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Friday 26 April 2002 Wastewater Treatment Facilities : Larne and Islandmagee Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what proposals he intends to bring forward to enhance provision for the treatment of sewage in the vicinity of (a) Mill Bay, Islandmagee; (b) Ballystrudder; (c) Ballycarry; and (d) Larne. (AQW 2694/01) The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Robinson): Water Service is progressing two projects which will upgrade wastewater treatment facilities in the Larne and Islandmagee areas to meet modern standards. The larger of the two projects is the provision of a new treatment works to service Larne and communities in the surrounding area. A planning application for the works has been submitted to Planning Service and I understand that a decision is expected soon. Subject to planning approval, construction on site is programmed to start in the incoming financial year. The scheme will take 2 years to complete at an estimated cost of some £10 million. The other project has involved a strategic assessment of all the sewer catchments on the Islandmagee Peninsula, including those discharging to Larne Lough. Measures identified include transferring wastewater from Ballystrudder to Ballycarry for treatment and the provision of a sewer system and treatment works for Mill Bay. The project also includes for improvements to coastal discharges from the eastern side of the peninsula. Implementation of these proposals will commence on a phased basis this year at a total cost of almost £3million. Toomebridge Bypass Mr John Kelly asked the Minister for Regional Development when the Toomebridge Bypass will be completed. (AQW 2818/01) Mr Robinson: In my response to the Member’s Oral Assembly Question (AQO 1123/01) on 15 April 2002 I advised that, all being well, the main works contract for the construction of the Toome Bypass should be awarded later this month with work starting on site next month. It is anticipated that the scheme will take 18 to 21 months to complete. Far Circular Road, Dungannon Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 2177/01, in respect of the Far Circular Road, Dungannon, to detail, in each of the last 5 years, (a) the number of claims lodged due to accidents caused by structural defects affecting the road; and (b) the number of successful claims. (AQW 2819/01) Mr Robinson: The table below details the number of claims lodged with my Department and the number of offers of compensation made in respect of accidents involving damage to vehicles on the Far Circular Road, Dungannon in each of the last 5 years. YEAR 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 NO OF CLAIMS 0 0 0 8 0 COMPENSATION OFFERED 0 0 0 0 0 Subway Maintenance Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) the cleaning maintenance programme, including graffiti removal, from the subways in Carrickfergus; and (b) the level of response maintenance provided over the last 2 years. (AQW 2834/01) Mr Robinson: The subways in question are part of the public road and, as such, responsibility for their cleanliness falls to Carrickfergus Borough Council. My Department’s Roads Service does however, hose down and disinfect the subways twice a year. Roads Service is responsible for dealing with graffiti on the subways. In addressing this problem, the Roads Service policy is to remove only graffiti containing offensive language or messages as soon as is practicable. Graffiti which does not contain offensive text is treated as low priority and is generally only removed occasionally. Responsive maintenance of the subways normally follows routine inspections. Roads Service officials carry out safety inspections of the subways every 4 weeks. Any surface defects or hazards that are recorded through these inspections are prioritised and repaired as necessary. During the past 2 years, repairs have had to be carried out on the subways’ drainage channels and the pumping systems. In addition, officials also carry out more detailed structural inspections of the subways once every two years and detailed principal inspections are undertaken once every six years. Any remedial work is prioritised from the inspection reports. Following such inspections on 23 September 1999 the following work was carried out:
I understand that the Harbour and High Street subways have just recently had another structural assessment carried out and an assessment of Fisherman’s Quay subway is still on going. Any work required will be prioritised following analysis of the assessment reports. Traffic : Derrylin, Co Fermanagh Mr Sam Foster asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline (a) if he will undertake a survey of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the village of Derrylin, Co Fermanagh; and (b) if he is aware that two local businesses are willing to finance the provision of a pedestrian crossing in the village. (AQW 2835/01) Mr Robinson: Officials from my Department’s Roads Service have advised me that in June 2000, they carried out a survey of pedestrian movements in the village of Derrylin, on a stretch of road which local residents identified as being most in need of a controlled pedestrian crossing. Also, in February 2001, extensive vehicular traffic