Agenda and minutes

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 7th February, it had agreed to hold a special meeting to receive a presentation from representatives of the Roads Service in respect of its Annual Autumn Progress Report.  It was reported that Mr. R. Spiers, Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Mr. B. O’Neill, Section Engineer, and Mr. C. Sykes, Network Maintenance Manager, were in attendance and they were admitted to the meeting and welcomed by the Chairman.

            Mr. Sykes provided an update in relation to the Roads Service’s plans and preparations for its winter service provision and gave an overview of the resources which would be available to ensure that the traffic on the road network continued to move safely and freely in conditions such as snow and ice.  He outlined the communication channels which were available to the public and to Elected Members.

            A Member pointed out the importance of ensuring that all road drains and gullies were inspected and cleared in order to ensure the free flow of heavy rainfall.  A further Member requested that the Roads Service consider the introduction of a dedicated direct dial telephone number for use by Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly and Councillors.

            Mr. Spiers outlined the principal aspects of the Roads Service’s Programme of Works for the forthcoming year.  He provided an overview on the works in relation to the York Street Interchange Scheme, the A2 Sydenham Bypass Improvement Scheme and the A55 Knock Road Widening Scheme, together with an update on collision remedial, traffic and pedestrian schemes, safer routes to school measures, carriageway and footpath resurfacing projects and adoptions.  Mr. Spiers informed the Committee that the Belfast on the Move Scheme had been completed and that a survey thereon would commence shortly, the result of which would be available in due course.  He explained that the provision of bus lanes was part of an effective bus-way system.  

            Mr. Spiers concluded by reminding the Committee that the Roads Service would commence, in April, 2014, discussions in relation to its plans to align itself to the future shape of the new council boundaries to facilitate joint working arrangements.  In that regard, he informed the Committee that Mr. R. Ellison, the Divisional Roads Manager, would retire from the Roads Service at the end of the month.  The post of Divisional Roads Manager would be filled by Mr. K. Monaghan.  

            A number of Members paid tribute to Mr. Ellison for the contribution which he had made to the work of the Committee and for the exemplary manner in which he had fulfilled his duties.  After discussion, the Committee agreed that a letter be forwarded to Mr. Ellison conveying its best wishes on his retirement.  

            The Members drew the attention of the officers from the Roads Service to several matters, a number of which are set out hereunder:

·         the parking issues and subsequent problems with bin collections in the Brenda Park/Finaghy Road North area, which had been raised at the previous meeting, and the possibility  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.