AQW 24996/11-15


Mr Cathal Ó hOisín
Sinn Féin
East Londonderry


Tabled Date: 03/07/2013
Answered On Date: 17/07/2013
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development to detail the (i) status; (ii) plans; and (iii) timescale for the provision of (a) passing loops; (b) a covered halt; (c) a Park and Ride facility; (d) additional bus shelters; and (e) additional footpath provision, at Bellarena railway halt.


Answer:
Following the successful completion of Phase 1 of the Coleraine to Londonderry Track Relay Programme, procurement processes for Phase 2 of the programme, which will include the design of this phase are currently underway. Phase 2 work is due to commence in 2014/15 but Translink advise that as the design work for Bellarena Halt has not been undertaken they are unable to comment on the details at this stage.
In order to ensure the future provision of bus shelters, my Department is currently working towards the establishment of new contractual arrangements, which are to be in place for 2015. Any requests for bus shelters received in the intervening period that cannot be accommodated will be given priority when the new contract is in place.
The Member may also be aware that District Councils and Translink are also permitted to provide and fund additional bus shelters
In relation to footpath provision, a footway is currently provided over a distance of approximately 2.2km on Seacoast Road, from Bellarena Presbyterian Church and Magilligan Field Centre southwards to Bellarena Railway Halt. This continuous footway links the main housing developments of Bellarena and Oughtymoyle Avenue, and also a number of individual properties along the Seacoast Road, to Bellarena Railway Halt.
In addition, a scheme proposal is under development to provide a footway/cycleway on Seacoast Road, from Bellarena Presbyterian Church northwards towards Benone Tourist Complex, an approximate distance of 4km. This footway/cycleway will provide a continuous link between Benone Tourist Complex and Bellarena Railway Halt.
However, due to the length and potentially high cost of this proposal, it is likely the scheme will be delivered in stages. The footway/cycleway is being developed in accordance with current policies and procedures, and will be prioritised within future works programmes as each stage gains approval through the development process.
Delivery of the scheme is dependent upon its priority when compared to competing schemes, the availability of funding and a number of other key issues, such as land acquisition.