surveys were carried out in the village. Whilst the volume of vehicular traffic was found to be in the region of 5500 vehicles per day, the pedestrian count was extremely low, with only 5 pedestrians crossing the stretch of road in question during the morning peak period. The results of these surveys indicate that the level of pedestrian and vehicle conflict in the village is not sufficient to warrant the provision of a controlled pedestrian crossing. Roads Service has therefore no plans at present to undertake any further surveys. Neither Roads Service nor I am aware that two local businesses are willing to finance the provision of a pedestrian crossing in the village. I should explain, however, that the decision not to provide such a facility in Derrylin is based primarily on road safety grounds and any offer of funding would not lead Roads Service or me to change that decision. I trust you will appreciate that there would be a potential danger in providing a controlled facility which is infrequently used by pedestrians as motorists, becoming familiar with a green signal, may actually fail to stop for the occasional red signal. Railway Station, Newry City Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any plans to upgrade the railway station at Newry City. (AQW 2858/01) Mr Robinson: With my full support the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company is endeavouring to provide a new railway station in Newry as the present station is unsatisfactory. The land directly opposite the current station is the Company’s preferred choice of site and it is now actively engaged in securing access to this site. However, property negotiations can be complex and will inevitably take time. Nevertheless, the Company is preparing to allocate resources for this development in its Corporate Plan for 2004/05. This will be subject to confirmation depending upon the resources available for public transport. Beech Hill and Cloghogue, Newry Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any plans he has to make the section of roadway between Beech Hill and Cloghogue, Newry a dual carriageway. (AQW 2859/01) Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service has appointed consultants to undertake a feasibility study to identify the best option for upgrading the stretch of the A1 Belfast to Newry to the Border route from Beech Hill to Cloghogue Roundabout. The study will examine options for:
It is anticipated that the consultants will have developed a number of approved options by the Summer 2002 and that the preferred option will be agreed in Spring 2003. In the meantime the scheme will be considered for inclusion in the Roads Service 10-year Forward Planning Schedule which I hope to publish later this year. Clanrye River, Newry City Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister for Regional Development if he has any plans to provide a higher standard pedestrian footbridge across Clanrye River, Newry City. (AQW 2860/01) Mr Robinson: I have no plans at present to provide a new pedestrian footbridge across Clanrye River in Newry. However, during a recent meeting with a delegation from Newry and Mourne District Council, some Councillors requested that the metal deck of the footbridge, which has been removed to facilitate a flood alleviation scheme, should not be replaced. The Councillors felt that a more ornate deck, more in keeping with the local amenity, should be provided. I have undertaken to visit the site before reaching a decision on this matter. Enterprise Timetable Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister for Regional Development if a review of timing arrangements will be carried out at Newry City Railway Station in light of the fact that the main service from Belfast to Dublin each morning passing through Newry City at 9.00 am does not stop at this Station. (AQW 2867/01) Mr Robinson: Translink has advised that there are no immediate plans to change the existing Enterprise timetable and stops, with the possible exception of the 20.35 service from Dublin for which the departure time may be altered by plus or minus 5 minutes. Translink considers that if the existing 0800 service from Belfast to Dublin were to stop at Newry, the disadvantage of the extra journey time for the vast majority of passengers would outweigh any benefits. Translink has also pointed out that there is a limited number of slots available into Dublin Connolly station, so if the existing 0800 service from Belfast were to stop at Newry it would have to leave Belfast some minutes before 0800 in order to fit into its existing slot into Dublin. This earlier start would also disadvantage many passengers starting their journey in Belfast. Tourism Signage Policy Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail progress on the joint Road Service and Northern Ireland Tourist Board review of tourism signage policy. (AQW 2878/01) Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that, in the course of the review of tourist signing policy, which is being carried out jointly by Roads Service and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, it became increasingly clear that certain aspects could best be explored by means of a number of desktop tourism signing exercises to determine the implications of any policy change. