(AQO 8/02)

Mr Nesbitt: I have not been involved in the planning decision relating to this application. I am advised that the development relates to the proposed installation of 4 pole mounted radio antennae at roof level on an out building to the rear of 20 Main Street, Rathfriland. In addition 2 radio equipment housing units and access ladder are to be installed at ground level.

Details of the proposed development were submitted by Crown Castle on behalf of T-Mobile on 20 June 2002. T-Mobile is a licensed Telecommunications Code System Operator. At the time of the submission, works carried out by licensed operators were permitted development under the Planning (General Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 1993 (as amended). The new legislation requiring full planning permission for new telecommunications development came into force on 21 June 2002.

Permitted development was conditional upon the operator applying to the Department for a determination as to whether prior approval was required for the siting and appearance of the proposal. In this instance the Department determined that prior approval for the siting and appearance was required, hence the submission dated 20 June 2002. The Department processed the prior approval application in the normal manner within the 28 days required by the legislation in force at that time and granted prior approval on 16 July 2002.

My assessment on the planning procedures, and the circumstances surrounding this application, indicates clear merit in moving to the new legislation that became operable on 21 June 2002.

(AQO 54/02)

Mr Nesbitt: The Regional Development Strategy published in September 2001 by the Department for Regional Development, sets out the Government’s strategy for the future development of Northern Ireland to 2025. It contains a Spatial Development Strategy and related Strategic Planning Guidelines which aim to provide long-term policy directions which, in relation to my Department, provide the framework for the preparation of planning policies and development plans.

The aim of the Spatial Development Strategy is to promote a balanced and equitable pattern of sustainable development across all district council areas and to enable all communities to contribute fully to the prosperity of their local area and Northern Ireland as a whole. While this Strategy has regard for existing infrastructure and services it also establishes the need for new investment and informs decisions on related priorities.

Set against this strategic development framework, my Department, through the Planning Service, is responsible for the preparation of development plans for individual or groups of district council areas. The purpose of these statutory documents is to set out the local planning policy framework and land use proposals used to guide development decisions within the Plan area. Development plans aim to facilitate sustainable and quality growth and development while protecting and where appropriate enhancing the environment and in turn have regard for existing infrastructure investment and establish the need for new investment.

Overall, however, the responsibilities of my Department lie in the provision of the regulatory framework for development. Other Departments and service providers carry responsibility, for example, for the delivery of water and sewerage, drainage, waste, telecommunications and transportation infrastructure and other necessary services.

(AQO 63/02)

Mr Nesbitt: The transportation of nuclear material through the Irish Sea is the responsibility of the Department of Transport, Regions and Local Government in Whitehall. However, during a recent visit to Sellafield, I visited the BNFL marine terminal in Barrow in Furness to discuss relevant safety and security issues and to view the facilities aboard the Pacific Sandpiper, one of a fleet of ships specifically designed to transport nuclear materials. The ship is designed with a double hull to withstand the broadside impact of a fully laden oil tanker. It is equipped with state-of-the art navigation and security measures and is manned by a highly-trained crew. I was informed that to date, the fleet has travelled four and a half million miles without a single incident involving radioactivity.

(AQO 39/02)

Mr Nesbitt: My Department’s Environment and Heritage Service owns around 235 heritage properties. Some 14 District Councils are involved with my Department’s Environment and Heritage Service in aspects of the operation of some 30 of these properties.

10 of these 30 properties include significant tourist facilities. Fermanagh District Council operates a local heritage museum within Enniskillen Castle and provides an information service for our Marlbank reserves. Limavady Borough Council operates a local heritage museum in an Environment and Heritage Service building at Roe Valley Country Park and a car park at Banagher Glen. Derry City Council opens and provides guides to the City Walls. Lisburn City Council opens and operates a Tourism Information Centre at Hillsborough Courthouse and opens a car park at the Giant’s Ring. Ards Borough Council opens and operates a Tourism Information Centre at Portaferry Castle. The Environment and Heritage Service co-operates closely with Carrickfergus Borough Council over the use of Carrickfergus Castle for functions and events.

The Environment and Heritage Service also consults District Councils over the operation of its other major State Care Monuments.

