Roads and Transportation (Belfast)

HC Deb 07 November 1974 vol 880 c200W

Mr. Fitt

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the proposed Belfast motorway.

Mr. Concannon

The Belfast transportation plan forms an integral part of the Belfast urban area plan. Since its preparation there have been important changes in thinking about transportation planning in urban areas with particular emphasis on the rôle of public transport and there have recently been extensive consultations with public representatives and other interests affected, including those who are opposed to the concept of the urban motorway.

In the light of all these factors I have decided that a reappraisal of the transportation and related proposals in the Belfast urban area plan should be carried out by planning and transportation consultants under the joint supervision of my two Departments. I intend to chair the steering group responsible for overall supervision of the reappraisal.

The terms of reference of the reappraisal are: — 1. To carry out a strategic review of the planning and transportation proposals set out in the Belfast transportation plan to the extent required to advise on the feasibility, cost and other implications of alternative solutions which do not involve the full urban motorway ring. Amongst the alternative solutions to be examined are—

1. (i) a non-motorway solution;
2. (ii) a motorway solution limited to phase 1 and 2a of the Belfast Urban Motorway.

2. The review, while seeking a reduction in the cost of the transportation proposals and placing a greater emphasis on improvements to public transport, would take note of the desire for minimal changes to the land uses shown in the Belfast urban area plan and improvements to the environmental quality of the city. Consideration would also be given to the need for improvement of the facilities for trade and commercial activity in Belfast. 3. To carry out the review in conjunction with the professional staff of the Departments concerned and within a programme agreed by the Departments. 4. To put forward an interim report on broad options to be considered by the Departments within four months from the date of the commission so that subsequent detailed examination may be limited to favoured options.