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is leading in these latest exercises. Presently, information that will inform the review is being collated for the first study in the Portrush and Giant’s Causeway area. Similar work has commenced on the second and third study areas in the Newcastle and Londonderry City areas and further studies are planned. It is expected that the outcome of these studies will be translated into policy in time for the 2003 tourist season. Road Signage Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to ensure that road signage reflecting facilities and attractions in villages and towns is not overlooked as a result of the construction of new roads. (AQW 2882/01) Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service is fully aware of the need to erect road signage to reflect ‘local services’ and tourist attractions in villages and towns that are bypassed as a result of the construction of new roads. For your information, current Roads Service policy permits the erection of signs to ‘local services’ in respect of local communities with a population of between 1,500 and 5,000 people which have been bypassed because of the construction of new roads. This is in common with practice elsewhere in the United Kingdom. ‘Local services’ signs are not provided in respect of large towns (with populations greater than 5,000), which have been similarly affected, as it is assumed a full range of services will be available. Signs to tourist attractions will continue to be provided in accordance with current policy, as agreed between Roads Service and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. Under that policy, which is currently under review, signing may be permitted to a tourist attraction from a newly constructed road, depending on the number of visitors drawn to the attraction and the classification of the road. Pedestrian Crossing Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development what is the current criteria used to measure the need for a pedestrian crossing. (AQW 2884/01) Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service receives a great many requests for the provision of controlled pedestrian crossing facilities. To ensure a consistent and equitable approach, requests are assessed using criteria based on national guidelines. The procedure currently used by Roads Service to measure the need for a pedestrian crossing essentially involves an assessment of the number of pedestrians crossing the road and the volume of traffic using it. This information is used, by applying a prescribed formula, to establish the degree of pedestrian / vehicular conflict at the site in question. This acts as an initial sift, in that sites above a particular threshold figure are deemed to merit further consideration for a controlled crossing. This further consideration takes into account a number of factors including vehicle speed, road geometry, proximity to shops, schools, community centres, hospitals etc, and accident history. Based on this detailed assessment potential sites are prioritised accordingly. Generally, funding is not an issue in that any site that meets this needs criteria and can be safely provided with regard to engineering considerations, will be funded from existing budgets. In the circumstances I have no plans to introduce new criteria for the funding of pedestrian crossings. Pedestrian Crossing Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps is he taking to introduce new criteria for the funding of pedestrian crossings. (AQW 2895/01) Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service receives a great many requests for the provision of controlled pedestrian crossing facilities. To ensure a consistent and equitable approach, requests are assessed using criteria based on national guidelines. The procedure currently used by Roads Service to measure the need for a pedestrian crossing essentially involves an assessment of the number of pedestrians crossing the road and the volume of traffic using it. This information is used, by applying a prescribed formula, to establish the degree of pedestrian / vehicular conflict at the site in question. This acts as an initial sift, in that sites above a particular threshold figure are deemed to merit further consideration for a controlled crossing. This further consideration takes into account a number of factors including vehicle speed, road geometry, proximity to shops, schools, community centres, hospitals etc, and accident history. Based on this detailed assessment potential sites are prioritised accordingly. Generally, funding is not an issue in that any site that meets this needs criteria and can be safely provided with regard to engineering considerations, will be funded from existing budgets. In the circumstances I have no plans to introduce new criteria for the funding of pedestrian crossings. B10/Fernhill Road, Rathfriland Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps he will take to reduce the danger to road users at the eastern junction of the B10/Fernhill Road, Rathfriland. (AQW 2915/01) Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that a scheme to improve the eastern junction of the B10 Banbridge to Rathfriland road and the U4342 Fernhill Road has been included