4 February 2002
DRD MINISTER URGES SUPPORT FOR 10-YEAR TRANSPORT STRATEGY
The Proposed 10-year Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS) would have a major impact on the social and economic life of Northern Ireland by helping to provide a transportation system fit for the 21st century, Regional Development Minister Peter Robinson MP MLA said today.
Among the benefits could be a pilot rapid transit scheme for Belfast, over £200 million of strategic highway improvements, elimination of much of the serious road maintenance backlog, the introduction of a new bookable accessible rural transport system, more Quality Bus Corridors, updated rails services and better use of information technology.
Mr Robinson was speaking in the Assembly as he formally launched a consultation paper on the Proposed RTS for public consultation.
He said: "With extensive consultation to date, we have adopted a people and community focused approach. As a result we have developed a shared and challenging vision for transportation in Northern Ireland.
"I believe the political and public support exists to radically improve transportation infrastructure and services throughout Northern Ireland. I am determined that we get the balance right between giving people time to comment further on these proposals and seeking the Assembly’s approval for the strategy as quickly as possible so that we can start work on transforming our transportation system.
"The consultation period will last until 16 April and I will reflect carefully on all the responses received before formulating a final draft for the Assembly’s consideration before the summer recess."
The Minister said that approval and funding of the strategy would bring exciting possibilities for Northern Ireland.
"In practice, it would mean an average bus age of no more than eight years as opposed to 11 years at present, an increase in Citybus patronage of 25% and a new Ulsterbus route networks in all towns. For rail, with the exception of the modernised Enterprise service between Belfast and Dublin, all current trains would be replaced by new trains and rail patronage would increase by 50%.
"The strategy would provide new public transport services to serve isolated rural communities and mobility impaired residents in rural areas.
"On our roads, we would complete 10 new bypasses, 30 kilometres of dual carriageway, 30 kilometres of widened carriageway and eight major junction improvements on the Regional Strategic Transport Network.
"I believe this is a balanced strategy that will help us to achieve the five main objectives of the RTS - to protect the environment, improve safety, strengthen the economy, improve accessibility and foster integration.
"To achieve this, we need additional investment of £950 million on top of the £2099 million that would be spent on transportation if funding continues at its current level over the next 10 years.
"We believe that, although very challenging, such an increase in investment is achievable and potential sources are identified in the consultation paper, including additional public expenditure funds, such as Executive Programme Funds, increased developers’ contributions and other funding from the private sector, notionally earmarked at £325 million.
"My Department has recently established an Infrastructure Funding Division to explore the scope for an increased role for the private sector in meeting our regional infrastructure needs."
At the same time, the Minister warned that failure to implement the Strategy and provide additional funding for transport would have serious consequences for Northern Ireland.
Mr Robinson said: "The opportunity costs of not making this level of investment are huge. It would lead to a totally unacceptable scenario, including closure of railway lines north of Ballymena and Whitehead, a significant decline in bus services, deterioration of the road network, more congested roads and increased social exclusion, especially in rural areas."
The Minister said that the RTS was vital component of the Regional Development Strategy, which was adopted by the Assembly just four months ago.
"The Regional Development Strategy (RDS) for Northern Ireland towards 2025 creates the conditions for long term environmental, economic and social sustainability throughout the region and acknowledges the pivotal role of transportation investment in promoting regional development."
The Minister said he was aware that the proposed RTS may not fully satisfy the expectations of all.
However, he said: "Our proposals are earthed in the reality of the achievable. In an ideal world we would be able to satisfy the aspirations of everyone but getting the balance right between competing priorities is a challenge for all of us.
"We have set out to provide a viable and attractive public transport system to give people real choice in how they travel. At the same time we have to recognise the economic and social significance of our roads network.
Mr Robinson thanked members of the Assembly, local councillors and other stakeholders who have already given their views and contributed to the significant progress made towards the development of the Regional Transportation Strategy.
He said: "In particular, the active engagement of the Regional Development Committee over the past 18 months as been extremely welcome in helping shape our proposals. I look forward to the continuation of this constructive approach as we move towards the production of the final strategy."
The Strategy, complete with comment forms, is available by telephoning us on 028 9054 0616, or by writing to: The Secretariat, Regional Transport Strategy, Clarence Court, 10-18 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8GB. Alternatively check out our website: www.drdni.gov.uk/rts.
For further information contact Eamon Deeny on 028 9054 0004 OR 07768 798916.
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