Minutes of Proceedings
Session: 2011/2012
Date: 28 March 2012
Venue: Room 21, Parliament Buildings
10.32am The meeting commenced in public session
1. Apologies
As above.
2. Chairperson’s Business
None
3. Draft Minutes
Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting of 21st March 2012.
4. Correspondence
Members noted correspondence received.
The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister in relation to the list of stakeholders consulted by the Committee for Employment and Learning regarding the abolition of DEL.
The Committee noted a copy of the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland Investing Activity Report.
The Committee noted correspondence from the Department in relation to Community Transport Issues.
The Committee noted correspondence between the Minister for Regional Development and the Minister of State, the Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers MP, in relation to the review of the EU’s policy for the Trans-European Network Transport Programme.
The Committee noted an invite from the Department to the next NI Civil Service Live Event, scheduled for 24 April.
The Committee noted correspondence from the Department in relation to the Goldline Service.
The Committee noted correspondence from the Department in relation to the comparative analysis of European funding.
The Committee noted correspondence from the Department in relation to ferry pricing.
The Committee noted correspondence from the Department in relation to speed restrictions on the Larne railway line.
Agreed: The Committee considered correspondence from the Department in relation to an FoI request regarding the Northern Ireland Budget 2010 and agreed that the Department should submit letters by the Committee as part of its response.
The Committee noted correspondence from the Quarry Products Association in relation to potential job losses in the roads construction and maintenance sector.
The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Justice in relation to the Community Safety Strategy.
10.36am Mr McNarry joined the meeting
5. Departmental Briefing – Draft Business Plan
10.36am The following Officials joined the meeting:
David Orr – Finance, Resources & Water Policy
Geoff Allister – Chief Executive of Roads Service
Barry Jordan – Deputy Secretary Finance Resources & Water Policy
Brian White – Director of Ports and Public Transport
The Officials presented to the Committee in respect of the above. Following the presentation, Members put questions.
Agreed: It was agreed that the Officials would write to the Committee with further information on alternative energy sources to be considered by Northern Ireland Water, a list of assets to be considered for disposal by the Strategic Investment Board and the Department and a copy of the Regulator’s report.
11.12am Mrs Kelly left the meeting
11.16am The Representatives left the meeting
6. Departmental Briefing – Strategic Road Improvements Programme
11.17am The following Officials joined the meeting:
11.18am Mrs Kelly re-joined the meeting
John White – Director - Roads Service Strategic Programmes
Jonathan Saulters – Roads Service
The Officials presented to the Committee in respect of the above. Following the presentation, Members put questions.
11.28am The meeting was suspended
11.43am The meeting resumed with the following Members in attendance:
Mr Pat Doherty MP MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Roy Beggs MLA
Mr Joe Byrne MLA
Mr Stewart Dickson MLA
Mr Seán Lynch MLA
Mr Ian McCrea MLA
Mr David McNarry MLA
Mr Cathal Ó hOisín MLA
11.47am Mrs Kelly joined the meeting
11.52am Mrs McCrea left the meeting
12.02pm Mr Byrne left the meeting
Agreed: The Officials agreed to write to the Committee in relation to the alternative flow of traffic during the maintenance and improvement of the A2.
12.03pm The Officials left the meeting
7. Unadopted Roads Committee Inquiry – Summary of submissions for oral evidence
The Clerk briefed the Committee on the submissions received in relation to the Committee’s inquiry into un-adopted roads in Northern Ireland.
Agreed: The Committee agreed the list of organisations to be invited to give oral evidence before the Committee.
8. Subordinate legislation not subject to Assembly procedure
Members noted:
- The Waiting Restrictions (Bangor) Order (Northern Ireland) 2012
- The Roads (Speed Limit) Order (Northern Ireland) 2012
9. Any other business
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department in relation to councils acknowledgements of SL1s.
Members noted the transport arrangements for the E-car launch event at Belfast City Hall on Thursday 29 March.
10. Date of the next meeting
The next meeting of the Committee will be Wednesday 18th April 2012 at 10.30am in Room 21, Parliament Buildings.
12.07pm The meeting was adjourned
Mr Pat Doherty MLA
Deputy Chairperson, Committee for Regional Development
18th April 2012