in its 2003/04 minor works programme for the Banbridge District Council area. The scheme is subject to the successful acquisition of necessary land and the availability of funds. I understand that the proposed scheme involves the repositioning of the junction to reduce the speed of traffic entering and exiting Fernhill Road and to discourage use of that road as a shortcut. The scheme will also include the realignment of a stretch of the Banbridge to Rathfriland road and the construction of a layby at the existing bus shelter close to the junction and a footway from the bus shelter to Fernhill Road. Sewer Baiting Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the current programmes for sewer baiting. (AQW 2916/01) Mr Robinson: Water Service has a network of some 12,000 kilometres of sewers. Rodent infestation is not a significant problem but tends to be more prevalent in older parts of the network in urban areas. Rodent control measures are, therefore, targeted at these sewers and are carried out by staff from both Water Service and District Councils. Water Service has recently reviewed the arrangements for carrying out rodent control, and now proposes to subject this work to open tender competition to establish call off contracts on a geographical area basis. These will enable rodent control to be undertaken on both a cyclical and ad hoc basis, by either Water Service or contract staff, depending on local circumstances. It is intended to advertise the contracts by the end of June 2002. Housing Executive Repairs Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development what action is taken against Housing Executive contractors where they fail to meet the timescale for response repairs to property. (AQW 2824/01) The Minister for Social Development (Mr Dodds): If a Housing Executive works order has not been completed by a contractor within the stipulated response time or date, the Housing Executive may employ and pay other persons to carry out the work. Any additional costs incurred in such circumstances become a charge, recoverable by the Housing Executive from the contractor. The costs may be offset against any sums due by the Housing Executive to the contractor. In cases of persistent failure to comply with response times, a contractor can be suspended and/or have the contract terminated The contractor may also be excluded from tendering for any future work offered by the Housing Executive. Meeting Delegations : Political Parties Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Development to identify, by party, the number of elected representatives the Minister has met with as part of official delegations to his Department since it was established. (AQW 2837/01) Mr Dodds: My Department does not have information in this detail. Ministerial meetings with delegations that include members of political parties take place in the same way as meetings with the Departmental Committee. Handling Correspondence Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Development to detail any protocols he has agreed for the handling of correspondence by his Ministerial Office. (AQW 2838/01) Mr Dodds: The arrangements for handling correspondence in my Department’s ministerial office are as follows. Replies to letters from Peers, Members of Parliament, Assembly Members, District Council Mayors or Chairpersons and the heads of certain bodies are signed by me or my Private Secretary following my approval. All replies should issue within 10 working days of receipt. Replies to letters from councillors and representatives of certain other bodies are signed by my Private Secretary and should issue within 10 working days. Letters from other individuals are referred for a direct reply by a Departmental official and replies should be issued within 15 working days of receipt. Meeting Delegations Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Development to detail any protocols his Office follows to decide on which delegations he receives. (AQW 2839/01) Mr Dodds: My office operates no formal criteria for recommending whether or not I should meet with any particular individual or group. Each case is treated on its merits. Targeting Social Need Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail, in each of the past 5 years, (a) the percentage of his budget relating to Targeting Social Need; (b) the actual spend for TSN; (c) the number of people employed relating to TSN; (d) the number of people who benefited from these programmes; (e) the actual and practical benefits as a result of his TSN programmes; and (f) the tasks specifically undertaken and completed. (AQW 2917/01) Mr Dodds: Since the Department for Social Development was only established in December 1999 the following answers relate to the Department’s New TSN Action Plan which runs from January 2000 to March 2003. a. The percentage of budget relating to Targeting Social Need; and b. The actual spend for TSN New TSN is not a programme with its own budget, but instead it is a policy running through all relevant existing spending programmes. New TSN policy is a long term approach. By consistently addressing the problems of those who are objectively shown to be in greatest need, New TSN should, over time, contribute to the erosion of inequalities. A report on Public Expenditure and New Targeting Social Need commissioned by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM), found that for the 2001/2002 year, this Department’s budget allocation made it strongly TSN directed. The whole budget allocation was found to be relevant to New TSN ranging from low to very high relevance. In fact, some 81.47% of the Department’s budget was considered to be in the high/very high relevance ranges. This determination was based on the extent to which spending was linked to the three core New TSN objectives – employability, social inequality and social inclusion and the degree to which it was focused on those in greatest objective need. The Department has also been successful in securing Executive Programme Funds (EPF) for New TSN initiatives:
