(AQW 2126/01)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr P Robinson): No money was spent on Ministerial visits outside NI during my first period in office from 1 December 1999 to 12 February 2000.

During my second period in office from 25 October 2001 up to 4 March 2002, the total amount spent on Ministerial visits outside NI was £722.37.

This information has been calculated for periods of devolution. The "total amount spent" covers the costs of all officials who accompanied the Minister. It does not include salary costs.

(AQW 2929/01)

Mr P Robinson: New TSN does not have a separate budget and the information is not available in the form requested.

My Department’s New TSN Action Plan for the period April 2001 to March 2003 illustrates progress at 31 March 2001 and revises and updates the objectives for the period to 2003. A copy of the plan has been placed in the Assembly library and can be accessed on my Department’s website www.drdni.gov.uk. An evaluation of the implementation and impact of New TSN will commence shortly and this will help inform future consideration of the policy.

(AQW 3125/01)

Mr P Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service has worked closely with the Ballylumford Power Station staff to keep disruption and damage to roads to a minimum during the ongoing major development works at the site. Inevitably, however, the works have led to a significant increase in vehicle movements, particularly heavy and abnormal loads, along the B90 route through Islandmagee.

An agreed haulage route for construction traffic was therefore put in place by Roads Service along the B90 route using Lough Road, Low Road, Brown’s Bay Road and Ferris Bay Road. With regard to abnormal loads, I should explain that Roads Service can authorise the carriage of abnormal heavy or wide loads (over 40 tonnes or 4.3 metres wide respectively) on the public road by way of a permit, provided it is satisfied that the proposed route to be taken by the haulier is capable of accommodating the load in question. Abnormal loads travelling to the Power Station are required by their permits to turn off Browns Bay Road onto Hollow Road, because of the road alignment at this crossroads, and then use the B90 Ballylumford Road to the works.

Officials have also advised that investigations are ongoing into 5 incidents of damage caused by the road verge subsiding into adjacent land along the B90 route. Two of these were attributed to abnormal loads, one directly to a delivery of construction materials to the site and two to the general volume of traffic using the roads. Where damage to the public road can be attributed to third parties, Roads Service will seek to recover the cost. I also understand that my Department’s Central Claims Unit is currently investigating 2 claims for structural damage to properties along Hollow Road.

As to the general wear and tear on the B90 route, it would be impossible to distinguish between construction traffic, abnormal loads or traffic normally using the roads. However, there has been a noticeable increase in maintenance costs to the B90 over the last 3 years from £4,177 in 1999/2000 to £23,498 in 2001/2002. I understand that, according to the Power Station staff, a major reduction in lorries supplying the plant is expected from this July onwards and by November 2002, the work at the plant should be completed. In the meantime, Roads Service will continue to carry out regular inspections of the B90 route to ensure any detected defects to the road surface or structure are quickly repaired.

(AQW 3150/01)

Mr P Robinson: Water Service estimates that it would cost in the region of £120 million and take at least some 5 to 10 years to install water meters in all domestic properties.

These estimates are provided for information only. I have no intention of introducing water metering for domestic customers.

(AQW 3198/01)

Mr P Robinson: In January 2001, my Department’s Roads Service and 23 of the country’s district councils entered into a 15-year contract with the bus shelter provider, Adshel, for the provision of approximately 1500 bus shelters throughout the council areas at no cost to the Department or the councils.

The contract provides that Adshel have to replace their existing advertising shelters within each council area and provide a number of advertising shelters. An estimate of the minimum number of advertising shelters is included in the attached table (ie, the total of columns (ii) and (iii). The contract also provides that, in addition to the number of new advertising shelters included in the table, Adshel may erect others at locations where there is a public need and Adshel feel there are advertising opportunities.

In liaison with Translink and the councils, Roads Service will identify, on the basis of public need, the most suitable locations for new shelters. Details of these locations will be forwarded to Adshel to decide if they represent advertising opportunities. Where they do not, Roads Service can request that non-advertising shelters are erected.

(AQW 3219/01)

Mr P Robinson: Translink has advised that it was aware of the recent upsurge in the number of trespass incidents which have culminated in attacks around the Dillons Court area of Whiteabbey. As a result the Company conducted a detailed inspection of its fencing, which revealed a breach that was immediately sealed and strengthened, and it is also currently examining the possibility of raising the fencing behind Dillons Court.

Translink has also enlisted the help of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and six people have now been arrested for trespass.

