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19/05/2009
Murphy: No Water Charges For 'Foreseeable Future'
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has said water charges in Northern Ireland are unlikely to be introduced in the foreseeable future.
Discussing the issue during a live web chat, facilitated by Stratagem NI, Mr Murphy said the Stormont Executive would continue to shoulder the 'burden' of the associated costs.
"The Executive undertook to find a fair system to finance the necessary investment in water and sewerage services," he said.
"I am proposing that the Executive continue to carry that burden (of water charges) for the foreseeable future."
He said that investment Stormont is making in NI Water is to upgrade the infrastructure.
Speaking on proposals for Belfast's new rapid transport system, the Minister said his officials "are moving towards producing a draft document for consultation".
When questioned on his personal use of public transport the Minister said he boards a bus or train "as often as possible...given that I am rarely in the one place all day."
He said transport network across the province are improving, insisting this is "being reflected in the steady growth in passenger numbers".
However, Mr Murphy said he recognises fare increases are "never popular" although "sometimes necessary" for "Translink to continue to function as a business."
Stratagem, Northern Ireland's first dedicated public affairs and government relations firm, will hold a similar interactive interview with NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson next month.
(PR/BMcc)
Discussing the issue during a live web chat, facilitated by Stratagem NI, Mr Murphy said the Stormont Executive would continue to shoulder the 'burden' of the associated costs.
"The Executive undertook to find a fair system to finance the necessary investment in water and sewerage services," he said.
"I am proposing that the Executive continue to carry that burden (of water charges) for the foreseeable future."
He said that investment Stormont is making in NI Water is to upgrade the infrastructure.
Speaking on proposals for Belfast's new rapid transport system, the Minister said his officials "are moving towards producing a draft document for consultation".
When questioned on his personal use of public transport the Minister said he boards a bus or train "as often as possible...given that I am rarely in the one place all day."
He said transport network across the province are improving, insisting this is "being reflected in the steady growth in passenger numbers".
However, Mr Murphy said he recognises fare increases are "never popular" although "sometimes necessary" for "Translink to continue to function as a business."
Stratagem, Northern Ireland's first dedicated public affairs and government relations firm, will hold a similar interactive interview with NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson next month.
(PR/BMcc)
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