c. The number of people employed relating toTSN All of the Department’s business areas have specific objectives to achieve as set out in the Department’s New TSN Action Plan. All staff contribute in some way to the achievement of the Department’s New TSN targets and Mission Statement which is "Together Tackling Disadvantage, Building Communities". The Department employs approximately 6,000 staff who provide services to the people of Northern Ireland. Of these, 93% are employed by the CSA and SSA which means a high percentage of the Department’s staff contribute directly to the delivery of targeting social need. d. The number of people who benefited from these programmes It is not possible to specify absolutely the number of people benefiting from the Department’s programmes which target social need. However, it should be noted that the SSA delivers benefit services to some 460,000 people throughout Northern Ireland. The Child Support Agency manages a caseload of over 35,000 thereby providing a service to some 70,000 parents. The Department’s Housing Division provides funding to the Housing Executive and Housing Associations to meet the needs of their tenants, through improving housing conditions and providing new house builds. The Housing Executive currently manages around 125,000 dwellings with Housing Association stock at over 26,000. The Department’s Urban Regeneration and Community Development programmes provide improvements to urban areas throughout NI and also funds voluntary and community organisations which provide much needed services and advice to the public. Therefore the Department for Social Development in delivering its programmes, touches the lives of almost every person in NI. e. The actual and practical benefits as a result of TSN programmes f. The tasks specifically undertaken and completed The Department’s recently published Revised New TSN Action Plan for the period April 2001 to March 2003 also includes a progress report covering January 2000 to 31 March 2001. This provides a ‘state of play’ on each of the 20 targets. The Department will shortly produce its Revised New TSN Action Plan for the period from April 2002 to March 2003 and provide a further progress report on achievement of objectives up to 31 March 2002. Illegal Dumping Sites Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to detail measures taken to (a) prevent illegal dumping on Housing Executive property; and (b) clear these illegal dumping sites. (AQW 2918/01) Mr Dodds: Given the size of the Housing Executive estate, of some 115,000 dwellings, it is difficult for the Housing Executive to effectively police illegal dumping. However, the Housing Executive is pro-active in providing environmental schemes where these may help reduce the problem. In addition, the Housing Executive’s General Conditions of Tenancy includes a requirement to maintain a dwelling in a clean and tidy condition and the Tenants’ handbook advises tenants on the appropriate disposal of rubbish to prevent nuisance or danger in public areas. The Housing Executive is committed to tackling anti-social activity wherever it occurs on its estates, including illegal dumping. The Housing Executive also encourages residents, who are experiencing nuisance from neighbours, to report it to the local district office, which will seek to resolve the matter in a speedy and efficient manner. The Housing Executive’s policy is to inspect areas under its control at least once every 6 months. However, the Housing Executive’s District Offices have the flexibility to increase this cycle of inspection, and subsequent remedial action, as they consider necessary. In addition to the inspection process, response maintenance repair orders will be issued where excessive litter or rubbish is being dumped. Estate Wardens have also been introduced, who will report directly to the District Office on instances of litter or illegal dumping on estates, including abandoned vehicles. A new contract has recently been introduced in each of the Housing Executive’s Districts, which allows District Offices to make more formal arrangements for responding to the need for rubbish removal. This facility gives the District Office the option of using a specialised cleaning contractor to clean identified areas, on a cyclical basis and at a pre-defined price. Whilst not making the responsive side of rubbish removal redundant, it should significantly reduce the problem. Social Housing : Newcastle and Crossgar Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister