§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what steps she is taking to provide adequate car-parking spaces near Bangor station; and what plans she has to charge for car-parking at Bangor market; [5642]
(2) what is her policy with respect to road traffic reduction on the Rathgael and Balloo roads in Bangor and promotion of the use of the existing Bangor dual-carriageway ring road. [5643]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyResponsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Roads Service under its chief executive, Mr. W. J. McCoubrey. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
277WLetter from G. P. Fraser to Mr. Robert McCartney, dated 30 June 1997:
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked the Chief Executive to respond to your recently tabled PQs about traffic reduction on the Rathgael and Balloo Roads and car parking in Bangor. In the Chief Executive's absence, I will reply on his behalf.Rathgael Road/Balloo Road acts as a distributor road serving the housing developments on the eastern side of Bangor. It is complementary to, rather than an alternative for, the Bangor Ring Road and there are no plans to reduce traffic on it.Roads Service has 393 car park spaces in close proximity to Bangor Station (232 free) and is working closely with Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company to encourage the use of bus and train.Finally, charging is being introducing at the Castle Square car park (Bangor Market) before the end of July. Charging will be implemented in approximately 50% of the car park with the remainder being free.