Question Time: Regional Development Monday 16 June 2014

Traffic calming measures were discussed during Questions to the Minister for Regional Development, Danny Kennedy. £3m has been invested in traffic calming in Northern Ireland between May 2011 and March 2013. Judith Cochrane was interested in the number of locations assessed by the Roads Service for traffic calming in the Eastern Division. 216 locations have been assessed and £1m invested in the Eastern Division between May 2011 and March 2013. The Minister agreed that resources are stretched and revealed that he has bid for £5.2m in the June monitoring round towards transport safety measures.

Also on the theme of road safety, Gregory Campbell asked the Minister if there are any plans to introduce 20mph speed limits around rural schools as part of the schools safety policy. The new policy, which will be installed this summer, will allow for part-time 20mph limits at schools in all areas, prioritised by level of perceived risk. Mr Campbell expressed his concern about rural schools that are close to significant roadways where speeding occurs and asked the Minister to bear this in mind when prioritising the schools where the scheme is implemented. Mr Kennedy assured that all circumstances will be taken into consideration as the policy moves forward.

Mr Kennedy also answered questions on the Bangor Sewerage Infrastructure Improvement Scheme, the transfer of car parks to local councils and the responsibility of grass cutting in private areas. Following the news that Royal Portrush Golf Club may be holding The Open golf tournament as soon as 2019, Paul Frew took the opportunity during topical questions to ask the Minister if he will be making efforts to improve the transport infrastructure in the Portrush area to accommodate the prestigious event. Mr Kennedy agreed that it is very important that the infrastructure is improved and looks forward to sitting round the Executive table to secure the appropriate funding.