(AQO 49/02)

Mr Nesbitt: The Department currently has 21 Road Safety Education Officers in post which compares with:

(a) 11 in post two years ago; and

(b) the approved complement of 21.

Increased resources for road safety in 2001/2002 enabled my Department to appoint 10 additional officers in May 2001. As a result my Department is able to provide enhanced support for teachers in promoting road safety in schools and to introduce new initiatives, including practical child pedestrian safety training at the roadside and providing advice to parents and guardians on the proper fitment of child safety restraints in cars.

(AQO 21/02)

Mr Nesbitt: In the UK as a whole, around 10 billion plastic bags are given away each year. That constitutes a significant source of landfill and an equally significant source of litter.

The primary issue here is whether our Administration can legislate for a tax or levy in Northern Ireland which would correspond to that deployed so successfully in the Republic of Ireland.

As I indicated to the Assembly in my response to Ms Morrice’s question on plastic bags on 30 May 2002, my legal advice is that the Assembly has no legislative competence in this matter. I am, however, seeking further advice on that point.

I am aware that Michael Meacher at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), given the success of the plastic bags levy in the Republic of Ireland, has given notice that he intends to consider among other options the introduction of a similar levy in the UK. It is my intention to support DEFRA in this. I will raise the issue at meetings of the Environment Sector of the British-Irish Council.

However the objective on this matter can be addressed in other ways. My officials have been exploring options which might have an equivalent effect to the levy. They have already engaged in discussions with representatives from the supermarket sector to look at the possibility of developing a voluntary scheme to encourage consumers to reduce the current excessive use of plastic bags. The idea of ‘bags for life’ is an example of a possible alternative to a tax on plastic bags.

The experience of the Republic of Ireland has shown that people are willing to act with greater environmental responsibility when given appropriate encouragement. I am hopeful that we can build constructively on the heightened awareness of waste issues brought about by my Department’s recent ‘Wake up to Waste’ campaign.

(AQO 62/02)

Mr Nesbitt: I have been working together with Minister Robinson, and my officials with their counterparts in the Department for Regional Development, to seek to resolve the current situation. This involves consideration of complex legal, environmental and operational issues. Most recently I met with Minister Robinson on 22 August following which, in a joint statement, we committed ourselves and our two Departments to giving top priority to seeking a balanced and pragmatic resolution, consistent with our Departments’ statutory obligations.

We tasked our officials to bring forward recommendations to us for resolving the difficulties by mid-September. I am meeting Minister Robinson again shortly and anticipate that the necessary balanced and pragmatic resolution will ease the position considerably [and I will make an early statement to the Assembly].

(AQW 9/02)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Dr Farren): I am pleased to confirm that the Executive has already approved the funding of a new Health Centre in Kilkeel as part of the successful "Essential Hospital Capacity" Reinvestment and Reform Initiative bid. The business case was also approved by my Department in January of this year.

(AQW 13/02)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): I am committed to providing digital hearing aids as soon as funding permits.

The necessary funding is not available at this time. A bid for funding has been made in the current Spending Review.

Tá mé geallta le háiseanna digiteacha éisteachta a sholáthar a luaithe agus a bheidh an maoiniú ar fáil dóibh.

Níl an maoiniú atá riachtanach ar fáil ag an am seo. Rinneadh tairiscint le haghaidh maoinithe san Athbhreithniú láitheach ar Chaiteachas.

(AQW 14/02)

Ms de Brún: The nature of an individual’s hearing impairment and the level of residual hearing are key determining factors on whether a hearing aid is prescribed, and the type recommended. The range of analogue hearing aids currently available includes behind-the-ear, in-ear, programmable and belt-worn aids. Current prices for analogue hearing aids range from £18 to £200, whilst digital hearing aids range from £54 to £300. Digital hearing aids offer better sound quality and are more reliable.

