Givan welcomes loading bay progress

The loading bays which were first identified as being required in February 2010 have been delayed through the legislative process by the then DRD Minister and Transport NI officials.

Mr Givan, who has been helping a local business raising particular concerns about this matter has pressed DRD and the Minister about the need to implement these changes as soon as possible.

However he says foot-dragging with consultations has delayed the introduction of these loading bays.

“I welcome the progress that has finally been made by way of the final notification however I am disappointed at the unacceptable protracted period to get to this point,” he commented.

Mr Givan added that the need was identified quickly however the process of granting permission delayed the introduction.

He continued: “By April 2012 DRD had only begun a public consultation about the positioning of the bays however the six month process lasted over one year with Lisburn City Council being consulted in May 2013.

“Unfortunately in spite of continuous lobbying DRD failed to implement the loading bays instead choosing to treat all proposed areas within Lisburn City Centre in one large process.

“Because of the delay I had a meeting with DRD Minister Danny Kennedy and the local business and progress has now been made. An issue such as this shouldn’t need a meeting with a Government Minister to resolve and lessons should be learned by DRD about the handling of this case.”