The following is a speech by TUV leader Jim Allister during yesterday’s debate in the Assembly:
“I welcome and support the motion. I begin by commending the Minister for the fact that, when he came to office, he grasped the issue of the long-neglected A26 improvement, and steps are now afoot to extend somewhat the dual carriageway up to the Ballycastle junction. I suppose that the problem for the Minister is that, when he does something positive like that, he but whets our appetite for more. Rather than him thinking that he has done his bit for north Antrim and east Londonderry, I want to disabuse him of that idea and assure him that, collectively, we are looking for more. We do not want just a quality road to the turn-off at Ballycastle but a quality dual carriageway right through to Coleraine. That spine road is the key to the opening up of the entire north coast area and the exploitation of its full potential. Rather than resting on his laurels — yes, the Minister can collect the accolades for getting something done about the A26 and is entitled to do so — you cause us to want you to finish the job. That should be his ambition and his achievement in that regard.
“I also commend the Minister for the manner in which he took an interest in, saw improvements to and is seeing improvements to the railway connection through to Londonderry. I urge him to never forget the fact the Ballymena station still needs considerable improvement and that we need the extension to the park-and-ride facility to really exploit and take full advantage of that. There is much being done, but there is much to be done, and I trust that the Minister will take those remarks in that spirit and continue to aim to please in regard to those matters.
“Some useful points have been made in the debate. Mr McQuillan made the point that, to go by public bus from Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway, our prime tourist attraction, it can take as long as three and a half hours. That just should not be. Surely, particularly in the summer season, it is possible to have a better facility than that.
“I draw a particular gripe to the Minister’s attention. There are many day trips to the north coast by coach tour, but one of the complaints that has been raised with me is that they come and return again on the same day. One of the reasons that has been suggested for that is that there is no adequate de-sludging facility on the north coast to decant the sewage on the tour buses. Surely that can be addressed so that, instead of having to return to Belfast to cope with that problem, the coaches and buses can have a facility in or about the north coast. That could encourage overnight stays and longer coach tours to the north coast.
“It is practical issues like that that, as well as the grand gestures like improving the spine structures of the road and the railways, will in fact, bit by bit, make a difference. The Minister has proven himself to be a listening Minister, and I think that he will also be listening on the small details and will continue to press forward with those issues. I am sure that many of us will continue to press him on those issues as well.”