Is tosca tábhachtacha iad sórt lag-éisteachta an duine aonair agus leibhéal a n-éisteachta iarmharaí nuair atá cinneadh á dhéanamh ar cé acu a ordaítear nó nach n-ordaítear áis éisteachta, agus ar an sórt áise molta. Sa réimse d’áiseanna analógacha éisteachta ar fáil faoi láthair tá áiseanna cúlchluaise, sa chluas, agus áiseanna inríomhchláraithe agus crios-chaite. Tá na praghasanna láithreacha d’áiseanna analógacha éisteachta sa réimse ó £18 go £200, agus d’áiseanna digiteacha éisteachta sa réimse ó £54 go £300. Táirgíonn áiseanna digiteacha éisteachta caighdeán fuaime níos fearr agus bíonn siad níos buanseasmhaí.

(AQW 15/02)

Ms de Brún: As digital hearing aids are not currently available through the Health Service here, there is no basis for meaningful comparisons with Great Britain. Digital hearing aids are being introduced on an incremental basis there.

Mar nach bhfuil áiseanna digiteacha éisteachta ar fáil faoi láthair tríd an tSeirbhís Sláinte anseo, níl bunús ar bith le comparáidí fiúntacha a dhéanamh eadrainn agus an Bhreatain Mhór. Tá áiseanna digiteacha éisteachta á dtionscnamh céim ar chéim ansin.

(AQW 16/02)

Ms de Brún: Information on the numbers of analogue hearing aids supplied through the health service is not held centrally, either here or in Great Britain.

Níl eolas ar líon na n-áiseanna analógacha éisteachta a soláthraíodhar fud na seirbhíse sláinte ar fáil anseo go lárnach nó sa Bhreatain Mhór.

(AQW 61/02)

Ms de Brún: I refer the member to my answer to AQW 13/02.

Treoraím an Comhalta do mo fhreagra a thug mé ar AQW 13/02.

(AQW 91/02)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available.

Níl fáil ar an eolas a iarradh.

(AQW 107/02)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available.

Níl fáil ar an eolas a iarradh.

(AQW 1/02)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr P Robinson): My Department’s Roads Service currently provides 275 car parking spaces within 4 car parks in or close to Warrenpoint town centre. A further 500 spaces are available in the town through on-street parking including end-on parking in Church Street and Duke Street. Together these facilities provide a greater than average density of parking close to shops. This parking provision is augmented by Newry & Mourne District Council’s substantial marina car park which is situated within easy reach of the town centre.

Roads Service considers that the number of parking spaces available in Warrenpoint is adequate for the demand throughout the majority of the year. I understand that it is only during specific events, such as the Maid of the Mournes Festival, that resources are stretched and, given that these difficulties arise as a result of tourist-related events, their resolution is a matter for the Council.

I can, however, advise that a survey of on-street and off-street parking patterns in Warrenpoint will be carried out during the autumn as a means of assessing the current uptake of the existing car parking spaces.

In addition, I am pleased to inform you that a scheme to provide a new system of signing in the town to highlight the location of car parks will be carried out during the current financial year.

(AQW 7/02)

Mr P Robinson: Around 485 compensation claims were received by the Department following the road resurfacing failures at a number of locations in late July. The contract between the Department and Tullyraine Quarries Limited contains a clause indemnifying the Department against third party claims of this nature. All the claims were therefore passed on to the Contractor, Tullyraine Quarries Limited, on 2 August 2002 and are now their responsibility. I have no information about difficulties experienced by those claimants when making an insurance claim.

(AQW 45/02)

Mr P Robinson: Fort Road is situated within a water pressure managed area, and earlier this year a faulty pressure-reducing valve in the road gave rise to complaints about high pressure, and leakage from internal plumbing fittings and showers. The valve was replaced and the pressure has been restored to normal levels. The watermain in Fort Road is not known to be especially susceptible to leakage, and is performing satisfactorily. Water Service has therefore no plans to replace it. Water Service has been replacing watermains in adjacent roads where there have been problems with the condition of the watermains, and this will improve water quality and standards of service to the customers in Fort Road.

The feasibility of providing sewerage facilities for the Ballycairn area, including Fort Road, was considered some years ago. The cost of the scheme would have significantly exceeded the then reasonable cost allowance of £2,300 per property. The scheme would not have been economically viable without a contribution of some £1,800 per property. However, only 5 of the 98 properties were willing to contribute and the scheme could not proceed. To date, Water Service has not received any further applications for sewerage facilities in the area. The viability of the scheme will now be reassessed in light of the increase in the reasonable cost allowance to £4,000 per property. I will advise you of the outcome of the reassessment.