for Social Development what steps does he plan to take, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, to identify land for the provision of social housing in Newcastle and Crossgar; and to make a statement. (AQW 2939/01) Mr Dodds: Newcastle is recognised as a popular location with a high demand for social housing. Suitable sites are difficult to acquire because of high land values and competition from the private sector. For example, much work had been done following up the possibility of acquiring a site on the Castlewellan Road, but this has now been put on hold pending further deliberation by the owners. The Housing Executive and housing associations are actively working in partnership to identify alternative sites and at least one, also on the Castlewellan Road, is currently the subject of preliminary negotiations. Schemes for 20 new houses in Newcastle and 5 new houses in Dundrum are programmed for 2003/04, but could be brought forward if land becomes available in the short term. It is possible that some of the need in Newcastle might be met by transfers to the 16 new houses currently under construction by Rural Housing Association in Castlewellan. The situation in Crossgar is similar. This is an area of growing demand for singles and family accommodation, but again site identification is a problem. A scheme of 10 houses is programmed for 2003/04 and again housing associations are actively looking for a suitable site. Social Security Appeal No. AR/2/00/S Mr John Fee asked the Minister for Social Development if he will indicate when the adjudication for Social Security Appeal No. AR/2/00/S will be available. (AQW 2940/01) Mr Dodds: As Social Security Appeal No. AR/2/00/S refers to an individual case, and on the grounds of confidentiality I am unable to comment directly on this matter. I will write to the member separately about this issue. Child Support Agency : Targets Mr Mervyn Carrick asked the Minister for Social Development what plans he has to publish the targets for the Child Support Agency; and to make a statement. (AQW 2976/01) Mr Dodds: The Child Support Agency will publish its 2002/2003 Strategic and Business Plan today. Copies will be placed in the Library. The key targets that I have set for the Child Support Agency for 2002/2003 are set out below. The targets reflect the Agency’s prime objective to successfully implement the new scheme for new cases, whilst maintaining a good service to our existing clients. New Cases
Existing Cases
The targets in the Business Plan present the Agency with a challenging year ahead. The Agency intends to achieve a balance between implementing the reforms and maintaining a good service to existing clients but this will become increasingly difficult as the year progresses. There is no doubt that this massive programme of work will stretch the Agency’s capacity to the limit. Housing Benefit Fraud Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Social Development what steps he is taking to reduce housing benefit fraud. (AQW 2979/01) Mr Dodds: The Housing Executive is committed to developing and maintaining effective controls to prevent Housing Benefit fraud, and ensuring that if it does occur it will be detected and dealt with appropriately. To prevent the occurrence of fraudulent claims the Housing Executive has in place a Verification Framework setting out a series of checks which must be carried out before Housing Benefit is paid, and during the currency of a claim. These include identity checks, and a programme of visits to confirm that claimants’ circumstances are as stated. The Housing Executive is also involved in a programme of data matching through which information provided by Housing Benefit claimants is compared with information held on other benefit systems. All discrepancies are investigated. All suspicions of fraud are passed to the Social Security Agency for investigation. During 2001/02, 37 cases were prosecuted, with a further 6 receiving administrative penalties. It is estimated that £2.2 million Housing Benefit was saved as a result of the Housing Executive’s counter-fraud initiatives during the year. Non Executive Bills Unit Mr David Ford asked the Assembly Commission what discussions they have had with the Executive regarding the establishment of a Non-Executive Bills Unit similar to that established by the Scottish Parliament. (AQW 2784/01) The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Mr Fee): To date the Assembly Commission has not had any discussions with the Executive regarding the establishment of a Non Executive Bills Unit, as the question of Assembly procedures in this area is not a matter for the Executive. Following a tendering exercise, the Assembly Commission has established a drafting resource for both Private Members and Committees and this has been available for use since 1 April. The Speaker is presently considering proposals for procedures regarding the introduction of Non-Executive bills and a paper will shortly be presented to the Committee Chairpersons Liaison Group and the Committee on Procedures for consideration. However, any Member or Committee wishing to introduce a bill in the meantime will be facilitated in doing so by the Bill Office. 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. |