Translink has advised that perimeter fencing is checked on a continual basis using overseers from Northern Ireland Railways. District Managers also check fencing from outside Railway property where possible and any breaches found are repaired. Translink’s main priority in doing so is to keep trespassers off the railway line because of the risk they cause to both NIR passengers and themselves.

(AQW 3220/01)

Mr P Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service does not maintain details of expenditure on a parliamentary constituency basis. However, the tables attached show the expenditure incurred by Roads Service on maintenance activities and on capital (major and minor) road improvement schemes in each District Council area during the 5 year period 1996/97 to 2000/01. All expenditure on roads is stated as gross rather than net revenue.

In providing this information, I should make it clear that Roads Service does not simply split its total budget for capital and maintenance expenditure across district council areas. In particular, major road improvements are prioritised on a country-wide basis, not on a 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 council area, the benefits of such schemes are not confined to the district council area or constituency in which they are located.

The resources available for minor capital schemes are allocated to the 4 Roads Service Divisions and, in turn, apportioned across district council areas on a needs-based priority approach using indicators such as population, weighted road lengths and the number of accidents. This ensures, so far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds across the country.

Similarly the resources available for each maintenance activity (e.g., resurfacing, patching, gully emptying, grass cutting etc) are apportioned to district council areas using appropriate indicators of need.

(AQW 3262/01)

Mr P Robinson: The Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations, which took effect on 2 July 2001, require all new trains to be capable of carrying wheelchairs up to a specified reference size. The Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations which are due to be made by the Department of the Environment later this year will require all new buses to be capable of carrying wheelchairs of the same reference size.

Translink has advised that currently most wheelchairs can be carried on all trains and all low floor buses (which comprise 14.4% of its total bus fleet). However mobility scooters, which are larger than reference sized wheelchairs, cannot be carried on either trains or buses. Unfortunately it would be impractical to carry such oversized equipment on public transport vehicles.

(AQW 3353/01)

Mr P Robinson: Water Service’s Water Efficiency Plan, which was published in April 2000, aims to reduce water demand by the actions of Water Service and its customers. The main elements of the plan include education and awareness, the issue of water saving devices known as Hippo bags, leakage reduction, water audits, and extended metering of commercial properties.

During 2000 and 2001 water efficiency leaflets were issued to every property in Northern Ireland. These explained how to use water wisely and the steps that can be taken by individuals to save water, both in the home and in the garden. The use of Hippo bags has also been promoted in customer information leaflets including water audit leaflets for the home, school, business and agricultural premises. These leaflets are being displayed in public buildings including libraries and post offices. Water Service operates a specially equipped and decorated bus "The Water Bus". This visits schools to enhance the awareness of pupils about water and wastewater services, and emphasises the importance of water efficiency. Hippo bags are issued to all pupils who visit the Water Bus. Schools are encouraged to carry out a water audit prior to visits to demonstrate how water savings can be achieved. Exhibitions at agricultural shows, garden festivals and the Ideal Home Exhibition have also been used to raise public awareness and promote the water efficiency message.

Over 37,000 Hippo bags have been issued since 1997. Hippo bags are currently being issued to all government buildings. Water Service will continue to examine opportunities to further promote their use. A leaflet, which provides advice on dealing with bogus callers and using water wisely, has recently been distributed to every property in Northern Ireland.

The water industry in general, and the water regulators, acknowledge that assessing the impact of water efficiency measures on demand for water, is extremely difficult. Reductions in water demand as a result of education and awareness programmes will inevitably only become manifest in the longer term. There are, however, a number of indicators, which suggest that the water efficiency measures taken by Water Service are proving to be successful. Examples of these are a reduction in leakage since the freeze/thaw in January 2001, the results of Water Service’s latest customer survey which indicates that there is an increasing awareness of water efficiency, and the demand from customers for Hippo bags. The extension of metering to additional business and commercial customers will encourage them to use water efficiently and monitor its use.

While the gains made to date are encouraging, Water Service recognizes that there is a need to continue to actively promote the efficient use of this precious resource.

(AQW 3354/01)

Mr P Robinson: As part of its Water Resource Strategy, which will be published for consultation next month, Water Service has taken account of demand management measures. Based on an economic assessment, Water Service intends to reduce leakage, which is the key element of demand management, to the economic level by 2006. This will involve an investment of £25 million over the next 4 years, in addition to the £22 million invested in leakage reduction over the past 4 years. Water Service will also continue to promote the benefits to customers of water efficiency measures.

