§ Ms MowlamTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to improve or extend public transport services between the major towns and cities.
§ Mr. MossWe are currently engaged on a major investment programme for public transport facilities aimed at producing better public transport services across Northern Ireland. We have completed the Belfast cross-harbour rail bridge to unify rail services for the first time; built the new Euorpa bus centre in Belfast; and provided new or upgraded bus stations in Omagh, Enniskillen, Cookstown, Newcastle and Newtownards. Work is continuing on the Belfast to Dublin rail line and rolling stock upgrade, on the reinstatement of the line to a new station at Great Victoria street, Belfast, and on a 627W new bus station at Donegall Quay, Belfast. In addition work is due to start soon on the re-opening to scheduled services of the Antrim to Bleach Green rail line.
There has also been a significant modernisation of the bus fleet in Northern Ireland. This represents investment in public transport of some £110 millions since 1990, substantially assisted by the European regional development fund. As part of the guiding principles for future transportation planning which I announced on 17 January, the transport operation companies are to be restructured to provide a more co-ordinated approach to service planning and a more strategic use of resources and to cut out unnecessary bureaucracy and duplication.