Sustainable Development

Oral Answers To Questions – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 3:00 am on 1 October 2007.

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Photo of Gerry McHugh Gerry McHugh Sinn Féin 3:00, 1 October 2007

5. asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps he is taking to promote sustain­able development within the remit of his Department.         (AQO 277/08)

Photo of Conor Murphy Conor Murphy Sinn Féin

The Department for Regional Develop­ment is fully involved in taking forward key elements of the sustainable development strategy, as set out in the implementation plan that was produced in December 2006. A senior official has been appointed as sustainable development champion.

The main areas in which sustainable development is being promoted are: capital investment in the water and sewage infrastructure to improve standards and reduce water leakage; capital and revenue investment in public transport and other forms of sustainable transport — in the context of the regional transportation strategy; and compliance with sustainable procurement practice.

In addition, my Department is implementing an in-house sustainable action plan, covering waste, water, energy, estates, travel and procurement. I have recently met with the Sustainable Development Commission and I look forward to a further proactive engagement with its members.

Photo of Gerry McHugh Gerry McHugh Sinn Féin

I thank the Minister for his answer. In order for future sustainable development or successful regional development to be effective, would the Minister agree that there is a need for effective transport infras­tructure, such as roads, particularly west of the Bann?

Railway travel, or, indeed, public transport, is not an option for people travelling to Belfast to work, or to other places outside Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Will the Minister give a commitment to the improvement, or the considerable upgrading of the present roads infrastructure west of the Bann, and, in particular, in Fermanagh and South Tyrone, because that would have an impact on tourism, business and people’s journeys to work? Go raibh maith agat.

Photo of Conor Murphy Conor Murphy Sinn Féin

There are many people who argue in support of sustainable development who think that too much investment is skewed towards roads, and that more of it should be directed towards public transport. Investment in roads can, of course, help to improve public transport, because buses could use those routes. Therefore, where possible — and the Department is committed to examining sustainable development options — we will make that investment to try to support public transport.

There are plans for roads infrastructure improvements in the west, including a dual carriageway from Ballygawley onwards. I appreciate that — as in South Armagh, the area that I represent — people sometimes feel that the roads in Fermanagh are very much substandard. However, it is important to get the balance right among investment in sustainable development, public transport and roads, which obviously encourages car users. That is the task that the Department is trying to address.

Photo of Basil McCrea Basil McCrea UUP

How does the Minister feel that his Department is performing with regard to sustainable development targets and actions? Furthermore, how does he feel that his Department is performing in comparison with other Departments?

Photo of Conor Murphy Conor Murphy Sinn Féin

I do not have information on comp­arisons with the other Departments. My Department has been working with the Department of the Environ­ment to establish up-to-date information on transport emissions. As for reduction, we are investing heavily in public transport in line with the regional transportation strategy. Progress and the need for change will be assessed in the review of the regional transportation strategy, which is beginning.

Photo of Thomas Burns Thomas Burns Social Democratic and Labour Party

Has the Department appointed a sustainable development champion? How many times have the departmental champions met?

Photo of Conor Murphy Conor Murphy Sinn Féin

My answer to the first question is yes; my answer to the second is that I do not know, but I will provide the information that the Member requires.