In seeking to meet the demand for water by all customers in the future, Water Service has adopted a twin track approach of seeking to reduce demand through a wide range of water efficiency measures, while at the same time planning for the timely implementation of additional supplies. This approach ensures best value for money, without compromising the security of the supply of water, either now or in the future.

(AQW 3355/01)

Mr P Robinson: The Watersmart programme is being promoted by Eaga-Services Ltd. It involves an audit of water consumption within selected domestic premises and the provision of water savings measures such as replacement of showerheads, plumbing repairs, rain water containers and trigger hoses. Information on water efficiency is also provided to each household.

Water Service officials have met representatives of Eaga-Services Ltd and are aware that the programme has been piloted by the Essex and Suffolk Water Company. The results indicate that the costs of the programme are likely to be more than 10 times the cost of comparable leakage reduction measures currently being undertaken by Water Service and would not, therefore, represent good value for money. However, Eaga-Services Ltd has agreed to provide more information on the economic benefits of the programme. This additional information will be carefully considered by Water Service.

(AQW 3356/01)

Mr P Robinson: Water Service officials have had discussions with representatives of Eaga-Services Ltd about the Watersmart programme. The initial indications are that the cost of introducing the programme, in Northern Ireland, would not represent good value for money.

Water Service is aware however, that the company is assisting the Department for Social Development in an energy efficiency scheme. My officials will consult with their colleagues in the Department for Social Development to establish whether or not combining the energy efficiency and Watersmart programme would reduce costs to a more economic level.

(AQW 3369/01)

Mr P Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service recently carried out improvements, costing some £65,000, to the structure and surface of approximately half the 4km rural section of the Kilclean Road. The works included resurfacing and drainage improvements, involving the cleaning of outlets and the provision of gullies at the southern end of the road.

Roads Service considers that the 500m urban section of Kilclean Road is also in need of improvement and proposes to resurface it in conjunction with drainage and footway works which are the responsibility of the developer of adjoining land. Officials are in contact with the developer regarding the timing of these works and it is hoped that a satisfactory solution can soon be reached.

Roads Service is not aware of any other significant problems on this road but if the member provides me with details of any specific location where water incursion is causing concern, I will gladly have the matter investigated.

(AQW 3472/01)

Mr P Robinson: I am aware of reports in the media about the processing of planning applications in the area served by Downpatrick Wastewater Treatment works, and concerns about this matter were raised in writing by the Department of the Environment with my Department last week.

The Downpatrick Waste Water Treatment Works is not overloaded. There is spare treatment capacity within the Works and the effluent discharged consistently complies with regulatory discharge standards set by the Environment and Heritage Service.

Aside from routine problems such as sewer blockages, Water Service has, in general, had no concerns about the operation of the local sewerage infrastructure. However, the Environment and Heritage Service has indicated recently that it has concerns about the inlet to the Treatment Works. Water Service is seeking further details about these concerns and will take appropriate action in conjunction with Environment and Heritage Service.

(AQW 3508/01)

Mr P Robinson: Preliminary work has already commenced on the installation of the new screening equipment at the inlet to the Downpatrick Waste Water Treatment Works. It is expected that the work will be completed within the next 4 to 5 weeks. The work will improve the reliability and efficiency of the treatment process by more effectively removing rags and other debris which have led to occasional blockages in the past.

The Downpatrick Waste Water Treatment Works is not overloaded. There is spare treatment capacity within the Works and the effluent discharged consistently complies with regulatory discharge standards set by Environment and Heritage Service.

Aside from routine problems such as sewer blockages, Water Service has, in general, had no concerns about the operation of the local sewerage infrastructure. However, the Environment and Heritage Service has indicated recently that it has concerns about the inlet to the Treatment Works. Water Service is seeking further details about these concerns and will take appropriate action in conjunction with Environment and Heritage Service.

(AQO 1341/01)

Mr P Robinson: My Department has no immediate plans to introduce congestion charging or road tolling on roads in Northern Ireland. In developing the ‘Proposed Regional Transportation Strategy for Northern Ireland’, published in February 2002, my Department considered a range of travel demand management and revenue raising mechanisms.

Studies undertaken on the introduction of road user charging in Belfast suggest that it is technically feasible, and this will be considered further during the development of the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan. In the meantime, my Department will closely monitor the impact of any such road user charging initiatives when they are introduced in other parts of the United Kingdom.

(AQO 1338/01)

Mr P Robinson: In keeping with the principle that developers should pay for the transport infrastructure needed to support their developments, this application was subject to a Transport Assessment. As a consequence, the developers of the Sprucefield Regional Centre are required to provide a road link from the A1 Hillsborough Road to the M1 motorway to ensure safe and convenient access to this very significant commercial development.

