fermanagh and Derry excluded), entered into a new 15 year contract with bus shelter provider Adshel on 1 January 2001. Under this contract, all of the shelters provided (including replacements) are erected, maintained and repaired by Adshel at no expense to the Department. Prior to this contract with Adshel, the replacement or repair costs incurred by Roads Service, in respect of damaged bus shelters cannot be readily identified as they were included in overall costs against other routine maintenance activities. Disability Living Allowance : Appeal Tribunals Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Social Development what is the average length of time to process a Disability Living Allowance appeal, from lodging notice of appeal to the verdict being delivered at the tribunal hearing. (AQW 2561/01) The Minister for Social Development (Mr Dodds): The figures for February 2002 show that it takes Disability Living Allowance Branch, on average, 73 working days from date of receipt of an appeal request to the date the case is submitted to The Appeals Service to arrange the appeal hearing. Upon receipt of the submission it takes a further 27 weeks, on average, for the decision to be made at the tribunal hearing. Disability Living Allowance : Appeal Tribunals Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Social Development what was the total budget allocated to Disability Living Allowance appeal tribunals in each of the last 5 years. (AQW 2562/01) Mr Dodds: The budget allocated to The Appeals Service and to The Office of the President of Appeals (formerly the Independent Tribunal Service) is to cover the cost of all benefit hearings. The allocation specifically for Disability Living Allowance appeal tribunals is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, in the 1997/98 year the total allocation was £3,175,152; £2,962,295 in 1998/99; £2,727,174 in 1999/00; £3,400,572 in 2000/01 and £3,755,968 for the 11 months ended February 2002. Disability Living Allowance : Appeals Tribunals Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Social Development how many Disability Living Allowance appeals were successful at tribunals in each of the last 5 years. (AQW 2563/01) Mr Dodds: In the 1997/98 year appeals against 1452 components of Disability Living Allowance were successful at tribunals; 1294 in 1998/99; 937 in 1999/00; 1202 in 2000/01 and 1895 during the 11 months ending February 2002. Disability Living Allowance : Appeals Tribunals Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Social Development how many cases were heard in Disability Living Allowance appeal tribunals in each of the last 5 years. (AQW 2564/01) Mr Dodds: In the 1997/98 year appeals against 8534 components of Disability Living Allowance were heard; 6507 in 1998/99; 5059 in 1999/00; 9641in 2000/01 and 13668 during the 11 months ending February 2002. Harbison Report Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to ring-fence monies for the Voluntary and Community Sector to help implement the recommendations of the Harbison Report. (AQW 2565/01) Mr Dodds: The Harbison report made a number of key recommendations:
Work on the development of performance indicators is ongoing. The Voluntary Activity Unit within my Department has been successful in acquiring funding through Executive Programme Funds to undertake a programme of work on weak community infrastructure. It is not necessary to ring-fence additional monies at this stage to progress both areas of work. Development of the proposed funding database, a Funders Forum and Task Force are subject to resources being secured. It is not possible at this stage to identify what resources would need to be directed towards the voluntary and community sector for implementation of the outstanding recommendations of the Report. Harbison Report Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development what action has he taken to implement the recommendations of the Harbison Report. (AQW 2566/01) Mr Dodds: The recommendations of the Harbison Report are detailed in AQW 2565/01. An Interim report outlining progress on the development of performance indicators was published in October 2001 and a final report is expected in the summer. A one-day Conference was held recently involving key stakeholders to discuss the complex issue of weak community infrastructure. The Voluntary Activity Unit within my Department have also been successful in acquiring £3 million through Executive Programme Funds to undertake a programme of work within the statutory sector to help build community infrastructure in areas where is it weakest and maintaining areas where the infrastructure is currently positive. Proposals to develop a database to record funding to the voluntary and community sector are well advanced. A Scoping Study has been completed and it is planned to develop a pilot application soon. An initial meeting of the major funders to the voluntary and community sector has been held. It is planned to progress a Funders Forum in the next few months. A Task Force was proposed to identify alternative funding sources for the voluntary and community sector and to address sustainability of the sector. It is hoped to begin the work of the Task Force and progress the Funders Forum and the funding database next financial year, subject to securing resources. Official Credit Cards Mr John Dallat asked the Minister for Social Development how many official credit cards are in use in his Department and how much has been spent to date on each card in the current financial year. (AQW 2623/01) Mr Dodds: There are no official credit cards in use in the Department for Social Development and therefore no spend to date in the current financial year. State Pension Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail, by constituency, the number of people who are currently in receipt of state pension. (AQW 2629/01) Mr Dodds: The number of persons receiving Retirement Pension by Parliamentary Constituency is 244,039 and is detailed in the table below. The figures are the most recent available and are for September 2001.
1. In producing this analysis, individual records were attributed to wards and Parliamentary Constituency on the basis of their postcode. Not all records can be correctly allocated to a ward using this method, and some cannot be allocated at all. 2. Past investigation has demonstrated that misallocations and non-allocations do not necessarily occur randomly between areas, and at ward level the proportion of records misallocated or unallocated can be substantial. 3. At present, it seems likely that a higher than average proportion of the records that cannot be attributed to a ward are in the following areas: Fermanagh District Council, Derry District Council and parts of Belfast City Council. 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. |