Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline (a) his assessment of the economic implications of the new water source at Hog Park Point, Lough Neagh, considering the current need to address the reduction of leakage and waste within the water system; and (b) if all economic options were fully researched prior to reaching this decision.

(AQW 2740/01)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Robinson): Water Service’s proposal, arising from the 1994 Water Resource Strategy, to develop a new water source to abstract up to 130 megalitres of water per day at Hog Park Point, Lough Neagh, has been included in the current review of the water resources strategy for the period up to 2030. The review takes into account the full range of economic factors, projected water demand, population growth, climatic change and the potential for leakage reduction and demand management.

The review is nearing completion and I expect that the draft strategy will be published for consultation before the summer.

Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister for Regional Development why he is financing a new water source at Hog Park Point, Lough Neagh when so much water is lost through leakage and waste in the commercial and domestic sectors.

(AQW 2741/01)

Mr Robinson: Water Service’s proposal, arising from the 1994 Water Resource Strategy, to develop a new water source to abstract up to 130 megalitres of water per day at Hog Park Point, Lough Neagh, has been included in the current review of the water resources strategy for the period up to 2030. The review takes into account the full range of economic factors, projected water demand, population growth, climatic change and the potential for leakage reduction and demand management.

The review is nearing completion and I expect that the draft strategy will be published for consultation before the summer.

No financial commitment has therefore been made for the construction of the proposed new water source at Hog Park Point.

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development if plans to improve road safety on the Belfast to Larne Road A8 junctions at (i) Millbrook; and (ii) Antiville have been developed using the Transport Research Laboratory guidance for safe roundabouts.

(AQW 2742/01)

Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that the appraisal of these junctions, the assessment of the options to improve their safety and the detailed design of the roundabout solutions were implemented in accordance with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. This suite of documents, which are jointly produced by the four overseeing roads organisations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, cover all aspects of road design and maintenance in the UK.

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development if any objections were made at (a) the planning stage to upgrade the A8 Larne to Belfast junctions at Millbrook and Antiville; (b) the vesting stage of the project; and, if so, (c) what is the process and timescale for determining the validity or otherwise of the objection(s).

(AQW 2743/01)

Mr Robinson: I have been advised by my Department’s Roads Service that no objections were received following publication of the Direction Order and Environmental Statement for these proposed improvements. However, one objection was received following the publication of the Notice of Intention to make a Vesting Order.

When an objection is received it is duly assessed and the objector is consulted with a view to resolving the issues raised and having the objection withdrawn. If the objection is not withdrawn the Department may cause a local inquiry to be held if it appears to the Department to be necessary to do so or may make the vesting order without recourse to an inquiry. An inquiry could delay this scheme by at least 6 months.

In this case Roads Service officials have arranged to meet with the objector with a view to resolving the objection.

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development what is the proposed start date for the reinstatement of the section of the B7 between Burren Village and Milltown Crossroads, Warrenpoint.

(AQW 2799/01)

Mr Robinson: During the last 12 months or so various works to upgrade the local sewerage and drainage systems have been carried out along a section of the B7, between Burren Village and Milltown Crossroads.

As some of the excavations involved were up to 4.3 metres deep, significant settlement was anticipated and final reinstatement had to be delayed accordingly. I am pleased to advise you, however, that resurfacing in asphalt of 1,350 metres of the road, which will include the section affected by the above works, is programmed to commence in mid-May 2002.

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development why two bodies (NI Transport Holding Company and Translink) are necessary to manage public transport.

(AQW 2914/01)

Mr Robinson: The existing structures for the oversight and delivery of public transport services in Northern Ireland are enshrined in the Transport Act (NI) 1967. The Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company was established under the Act to hold and manage the property and undertakings of the former Ulster Transport Authority, and it is also empowered to form subsidiary companies. It has established 6 subsidiary companies, operating various aspects of public transport business. The Holding Company and its subsidiaries are controlled by a Common Board of Directors. Translink is not a separate entity but rather a trading name, under which the bus and rail companies operate. I am currently reviewing the institutional arrangements for the planning and delivery of public transport in Northern Ireland.

Mr Gregory Campbell asked the Minister for Regional Development when did Harland & Wolff first indicate that changes in the terms of their lease with Belfast Harbour Commission were needed to prevent the closure of the yard.

(AQO 1112/01)

Mr Robinson: I was first notified of the company’s desire to secure the removal of the restrictive user clause from its lease of some of the lands it currently occupies within the Harbour Estate, when Sir David Fell, Chairman of the H & W Group, met Sir Reg Empey and myself on 18 February 2002 to brief us on the company’s new Business Plan.

