HL Deb 26 March 1979 vol 399 cc1457-9WA
Lord BLEASE

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action has been taken to implement the recommendations of the "Cross-Border Communications Study for the Londonderry and Donegal area" undertaken by the Commission of the European Communities, and in particular the measures taken to further the proposals for:—

  1. (a) the development of the telecommunications services,
  2. (b) road improvements,
  3. (c) improvements in road and rail passenger services,
  4. (d) the up-grading of the Eglinton Airport,
  5. (e) the modernisation of the Londonderry Port,
  6. (f) improvements in the Customs facilities,
  7. (g) the New Foyle Bridge and
  8. (h) improvements in the freight parcel and postal services.

The MINISTER of STATE, NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE (Lord Melchett)

Since the publication of the Consultants Report, which was commissioned jointly by the British and Irish Governments with a 50 per cent. grant from the EEC, good progress has been made on implementing the recommendations, particularly those covering the three main areas of expenditure, roads, telecommunications and ports. Expenditure either under way or planned in Northern Ireland on implementing these recommendations over the next five years exceeds £25 million.

The major developments in Northern Ireland on the principal proposals in the order listed by my noble friend are as follows:—

  1. (a) Work is currently under way on the £6 million programme of tele- 1458 communications works, including the installation of the cable between Londonderry and Bridgend, the provision of two new telephone exchanges in Londonderry and a new exchange at Dungiven. Most of this work is due to be completed this year. In addition, building of the new Limavady exchange is due to start this summer.
  2. (b) Construction work has begun on the east approach road to the new Foyle Bridge and work on the west approach road will start soon. Both the Newtownstewart and Dungiven bypasses have now been brought into the Department of the Environment's five-year major road works programme and extensive minor improvement works on the Londonderry/Strabane Road are to be undertaken later this year.
  3. (c) Following the virtual destruction of the former passenger railway station at Waterside, Londonderry, a new station is currently being built on a more convenient site nearer the city centre. A new bus station is to be built at Foyle Street and a further study by both Governments of the cross border services provided by the Lough Swilly Bus Company is currently being undertaken.
  4. (d) To meet the Civil Aviation Authority licensing requirements for the new daily air service, to be introduced on 2nd April by Loganair between Eglinton and Glasgow, Londonderry City Council have improved Eglinton airfield by providing a radio beacon and runway lighting. Limited facilities for passengers are also being provided. The feasibility of an Eglinton-Dublin air service is currently being studied.
  5. (e) Work on the £1.5 million improvement and development scheme for the Londonderry port has started and is scheduled to be finished within a three-year period. The work will include the infilling of the dry dock area, the provision of additional quay area and new transit sheds.
  6. (f) Plans are well advanced for a new Customs building on Buncrana Road which will replace the present building at Strand Road in Londonderry, where there is traffic congestion at times. At 1459 the Mullenan Customs Post on the Carrigans/Londonderry road there are now full facilities for clearance of imports and exports across the land border. There has been some simplification of Customs procedures and documentation since both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland became full members of the EEC. As a result of discussions between the United Kingdom and Irish customs authorities, from 1st April 1979 formalities will be considerably reduced for goods on route from Donegal to other parts of the Irish Republic which pass through Northern Ireland. These discussions are continuing with a view to further easing and simplifying of the movement of goods and vehicles across the land border.
  7. (g) In January 1979 five selected firms were asked to tender for the proposed new Foyle Bridge, and tenders are due on 6th July 1979.
  8. (h) Discussions are continuing between Northern Ireland Railways and the Irish transport authority about the improvement of freight handling facilities in Londonderry. Following meetings between the respective postal authorities firm proposals to speed up the transport of mail from the Irish Republic are now being costed.
Much of the work being undertaken qualifies for assistance from the European Regional Development Fund. To date approximately £1.5 million has been committed from the Fund to assist specific road, telecommunications and port developments and further claims will be submitted to the EEC in due course. Consultations continue to take place between my right honourable friend the Minister of State and interested bodies.