HL Deb 11 April 2000 vol 612 cc38-40WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the decision not to proceed with an expressway-style rapid transit system from the northern part of County Down to Belfast was announced; by what method; and which local bodies were informed. [HL1841]

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton

The Government have not made such a decision. However, given the current financial resources available for public transport in Northern Ireland, there are currently no plans to proceed with such a scheme.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In view of their decision not to proceed with an expressway-style rapid transit system from the northern part of County Down to Belfast, which alternatives are being considered to offer public transport to this growth area which 'would be in line with the policy to reduce car dependence. [HL 1842]

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton

The E-way proposal for a modern transit route on the Newtownards-Belfast Corridor has never been on a public transport implementation programme. Its current status is that of potential solution to present and future transportation difficulties on this corridor.

However, the Draft Regional Strategic Framework and the comments of the panel that conducted its examination in public both stress the importance of a modern integrated sustainable transport system to the future development of Northern Ireland and the quality of life for all its citizens.

The Department for Regional Development is responding to this challenge by preparing a transportation strategy that will identify how to make such a transport system a reality. In preparing this strategy consideration will be given to what such a transportation system would comprise, the establishment of corridor investment priorities and the manner in which projects and initiatives can be funded and implemented.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What were the detailed costs of the expressway-style rapid transit system from the northern part of County Down to the centre of Belfast upon which the decision was taken not to proceed; how the calculation were made and by whom. [HL1876]

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton

We understand from the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company that the overall capital cost for construction of the E-way scheme would be £15.6 million. Vehicle costs for the intitial fleet were estimated at £8.4 million. Cost data were derived from a variety of sources by W S Atkins Consultants Ltd. The Government have made no decision on this scheme. However, given the current financial resources available for public transport in Northern Ireland, there are currently no plans to proceed.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the response to the public consultation exercise concerning the express-style rapid transit system from the northern part of County Down to the centre of Belfast. [HL1877]

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton

We understand from the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company that the general response was positive.