(AQW 59/02)

Mr P Robinson: Being aware of the concerns of many residents in east Belfast about noise from Belfast City Airport, I recently announced that my Department would undertake a review of the current arrangements employed in the monitoring of noise pollution at Northern Ireland’s three commercial airports.

The review will examine the present arrangements for the reporting, analysis, interpretation and publication of noise pollution data and make recommendations for any improvements considered necessary. This will include the way noise-monitoring information is presented in the future so that it will be in a format that is easier to access and interpret.

An extensive monitoring of noise pollution at Belfast City Airport was conducted in March 2002. The consultant’s report on their findings was published at the end of June and is currently being considered by my officials and colleagues in the Department of the Environment.

Professor Callum Thomas of the Centre for Air Transport and the Environment, at Manchester Metropolitan University, who will undertake the review, will meet with the Belfast City Airport Forum, which includes representatives of the NI General Consumer Council, the airport management, the airlines, local residents and District Councils.

(AQW 133/02)

Mr P Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service recently undertook a scheme at the section of Milltown Street (B7) and The Avenue, Burren. This included the upgrading of the drainage system on The Avenue with the provision of two new gullies to replace the one old gully, which was located in the centre of the road. The new gullies, with silt-traps, have been located on the northern edge of the road. The road was resurfaced on 9 September 2002 with a continuous fall to the northern side of the road to ensure that all water is caught by the new drainage system.

My Department’s Roads Service is fully satisfied that flooding of The Avenue, Burren is less likely to take place following the resurfacing and auxiliary works.

(AQW 166/02)

Mr P Robinson: I was deeply saddened to hear of the recent tragic accident on the A1 at Turmore Road.

I understand that officials from my Department’s Roads Service met with you on 10 September 2002, together with Newry & Mourne District Councillors, local residents and representatives of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, to discuss road safety issues relating to Tinker Hill in Newry. I can confirm that Roads Service will investigate the concerns highlighted at the meeting in relation to this stretch of road, as part of an assessment of the road conditions and traffic speeds at this location. Roads Service officials will report on the progress of this assessment at a follow-up meeting which has been arranged for Friday 25 October 2002.

In the longer term, you will be aware that Roads Service commissioned consultants in April 2001 to investigate the feasibility of alternative options to provide a dual carriageway on the A1 between Beech Hill and Cloghogue, which includes the section of road in question. The consultants are considering the upgrading of the existing route or a possible new route from Beech Hill joining the Newry Bypass near Cloghogue.

The approved options were presented to Newry and Mourne Council in August 2002 and a public exhibition will be held before December 2002. The ‘preferred option’ will be recommended in Spring 2003. This scheme is currently being considered, along with other worthwhile schemes for possible inclusion in the Roads Service Forward Planning Schedule which will be aligned with my Department’s 10-year Regional Transportation Strategy.

(AQW 167/02)

Mr P Robinson: I was deeply saddened to hear of the recent accident that occurred on the A29 Keady Road, at the junction of the B31 Newtownhamilton Road, Armagh on Thursday 5 September 2002, which, unfortunately, resulted in the death of 3 people. While my Department’s Roads Service has not yet received a detailed report on the accident from the police, officials are liaising closely with the local traffic police in this respect.

In response to a number of requests received over recent years, Roads Service has included a scheme for the junction in their Minor Works Programme for 2002/2003. The details of the scheme, which will entail substantial improvements to the junction and bends in the vicinity, were outlined in Roads Service’s Spring 2002 Report presented to Armagh City and District Council. At present, Roads Service are finalising a design solution for the scheme, but you will appreciate that implementation of the scheme is subject to acquisition of the necessary land.

As regards additional safety measures, Roads Service carried out an assessment of the nearby bend on the Keady Road in the vicinity of the junction in November 2001. This resulted in the provision of fluorescent yellow-bordered chevron signs and marker posts on the apex of the bend in March 2002.

(AQO 7/02)

Mr P Robinson: I do not condone the siting of bonfires where they will damage property, whether it is public or private property, and I urge those constructing them to act responsibly in that regard.

