HC Deb 07 November 1979 vol 973 cc227-9W
Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give the traffic count and accident figures for the stretch of road between Davidson's Corner and Rose-lawn cemetery on the Ballygowan Road, Castlereagh.

Mr. Goodhart

[pursuant to his reply, 5 November 1979, c. 87]: The average daily traffic flow on this section of road is about 9,000 vehicles. One fatal accident and eight involving injuries have occurred in the past six years.

Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give details of the proposed phase II of the Ballygowan road scheme affecting the stretch of road between Davidson's Corner and Roselawn cemetery, indicating its cost, including compensation, what alternative proposals were considered; what time scale is contemplated; what is the type and length of road planned.

Mr. Goodhart

[pursuant to his reply, 5 November 1979, c. 87]: It is proposed to improve this road with a new straight 1.7 kilometre length of four-lane single carriageway. The total estimated cost of the scheme proposed is about £1.2 million and it will take about 21 months to construct. The improvement of the existing road has been examined as an alternative, but this would not be satisfactory.

Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reason he is proposing to construct the phase II Ballygowan Road; and what advantage the proposed road will bring to (a) road users, and (b) residents in the area.

Mr. Goodhart

[pursuant to his reply, 5 November 1979, c 87]: The scheme will replace a difficult and unsafe section of road with a safer and shorter length of superior road. Residents in the area will benefit by traffic being kept clear of residential development.

Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many acres of agricultural and other land need to be vested if the proposed phase II Ballygowan road scheme is implemented; what effect it will have on farms in the area; how many are involved; and what consultation his Department has had with farmers and others in the area.

Mr. Goodhart

[pursuant to his reply, 5 November 1979, c. 87]: Approximately 14 acres of agricultural land and about ¼ acre of other land are required. Three farms will be substantially affected and another seven will lose strips of land adjacent to the existing road. Landowners have been individually consulted as design work has proceeded.

Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if, in view of his policy of financial restraints, he will review the necessity of proceeding with the phase II Ballygowan road scheme at the present time.

Mr. Goodhart

[pursuant to his reply, 5 November 1979, c. 87]: I will be considering the necessity for and timing of the projected works, in common with a number of other road schemes.

Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what financial assistance from EEC sources are being sought or obtained for the phase II Ballygowan road scheme.

Mr. Goodhart

[pursuant to his reply, 5 November 1979, c. 87]: None.

Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in view of the deep and widespread concern of residents in the area affected by the proposed phase II Ballygowan Road scheme, if he will consider holding a public inquiry if there is strong objection indicated in the replies received to the opportunity given by his Department for written objections.

Mr. Goodhart

[pursuant to his reply, 5 November 1979, c. 87]: A decision has not yet been taken on whether to hold a public inquiry.