§ Lady HermonT o ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in the development of an integrated transport system for Northern Ireland. [157659]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Regional Transportation Strategy for Northern Ireland 2002– 12, the underlying principles and strategic direction of which were unanimously agreed by the Northern Ireland Assembly in July 2002, sets out a strategic framework for the future planning, funding and delivery of an integrated transport system for the region.
The implementation of the RTS is overseen, monitored and reviewed by the Regional Transportation Strategy Steering Group. The Department for Regional Development has also established an External Advisory Board, the Integrated Transport Stakeholder Group which offers advice on the implementation of the RTS.
Delivery of the RTS is being progressed through three transport plans; the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan, the Regional Strategic Network Transport Plan and the Sub-Regional Transport Plan. Work on the BMTP is well advanced and a proposed BMTP is due for release for Equality Impact Assessment consultation in March 2004. Taking any EQIA comments into account, publication is expected later in the year.
The RSTN TP is expected to be published in summer 2004. The SRTP is being developed in association with local Development Plans and is to be completed in 2006.