The company has identified an area amounting to some 80 acres as being no longer required for its shipbuilding activities. Its new Business Plan envisages a more compact yard, diversification of engineering activity, as well as the regeneration of those lands no longer required for shipbuilding. Consequently the proposal does have major implications for the company’s future and land use generally within the Harbour Estate.

Sir Reg Empey’s interest mainly centres on the feasibility of the company’s new business plan. It was recognised at the outset that a view on the business plan would inform our decision making process on the land. While our respective Departments have been working within the very tight timescale notified by the company, the seriousness of the company’s situation and the complexities of the issues demanded that the matter be given careful consideration and this inevitably has taken time.

I am sympathetic to the plight of Harland and Wolff Heavy Industries and I am willing to facilitate the company in their efforts to secure a future for shipbuilding and ship repair in Belfast. However I am approaching this matter in a strategic manner, mindful to the very considerable economic development and job creation potential of the land within the Harbour Estate which Harland and Wolff have indicated to be surplus to their ship building requirements.

In addressing the land issue I have made it clear that any arrangement reached between Belfast Harbour Commissioners as the landlord and Harland and Wolff as the tenant must be justifiable and acceptable in its own right, regardless of what the future holds for Harland and Wolff Heavy Industries Ltd. I am also concerned to ensure that the public interest in the lands is fully safeguarded and that they are used and developed in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland. The conditions which would attach to any agreement between BHC and Titanic Properties Ltd would be so constructed to meet these primary objectives and would be a matter for negotiation.

Mr Alan McFarland asked the Minister for Regional Development what protocol exists between his Department and the Department of the Environment Planning Service to identify the effects of new building development on road and waste water infrastructures.

(AQO 1108/01)

Mr Robinson: Planning Service consults Road and Water Services about all planning applications for developments that may affect the public road, and the water and wastewater infrastructures. This consultation is carried out under the terms of Service Level Agreements which define the respective roles and responsibilities of each Service in the consultation process. Both Roads and water Services consider the impact of the proposed development, and make appropriate recommendations to Planning Service.

The decision on whether or not to grant planning approval is a matter for Planning Service alone. I am advised that in instances, where either the roads or wastewater infrastructure is inadequate, and no satisfactory alternative can be found, Planning Service will normally refuse the planning application.

Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister for Regional Development to include 'Omagh' on a greater number of route confirmatory signs on the M1 motorway.

(AQO 1141/01)

Mr Robinson: I can advise the Member that, as far as the M1 motorway is concerned, Omagh is already mentioned on 4 route confirmatory signs and either Omagh or ‘The West’ are included on 11 Advance Direction signs. Furthermore Omagh is mentioned on 8 signs on the A4 (from the end of the M1 to Ballygawley) and a further 11 signs on the A5 (between Ballygawley and the town).

I believe this level of signing is adequate to direct motorists to the town and I have, therefore, no plans at present to increase the signage.

Mr John Kelly asked the Minister for Regional Development when work will begin on the Toomebridge Bypass.

(AQO 1123/01)

Mr Robinson: I am pleased to advise that all statutory procedures for the Toome Bypass are complete, and preparatory site work has already been undertaken to remove hedges before the start of the bird nesting season. My Department’s Roads Service has initiated a design and build contract process by selecting a preferred contractor following a competitive tendering procedure. The detailed design and target price for the main works are presently being finalised. If these are satisfactory, the main works contract should be awarded during April, with work starting next month.

Mr Maurice Morrow asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps he is taking to investigate the potential for the use of private finance within his Department; and to make a statement.

(AQO 1106/01)

Mr Robinson: I have established a new Infrastructure Funding Division within my Department tasked to investigate the potential to use private finance and alternative funding solutions to address the significant investment backlog in our roads, water and transport services.

During the debate on the draft Regional Transportation Strategy on 4 February 2002, I advised the Assembly that an additional £950 million is needed to deliver the transportation vision as outlined in the Regional Development Strategy over the next 10 years. An additional £500 million investment in our water and sewerage network is required for the same period if we are to achieve compliance with European Directives on water quality. Given the scale of this funding need, it is clear that traditional public expenditure funding will be unable to fully bridge this investment gap.

The new Infrastructure Funding Division is investigating a range of alternative funding solutions such as developers contributions, congestion charges and bond finance. The Unit is also investigating the potential for greater use of Public Private Partnerships as part of my Department’s forward investment programme.

This work is at an early stage, but I will keep the Assembly informed of developments.

Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any plans to upgrade the road from Enniskillen to Aghalane.

(AQO 1122/01)

Mr Robinson: As you may be aware, a road improvement scheme on the A509 Enniskillen to Aghalane road, between Montiagh and Mackin, is currently in progress. The scheme is estimated to cost £200,000.