My Department’s Roads Service does not, however, have any current plans to continue this road link to Knockmore Road.

The benefit of the Sprucefield/Knockmore link would be to open up an area for major development and to form a section of an outer distributor road around the city of Lisburn. In keeping with the overarching objectives of my Department’s Regional Development Strategy and draft Regional Transportation Strategy, the future need for this road, along with other strategic road proposals, will be subject to examination within the current Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan process which, in turn, will inform the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan.

I hope that Roads Service will have published the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan by the end of the current financial year.

(AQO 1325/01)

Mr P Robinson: Much of the sewerage system in the Greater Belfast area dates back to the turn of the Century. Upgrading of the system is, therefore, a major priority. Following a detailed study of the system, it is planned to invest some £50 million on hydraulic and structural improvements and a further £55 million on a storm management system. Work on these projects is programmed to commence in October 2004. Interim solutions have been identified to alleviate the risk of flooding at 12 areas in Belfast that are considered particularly vulnerable. Work has already been completed at 5 of the areas and is either underway or imminent at the remaining sites.

The water supply network in the Greater Belfast area contains significant lengths of old cast iron mains, which are susceptible to bursts, leakage, dirty water and inadequate water pressure. A water main rehabilitation strategy for the Belfast area has identified an investment need of around £65 million. The work will be implemented on a phased basis, commencing in 2003. Each year, around £2 million is spent on water main replacement in the Belfast area, simply to deal with urgent remedial work identified by operational staff.

(AQO 1334/01)

Mr P Robinson: As I indicated in response to an earlier Assembly Question on 15 April 2002, my approach to the issue of the surplus Harland & Wolff land has been guided by two key principles. First, that the proposed agreement between Belfast Harbour Commissioners and Titanic Quarter Ltd for the development of the lands should be justifiable in its own right; and second to ensure that the public interest is fully safeguarded.

As a result of the negotiations which have taken place with the company and BHC I am now satisfied on both these counts, with the result that I expect to be in a position shortly to convey my departments’ formal approval to BHC under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Harbour Commissioners.

This will enable BHC to conclude the proposed agreement with Titanic Quarter Ltd, and so trigger an injection of finance in to Harland & Wolff Heavy Industries Ltd by its parent company, which will be used to fund its new Business Plan.

I consider that this is a good outcome not only for the company and BHC, but also the wider public interest since it will lead to the early re-development of these lands, contribute to the regeneration for the surrounding area, and the creation of new job prospects.

(AQO 1324/01)

Mr P Robinson: A study has been carried out of the sewerage systems in Tamnamore, Mullenkill and Clonty Clay areas. The study has recommended the rationalisation of the sewerage systems by upgrading the Wastewater Treatment Works at Tamnamore, and pumping the wastewater from Mullenkill and Clonty Clay to Tamnamore. This will allow the Works at Mullenkill and Clonty Clay to be closed. The scheme, which is estimated to cost £775,000, is programmed to commence in late 2003, subject to the availability of finance. It will take a year to complete.

(AQO 1337/01)

Mr P Robinson: A substantial programme of work is underway or planned to improve wastewater treatment facilities in the North Down area to ensure compliance with regulatory standards including The Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations (NI) 1995.

I announced in the Assembly, on 26 February 2002, that the new Wastewater Treatment Works, to serve the Bangor, Donaghadee and Millisle areas would be located adjacent to the Donaghadee carpet factory. The planning documentation, including the detailed environmental statement, is now complete and the planning application will be submitted this week to Planning Service. The planning approval, land acquisition and project procurement procedures will be complex and lengthy. Subject to satisfactory progress on all of these areas, it is hoped to commence work in 2005. It will take 2 years to complete the scheme at an estimated cost of £35 million.

Major improvements are underway to the sewerage system in the Crawfordsburn and Helen’s Bay areas to ensure full compliance with the regulatory standards. This involves the upgrading of sewers and the construction of a new pumping station to transfer the wastewater to the existing Seahill Wastewater Treatment Works. The scheme, estimated to cost £3 million, is underway and should be completed by end 2003. The upgrading of Seahill Wastewater Treatment Works is now expected to commence in August 2003 and the latest estimated cost is £ 2 million.

(AQO 1330/01)

Mr P Robinson: I presume the Member is referring to the report on ‘Road Openings by Utilities’, published by the Public Accounts Committee last month.

