Written Answers to Questions - Northern Ireland Assembly

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Friday 20 July 2012 Written Answers cancellation. Restrictions on data sharing have now been addressed as part of the NFI framework allowing this administrative issue to be addressed. During the exercise, which identified approximately 15,000 possible cases there were 88 instances where a deceased customer’s SmartPass was used to travel on Translink services after the reported date of death. It is estimated that the resulting cost of this was £4,593.39. These passes have since been deactivated. Existing controls over the use of Concessionary Fares mean that the individual using the card must purchase tickets and for the small percentage of cards used inappropriately it is not possible to pursue recovery of the loss incurred because the individual users cannot be identified. Resilience of the Road Network to Severe Weather Mr D McIlveen asked the Minister for Regional Development what research his Department has carried out on the resilience of the road network to severe weather. (AQW 13403/11-15) Mr Kennedy: I can confirm that my Department’s Roads Service has not carried out any specific research in relation to the resilience of the road network to severe weather. However, I can advise that a study was carried out, following the severe winter of 2009/10, to determine the extent of the damage caused to the network as a result of the severe winter. The study determined that a conservative estimate of damage caused by the repeated freezing and thawing would be in excess of £2m. The study also concluded that the total cost of the damage, caused solely by the weather during that winter, may never fully be known, as it would not be practical, or indeed possible, to diagnose every failure that has already led to, or is likely to, contribute to damage in the future. By and large, well maintained roads, in good condition, suffer relatively little damage from severe weather. But, where the surface is ageing, or has been damaged by excavation and reinstatement, water can penetrate into small cracks and other defects in the surface. When the water freezes (often overnight) it expands, opening up the cracks. During daytime thaws, the ice melts and more water seeps in, before the next freeze. Repeated freeze thaw cycles gradually open cracks and create cavities and the surface deteriorates very quickly. Traffic soon displaces the loose aggregate and potholes form. Most of the damage caused to carriageways by severe weather is very obvious, is very localised (patchy), and occurs where there were already minor defects in the surface. It is clear that the current level of funding for roads maintenance is no longer sustainable, as the cost of poor value for money reactive patching is climbing year on year. The underinvestment of previous spending periods has created a vicious circle, because as pavements deteriorate through a lack of planned maintenance, they require relatively expensive patching to avoid public liability claims and maintain road safety, which draws further funds away from good value resurfacing and surface dressing. Furthermore, it is difficult to estimate how the level of patching would increase if underinvestment in structural maintenance continues, because, as the level of underfunding and backlog increases, the rate of deterioration and the need for patching is also likely to increase, as will the damage caused by severe weather. Fair Employment Tribunal Case on the Appointment of the Chair of NI Water Mr McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the costs incurred by his Department in relation to the Fair Employment Tribunal case on the appointment of the Chair of NI Water, including a breakdown by legal fees, travel costs and all other expenses. (AQW 13421/11-15) Mr Kennedy: I refer to the answer I gave to AQW 13171/11-15 on 6 July. WA 606
Friday 20 July 2012 Written Answers The Department is continuing to consult with its legal advisors following the Tribunal’s decision. As the process has not been concluded it is too early for me to comment further or to provide estimates in relation to the costs associated with this case. Fair Employment Tribunal Ruling in Lennon v the Department for Regional Development Mr Allister asked the Minister for Regional Development, in light of the Fair Employment Tribunal ruling in Lennon v the Department for Regional Development, whether he has reviewed the appointment of the current Chairman of Northern Ireland Water; and what was the outcome. (AQW 13422/11-15) Mr Kennedy: I want to take some time to examine the implications of the decision with my officials and legal advisers. Any issues for follow up action will be considered after that as appropriate. Programme for Government targets on Active School Travel Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister for Regional Development what progress his Department has made against the Programme for Government targets on Active School Travel. (AQW 13436/11-15) Mr Kennedy: I can advise the member that my Department is currently assessing the costs, potential for funding partnerships as well as developing the necessary Business Case to enable the Active School Travel Project to begin. In the meantime my Department has commissioned a one year interim sustainable school travel proposal to be delivered to 40 schools which will begin the process of delivering increases in sustainable transport choices made by school children in advance of the introduction of the full Active School Travel Scheme. Captial Asset Disposal Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the capital assets of which his Department intends to dispose in each of the next three years. (AQW 13441/11-15) Mr Kennedy: The Department and its Arm’s Length Bodies, Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company and Northern Ireland Water, regularly review the assets they hold to establish whether they are still required, will be needed for future projects / operational purposes or can be declared surplus to requirements. This ongoing process of reviewing asset holdings results in a rolling programme of asset disposals. The assets listed below were programmed for disposal by the Department and its Arm’s Length Bodies from 2012/13 to 2014/15. However, given the ongoing review processes this list may be subject change. Where possible, indicative timescales for asset disposal have been noted below. The Department and its Arm’s Length Bodies are also considering other future asset efficiency opportunities. 2012/13 1 Land at Park Drive, Bangor 2 Land at 1A Station Road, Greenisland 3 3 Belfast Road, Ballynure 4 88 Shore Road, Greenisland 5 21 Barnetts Road, Belfast 6 11 Liminary Road, Ballymena 7 87 Abbey Park, Belfast WA 607 8 9&11 Belfast Road Ballynure 9 72 Kingsdale park, Belfast 10. 17 Barnetts Crescent, Belfast 11. Land at Madison Avenue East 12. High Road, Portstewart 13. Land at Ballyduff/Beverley Road Newtownabbey
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Written Answers to Questions - Northern Ireland Assembly

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