Roads Service takes whatever action is possible to ensure that public thoroughfares are not obstructed by bonfires and that road safety is not compromised.

The Roads Service policy is to remove any offending material where there is a danger to road users. Where there is no danger, Roads Service will seek the advice of the Police, taking account of the level of support within the local community, before deciding on a course of action.

As to recovering the cost of bonfire damage, the Member will be aware that bonfires are generally built by members of local communities, rather than a single identifiable organisation. In those circumstances it is simply not practical to recover the cost of the damage from the many people responsible. Indeed, I rather suspect that the administrative and legal costs of doing so would far exceed the actual cost of repairs.

(AQO 60/02)

Mr P Robinson: Thank you for your question. I will deal with part (a) first.

My Department has been invited by the Public Procurement Board to participate in the pilot study into the use of procurement contracts to assist the unemployed into work. My Department will be forwarding details of one contract to the Public Procurement Board for consideration and inclusion in this pilot study. This is a Water Service contract for services with a total value of £900,000.

I will now respond to part (b) of your question.

My officials have assessed all Departmental construction and services contracts against the criteria specified for the pilot study by the Public Procurement Board.

I remain to be convinced of the merit of incorporating wider social and economic objectives within public procurement policy. It is essential that the number and spread of contracts considered within this pilot study be of sufficient scale to enable a meaningful analysis of the effectiveness of this policy to be undertaken. Value for money must remain the key determinant for public procurement and contract selection.

(AQO 34/02)

Mr P Robinson: Since July 2002, my Department’s Water Service has continued to progress a flood alleviation scheme for the Lower Ormeau Road area, which was initiated following earlier flooding. The major elements of the scheme involve the replacement of four pumps in the River Terrace Pumping Station, duplication of approximately 150 metres of 2.1 metre diameter trunk sewer between Cooke Place and River Terrace Pumping Station, and the provision of 50 metres of emergency gravity overflow sewer to the River Lagan. The estimated cost of the scheme is in the region of £850,000.

The installation of the four replacement pumps commenced on 18 April 2002 and was completed on 9 July 2002. Progress on laying the final length of the emergency gravity overflow, the duplicate sewer in Cooke Place, and with the installation of a penstock (valve) to control the operation of the overflow, was delayed by over four months due to difficulties with the relocation of a Northern Ireland Electricity High Voltage cable. Much of this work has now been completed, or is currently ongoing, and the expected completion date for the scheme is December 2002. When all elements of the scheme are completed and are operating together, the risk of flooding in the area will be significantly reduced.

The implementation of the major Belfast sewer network upgrading scheme will further enhance the level of flood protection in the area. The scheme, which includes the construction of a main storm water management sewer along with additional structural and hydraulic upgrade work, is currently programmed to commence in 2004. It is expected to take 5-6 years to complete at an estimated cost in excess of £100 million. As well as the significant reduction to the risk of out of sewer flooding, substantial environmental benefits will accrue from the reduction in discharges from sewer overflows to the River Lagan, during storm conditions.

(AQO 64/02)

Mr P Robinson: I would refer the Member to a similar question which my predecessor answered on 8th October 2001. As on that occasion and in the absence of a precise definition of the area ‘west of the Bann’ I have collated what information there is available in relation to the nine Local Government Districts in Counties Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone – an area with 27% of the total NI population.

Of my Department’s total DEL Budget for 2001/02, around £120 million (about 23%) cannot be disaggregated on a strictly ‘east/west’ basis as it relates to general revenue and network based support for public transport, development costs, Agency and Core Headquarters staff salaries and general administration costs. Of the remainder approximately £118 million (29%) was invested ‘west of the Bann’.

In respect of the capital budget around £40 million (about 24%), including the bulk of resources for public transport which are allocated on a network basis (e.g. investment on new buses and integrated ticketing), cannot be disaggregated as requested. However, some 28% of the remainder (£48 million), including expenditure on roads and water and sewerage, was invested west of the Bann. Capital allocations can vary considerably from year to year depending on the particular schemes being undertaken but I can confirm that average allocations ‘west of the Bann’ have increased over recent years.