My Department’s Roads Service has already responded positively to many of the issues highlighted in the associated Northern Ireland Audit Office report on the same subject, published in February 2001. Roads Service has developed an Action Plan which addresses the main issues arising from this report. This plan includes a number of performance indicators agreed with utilities, which will be monitored on a regular basis.

I was pleased that the recent Public Accounts Committee report welcomed many of the actions taken by my Department since the publication of the Audit Office report. This good progress will be reflected in the Department’s Memorandum of Reply to the Public Accounts Committee.

(AQO 1327/01)

Mr P Robinson: Water Service has, over the years, developed its water source and treatment facilities through a series of strategic resource studies taking account of future demand, population growth, potential for leakage reduction and the economical use of existing and new resources. The current review of the water resource strategy, for the period up to 2030, also takes account of the flexibility between resources. The review is nearing completion and will be published for consultation before the end of the summer.

Water Service’s major wastewater treatment works are designed for a 30 year life expectancy. The design incorporates a degree of over capacity, in the form of storm storage tanks, to enable the works to function effectively in periods of extended rainfall.

Climate change is an issue that will have to be addressed by the water industry nationally, when there is more certainty about its impact. In the meantime, Water Service is participating fully in the industry’s approach to this issue through its membership of United Kingdom Water Industry Research Limited. Water Service is also involved in a "Climate Change Impact Study for Northern Ireland" through the Scotland and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research. Water Service will adopt any changes which will be required in best practice arising from this research.

(AQO 1332/01)

Mr P Robinson: The capacity of the existing wastewater treatment facilities at Greyabbey is restricting development in the area and the Works will have to be upgraded to meet the requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 by 31 December 2005. The Department obtained outline planning permission for the replacement of the existing Works at Greyabbey on 23 March 2001. A reserved matters planning application has been lodged with Planning Service but has not yet been approved.

A contract to upgrade both the Kircubbin and the Greyabbey Works was let earlier this year and work commenced at Kircubbin in April 2002. It was proposed to commence work at Greyabbey, on the construction of a temporary treatment Works to allow for the demolition of the existing Works. However, concerns have been expressed by residents about the design of the proposed new Works. At a meeting with Water Service on 1 May 2002, residents and public representatives agreed that work on a temporary treatment Works could proceed, while discussions on the final appearance of the new Works continued. Water Service has confirmed that any amendments to the appearance of the new Works will be submitted to Planning Service as a revision to the reserved matters application.

(AQO 1335/01)

Mr P Robinson: Guaranteed overtaking opportunities can be provided by dual carriageways. My Department’s Roads Service has therefore a number of dual carriageway schemes in its Preparation Pool, e.g. Toome Bypass, Loughbrickland to Beech Hill, and a section of the Belfast to Larne road, and others are being considered for inclusion in the 10-Year Forward Planning Schedule. However these types of road are expensive.

Roads Service recognises that restricted overtaking opportunities on rural routes with relatively high traffic flows give rise to driver frustration. In an attempt to provide improved overtaking opportunities on those sections of road where the traffic volumes do not justify a dual carriageway standard, Roads Service is proposing the use of 2+1 layouts on single carriageway roads. These provide two lanes in one direction to allow overtaking and one lane in the opposite direction. Schemes like this have recently been constructed at Leckpatrick near Strabane, on the A26 south of Ballymoney and others are being constructed at Tattykeel near Omagh and Burntollet near Londonderry. Roads Service has identified a number of further possible locations on the key transport corridors where it would be possible to construct wide single 2+1 layouts and these are being considered for possible inclusion in the 10-year Forward Planning Schedule.

The size of the future capital works programme which would fund such schemes will be informed by the proposals for the Regional Strategic Transportation Network in the Regional Transportation Strategy.

(AQO 1326/01)

Mr P Robinson: Water Service needs to make substantial investment in the water and wastewater infrastructure in order to satisfy public health requirements, comply with European Union Directives, replace out of date infrastructure and meet increasing demands for new development. An assessment of need carried out in 1994, known as the Asset Management Plan, qualified this investment as £2.5 billion over 20 years. This included a backlog of some £460 million. Since then actual capital investment has averaged £80 million a year, compared to requirement of £125 million a year. Consequently, the backlog is now estimated to be in the region of £800 million.

The Asset Management Plan is currently being updated and is expected to be completed by the end of 2002. Present indications are that investment of almost £3 billion will be required over the next 20 years. Although this would represent an average investment of some £150 million per year, investment over the next 5-10 years will have to be significantly higher in order to address the backlog and the requirements of the EU Directives.