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Transport JC 21 May 2008

NORTH/SOUTH MINISTERIAL COUNCIL

Transport Sectoral Format

Mullaghbawn, Co Armagh, 21 May 2008

Joint Communiqué

1.  The fifth meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council in the Transport Sectoral format was held in Tí Chulainn, Mullaghbawn, Co. Armagh on 21 May 2008.
2.  The Northern Ireland Executive was represented by Minister Conor Murphy MP, MLA, and Minister Arlene Foster MLA and the Irish Government was represented by Minister Noel Dempsey TD.
3.  The Council noted and welcomed progress made since the last meeting in December 2007 and the opportunity to meet to further discuss opportunities for cross-border co-operation in relation to Strategic Transport Planning and Road Safety.

A5 and A8 Major Roads Projects

4.  The Council discussed the A5 (North-West Gateway to Aughnacloy) and A8 (Belfast to Larne) road projects and noted the progress that has been made to date. The Council also noted that the A5 project is on target to achieve the first significant milestone – preliminary route corridor assessment – by late 2008 and that a number of key milestones have been agreed which can be aligned with the timing of payments from the Irish Government.

BRIDGES

Restoration of Two Bridges on the Tyrone/Monaghan Border

5.  The Council reviewed progress on projects to reopen the Annaghroe and Knocknaginny bridges on the Tyrone/Monaghan border.  It noted that:
  • Monaghan County Council has appointed consultants to design and co-ordinate the consultation process on the replacement of the two bridges.
  • As part of this process, information evenings for the public were held in Tyrone and Monaghan in March.
  • Construction is on target to commence this year subject to planning approval.
  • Ministers agreed that inclusive consultation with local communities would be an important priority as the project moves forward.

Narrow Water Bridge

6.  The Council discussed progress on the Irish Government’s proposal for the construction of a bridge at Narrow Water linking County Louth with County Down. It noted that:
  • Louth County Council has appointed consultants who have commenced the technical study, public consultation and statutory consultation on the proposed bridge.
  • The technical study, environmental impact statement and preliminary design work  will be completed by the end of 2008; and
  • Further reports on cross border bridge projects will be presented to a future NSMC meeting in Transport sectoral format.

Improvements to Dublin –Belfast Rail Service

7.  The Council reviewed progress since the last meeting on proposals for improving the Dublin-Belfast Rail Service. It noted that the two railway companies have considered options for redeploying additional existing rolling stock on the Dublin to Belfast line which could lead to improved frequency and that both railway companies are finalising proposals in the form of a costed business case which will be presented prior to the next NSMC meeting in Transport sectoral format.

Rail Links in the North West

8.  The Council noted:
  • The commitment of the Department for Regional Development to improve the railway line from Belfast to Derry.
  • That the Department for Regional Development has agreed to undertake a study to consider the long term social, physical and economic redevelopment of the railway throughout the North/West.
  • Once the study is complete its findings will be brought to a meeting of NSMC in Transport sectoral format at which stage consideration will be given to a study into improved public transport links with Donegal.

City of Derry Airport

9.  The Council noted that:
  • Derry City Council has provded the necessary undertakings in relation to the governance arrangements at the City of Derry airport to enable the first payment of grant claims to be made in February 2008.
  • The Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government have now paid over grants amounting to over £3 million. In addition to the approved grant scheme, Derry City Council has funded the construction of a new taxiway and extended aircraft parking apron.
  • Derry City Council has committed to the immediate incorporation of City of Derry airport into a company wholly owned by the Council followed, within a period of 18 months, by either sale of equity of the company outright or by sale of the company but with the Council retaining control of the airport land through a long-term lease.
  • Derry City Council has established an advisory Board comprising independent members committed to completion of reform by December 2009.

Road Safety

10.  The Council noted the progress being made on reducing road deaths by the authorities on both sides of the border.  It welcomed the continuing cooperation between the authorities on advertising and publicity and on road safety in border areas.  Ministers requested an intensification of work on a bilateral agreement on the EU Convention on Driving Disqualifications to ensure that it is brought into effect by late 2008/early 2009 and the potential for further liaison on key road safety issues such as drink driving limits, road safety strategies and cross border enforcement.

Cross Border Community Based Rural Transport

11.  The Council noted that preparations are underway for a cross border community based rural transport pilot project which is expected to commence before the end of 2008. The project will involve the community transport groups, Fermanagh and South Tyrone(FAST) and Rural Lift in Cavan, which operate in Fermanagh/Cavan border region. A report on the evaluation of the pilot scheme will be presented to a future NSMC meeting in Transport sectoral format.

Sustainable Transport

12.  The Council discussed Sustainable Transport and noted that the Department of Transport has launched the 2020 Vision- Sustainable Travel  and Transport paper for public consultation and that the Department for Regional Development is already progressing a number of initiatives on sustainable transport.
13.  The Council noted that officials have met to share information and experience and explore measures to promote sustainable Transport. It looked forward to receiving specific cross-border pilot projects on sustainable transport for consideration at a future NSMC meeting in Transport sectoral format.

Rapid Transit

14.  The Council noted that work and studies on rapid transit are being undertaken in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Belfast and welcomed the ongoing work and discussions between officials in relation to the sharing of information and cooperation in this area.

Freight Transport Study

15.  The Council welcomed the presentation by IBEC/CBI on the findings of the “Freight Transport Report for the Island of Ireland” and agreed that their officials consider those recommendations of the Study relevant to the NSMC Transport Area for Cooperation and report to a future meeting.

Date of Next Meeting

16.  The Council agreed to meet again in October/November 2008.
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