Finally, in respect of roads maintenance, allocations ‘west of the Bann’ amounted to 32% of the total budget in 2001/02 (around £30 million).

(AQO 40/02)

Mr P Robinson: It is not possible, easily, to separate sewage related flooding claims from flooding claims from other sources. Since 1 January 2002 there has been 303 flooding claims against the Department from the Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus areas and, while a decision has not yet been made on four, all the others were turned down.

(AQO 56/02)

(a) To date the only payment was £4,560 by way of a Judicial Fee.

(b) No other payment claims have yet been submitted and it is premature to provide estimates of costs at this point in time.

(c) No instruction will be given to the Department. The decision that both the non-Departmental case initiated by me and the one in the name of the Minister should proceed as one case was taken by Mr Justice Kerr. This was supported by the Departmental Solicitors Office with whom all costs and apportionments will be agreed. No costs order was made in the case, consequently OFMDFM and the Secretary of State will have to cover their own costs which will be in excess of those for the Department. I understand that all arrangements were in line with previous practice for cases taken by other Departmental Ministers. No doubt the Member will be keen to investigate costs in other cases including those involving party colleagues.

(AQO 29/02)

Mr P Robinson: The B173 is assessed under my Department’s Roads Service cyclic inspection system and remedial action to repair defects is taken as appropriate. My Department’s Roads Service is aware of the condition of the stretch of road through Rubane village, which has deteriorated over time resulting in the need to repair many potholes. My Department’s Water Service completed a scheme at this location during November/ December 2001 and it would clearly not have been the best use of taxpayer’s money to proceed with a resurfacing scheme in the knowledge that the road would be subject to excavations during this contract.

I am pleased to inform you that following discussions between Roads and Water Service in relation to the final reinstatement of the Water Service track, Roads Service will be proceeding with a resurfacing scheme this month.

There are no current plans to resurface other stretches of the B173 between Kircubbin and Cloughey, although they continue to be inspected and repaired regularly by Roads Service.

(AQO 55/02)

Mr P Robinson: Within the context of the Regional Transportation Strategy approved by the Assembly in July, my Department’s Roads Service is preparing a Forward Planning Schedule of major road schemes which it is expected could be started within the 10-year period of the Regional Transportation Strategy.

Roads Service is currently carrying out scheme appraisals on a number of schemes for possible inclusion in the Schedule. I can confirm that a dual carriageway under the Larne Road roundabout at Ballymena is among the schemes currently being appraised.

Successful schemes would have to be taken through the statutory procedures of Environmental Assessment, Planning Approval and Land Acquisition but the most critical factor in delivering the Regional Transportation Strategy will be the availability of additional funds for such schemes.

(AQO 61/02)

Mr P Robinson: The District Housing Growth Indicators in the Regional Development Strategy were set as a result of a robust assessment. That assessment included information on new household formation, vacancy rates in the housing stock, replacement of stock loss due to demolitions, abandonment and changes of use and conversions. In addition, the assessment of regional housing need, relied on the most recently published Government Actuary population projections for the period 1998-2015.

The district housing figures which emerged in the final Regional Development Strategy were agreed by the Assembly on 20 September 2001. I recognise that problems may arise from time to time as a result of the over-provision or under-provision of housing and, accordingly, there is need for continuous monitoring of figures in the RDS.

In the light of concerns expressed about the adequacy of the projections in a small number of areas, my officials have asked the Planning Service for a detailed assessment in each area where development plans are being prepared. That assessment will cover the number of dwellings built since 1998, current planning applications, extant planning permissions, land availability, urban capacity, and the headroom to accommodate the residual housing figure.

On the basis of the assessment I receive from the Department of the Environment and information from the 2001 Census, the first stage tranche of material will be released on 30th September 2002, I will consider whether there is clear evidence to adjust the Housing Growth Indicators in any specific areas.

(AQO 2/02)

Mr P Robinson: The Regional Transportation Strategy approved by the Assembly in July identified the strategic transportation priorities and necessary investment needed to provide a modern, sustainable and safe transportation system over the next 10 years.