In addition, my Department’s Road Service plans to carry out a road realignment scheme on the A509 at Mackin Hill near Derrylin. This scheme, which is estimated to cost £220,000, is included in the 2002/03 minor works programme. A number of objections to the scheme have however been received from local landowners. The timing of the scheme is therefore dependent on a resolution of these objections.

Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to extend the use of bus lanes; and to make a statement.

(AQO 1107/01)

Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service proposes to extend the use of nearside with-flow bus lanes in Belfast by:

Decisions concerning which vehicle types are admitted to individual bus lanes are based on traffic and transportation needs, with road safety being a major contributing factor.

My Department is in consultation with the Assembly Committee on the issue and I would hope to be in a position to provide you with further information before too long.

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister for Regional Development if powered two-wheel vehicles will be given the right to use bus lanes.

(AQO 1140/01)

Mr Robinson: I would refer you to my answer of 4 March 2002 in response to your recent Oral Assembly Question AQO 906/01 and my response to AQO 1107/01 which I answered today.

Mr Joe Byrne asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline Roads Service policy in relation to the width of main trunk roads throughout Northern Ireland; and to make a statement.

(AQO 1111/01)

Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service has no specific policy in relation to the width of main trunk roads.

As you may know, trunk roads comprise a mix of road types ranging from motorways to single carriageways. The current standards of construction for all road types are contained in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges which has been published jointly by the road authorities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Design Manual provides that the carriageway width for a rural main road (which could also be a trunk road) is 7.3 metres with two 1 metre wide hardstrips and a 2.5 metre wide grass verge. Where a footway is provided, it is located within the 2.5 metre wide verge

Roads Service would normally carry out improvements to the country’s trunk road network to the standards contained in the Design Manual. However, some non-standard road widths may be used to suit particular locations. Also, whilst a substantial proportion of the trunk road network in Northern Ireland has been improved to current standards, there are significant sections that are largely unimproved.

Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister for Regional Development if there are any plans to upgrade the roads structure in the Hannahstown and Glenavy areas in 2002-03.

(AQO 1128/01)

Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service plans to carry out 2 minor works schemes in the Hannahstown and Glenavy areas in 2002/03. These schemes are being undertaken to improve sight-lines at the junction of Leathemstown Road and Quarterlands Road at Dundrod and at the junction of Glenavy Road and Hungry House Lane between Lisburn and Glenavy. Completion of both schemes is subject to the successful acquisition of necessary land.

Also, schemes to resurface Upper Springfield Road and the A26 Moira Road, between Glenavy and Ballinderry Upper, remain under consideration for inclusion in future resurfacing programmes.

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister for Regional Development what assessment he has made of the sewerage works in Downpatrick; and to make a statement.

(AQO 1142/01)

Mr Robinson: The performance of Downpatrick Wastewater Treatment Works is assessed on an on-going basis against the regulatory standards set by the Environment and Heritage Service. Samples of the effluent from the Works are collected at the discharge point to the Quoile River. Over the past 5 years, the Works has consistently complied with the regulatory standards. All samples taken during 2001 complied with the regulatory standards.

The Works was designed to treat a population equivalent of 16,000, and presently caters for around 13,000. It is not overloaded and is generally performing well. Water Service will continue to monitor its performance, and will take any necessary measures to further improve the efficiency of the treatment process. Arrangements have been made to install new screening equipment at the inlet to the Works. This is expected to be operational within the next two months, and will enhance the reliability of the Works.

An appraisal study has been undertaken to identify the upgrading required to cater for future growth, and the possibility of increasingly stringent effluent discharge standards. The scheme is currently programmed to commence in 2005, at an estimated cost of £2.3 million.

Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister for Regional Development if he has any plans to resurface the A2 Warrenpoint to Rostrevor road.

(AQO 1099/01)

Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that it plans to resurface in asphalt the following 2 stretches of the A2 Warrenpoint to Rostrevor road early in the incoming financial year 2002/03:

Mr David Ford asked the Minister for Regional Development what discussions he has had with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Minister of the Environment regarding the quality of drinking water drawn from Lough Neagh.

(AQO 1119/01)

Mr Robinson: Lough Neagh is a very significant source of drinking water as it supplies around one-third of the water used on a daily basis in Northern Ireland. Consequently, my Department’s Water Service is very keen that the quality, and indeed the quantity, of water in the Lough is protected. Standards of wholesomeness of water are prescribed in The Water Quality Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994. Water Service regularly monitors the quality of drinking water from the Lough Neagh, and publishes the results in public registers and in an annual report.