Transport JC 12 December 2007

1.  The fourth meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council in the Transport Sectoral format was held in the Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim, Co Meath on 12 December 2007.

2.  The Irish Government was represented by Minister Noel Dempsey TD and the Executive was represented by Minister Conor Murphy MP, MLA, and Minister Arlene Foster MLA.

3.  The Council noted and welcomed progress made since the last meeting in September 2007 and the opportunity to meet to further discuss opportunities for cross-border co-operation in relation to Strategic Transport Planning and Road Safety.

4.  The Council discussed continuing progress on proposals to reopen the Annaghroe and Knocknaginny bridges on the Tyrone/Monaghan border including the appointment of consultants by Monaghan County Council.

5.  The Council discussed and noted progress to date on the Irish Government’s proposal for the construction of a bridge at Narrow Water linking County Louth with County Down.    

6. The Council discussed the steps taken since the last meeting in September to progress the A5 (North-West Gateway to Aughnacloy) and A8 (Belfast to Larne) projects, noted the management arrangements now in place for the A5 project and the appointment of consultants to both projects.

7.  The Council welcomed the presentation from representatives of larnród Éireann and Northern Ireland Railways.  It noted the options for the future development of the cross border rail link between Dublin and Belfast especially in relation to increased service frequency, improvements to rolling stock and elimination of speed restrictions.  The Council requested officials to assess the options and prepare a report for consideration at the next NSMC meeting in Transport Sectoral format.

8.  The Council welcomed the on-going co-operation between Departments and the two railway operating companies particularly on rail safety and interoperability.  Ministers asked their officials to continue to work closely together to ensure compliance with relevant EU Directives on these issues.  The Council also welcomed the major investments made by both operating companies in improving railway infrastructure and safety in recent years.

9.  The Council noted that a Report on Cross Border Community Based Rural Transport has been considered by both Departments.  Ministers  recognising the potential benefits and the regulatory, resource and organisational constraints on the provision of such services at this time, agreed that a pilot cross-border exercise should now be considered.  The Council requested officials to work together to consider such a pilot and report progress at a future NSMC meeting in Transport Sectoral format.

10.  The Council welcomed the presentation from the Road Safety Authority on the new Road Safety Strategy for Ireland for the period 2007 – 2012. Ministers noted that the mid term review of the Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy 2002-2012 is under way with an announcement about the way forward expected in the New Year.  The Council further welcomed the continuing co-operation between the authorities on  a range of issues including advertising and publicity, the mutual recognition of driving disqualifications and penalty points and road safety in border areas.

11.  The Council agreed to meet again in April/May 2008.