My Department’s Roads Service is currently preparing a Forward Planning Schedule of major road schemes, which could be started within that 10-year period. Roads Service is currently carrying out scheme appraisals on a number of schemes for possible inclusion in the Schedule. I can confirm that extending the A26 dual carriageway north as far as the Ballycastle Fork is among the schemes currently being appraised.

Successful schemes would have to be taken through the statutory procedures of Environmental Assessment, Planning Approval and Land Acquisition but the most critical factor in delivering the Regional Transportation Strategy will be the availability of additional funds for such schemes.

(AQO 68/02)

Mr P Robinson: Water Service needs to make substantial investment in the water and wastewater infrastructure to satisfy public health requirements, comply with European Union Directives, replace out of date infrastructure and meet the increasing demands for new development. Traditional public expenditure, even with borrowing opportunities such as the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative, are unlikely to meet Water Service’s requirements now and in the future. Consequently, Water Service has been actively investigating additional funding opportunities through Public Private Partnerships.

Preliminary studies indicate that there are seven major wastewater treatment projects, totalling some £150 million, that are suitable for progression under a Public Private Partnership programme of work. The upgrading of the Culmore Wastewater Treatment Works, which is estimated to cost £18 million, is one of these projects. These studies are only at an early stage and it will be several months before they can be completed. It will not be possible to give an indication of the likely start date of any of the proposed PPP projects before then.

(AQO 57/02)

Mr P Robinson: I am aware of the problems experienced by road users following the recent failure of surface dressing on the Crieve Road in Newry. As soon as Roads Service became aware of the problem, the road was closed to avoid further difficulties and the Contractor treated the surface to absorb the excess bitumen. This helped stabilise the surface and ensured that bitumen was no longer being deposited on passing vehicles. This is a temporary measure, required to make the road safely passable in advance of permanent repairs.

Roads Service in conjunction with its Contractor is currently trying to determine the cause of the surface dressing failure and is awaiting the result of tests carried out on the materials used. There are many possible causes and each has to be fully investigated. The permanent repairs required to make good the road will depend on the outcome of investigations and the identified cause of the failure. Roads Service is committed to resolving this issue and completing permanent repairs as quickly as possible.

(AQO 120/02)

Mr P Robinson: The qualifying age for senior citizens’ travel concessions was set at 65 for both men and women when the Northern Ireland Scheme was introduced in 1978. The age limit reflected the prevailing average age of retirement at that time and the requirement to comply with equality legislation. Both men and women now enjoy free travel.

Recently the statutory scheme in Great Britain has been amended to offer a minimum half fare to both men and women from age 60. It is the Government’s intention that this will be reviewed again whenever the qualifying age for the State Pension for men and women is equalized at age 65.

I am committed to extending the Northern Ireland Scheme to more groups of people in the community. I have considered the costs of offering travel concessions for men and women aged between 60 and 65. To do so would require additional resources from the Assembly’s budget.

I have received numerous representations and correspondence suggesting different groups of people who should be eligible for travel concessions. I intend to issue a consultation paper in the autumn outlining a number of options to extending the Northern Ireland Scheme. The consultation process will help me to decide priorities for further concessions.

Any extension to the Scheme will of course, require the allocation of additional resources from the Assembly.

(AQO 12/02)

Mr P Robinson: Within the context of the Regional Transportation Strategy, my Department’s Roads Service is preparing a Forward Planning Schedule of major road schemes, which it is expected could be started within the 10-year period of the Regional Transportation Strategy.

Roads Service is currently carrying out scheme appraisals on a number of schemes for possible inclusion in the schedule. I can confirm that the Cookstown Eastern Distributor and the Magherafelt ByPass are among the schemes currently being appraised.

Successful schemes would have to be taken through the statutory procedures of Environmental Assessment, Planning Approval and Land Acquisition but the most critical factor in delivering the Regional Transportation Strategy will be the availability of additional funds for such schemes.

(AQW 12/02)

The Minister for Social Development (Mr Dodds): My letter of 9 August 2002 to the Member explains the current position on this matter.

(AQW 42/02)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Mr J Fee): The Committee on Procedures is currently reviewing the procedures relating to Assembly questions and I understand that the issues that you have raised will be addressed within the context of this review.

You may wish to raise this further with the Committee on Procedures.