Monthly Archives: November 2016

Beggs raises 20mph pilot schemes outside East Antrim schools with Minister

East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party MLA Roy Beggs has again raised the issue of pilot schemes where 20mph zones will be implemented during peak periods of the school day at some schools in Northern Ireland and asked for details on what other schools are in line to be considered for similar schemes in the future.  This follows on from news that the Model PS in Carrickfergus was to be a pilot area. Mr Beggs MLA, speaking during Question Time at the NI Assembly said “I thank the Minister for piloting further 20 mph schemes outside schools. Can he give an indication on when the pilot scheme for the Model Primary School in Carrickfergus will be delivered? How soon thereafter will other schools, such as Eden Primary School on the busy A2 road or Toreagh Primary School, where there is a 40 mph limit outside the school door, be able to … Continue reading

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290 ambulances delayed for 1+ hours in last year at Antrim Hospital

Roy Beggs MLA has expressed his concern at the logjam being experienced by our local hospitals which has resulted in 290 ambulances being delayed for an hour or more during the past year at Antrim Hospital. Roy Beggs MLA said “Antrim Hospital serves a very wide rural area and it is disappointing to learn that on 290 occasions over the past year, Ambulance crews have had to wait more than an hour at Antrim Hospital with a patient on a trolley, and indeed 2hrs on 6 different occasions, before they could hand patients over to the care of the hospital. As well as patients having to waiting on trolleys, this would have meant that Paramedics were not being released to attend a subsequent emergency calls and so this would contribute to delays in ambulances arriving at other emergencies.” This is not as a result of any failing of the Ambulance … Continue reading

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Beggs questions Wilson’s probity on involvement in NAMA

With the Dail’s PAC investigation into NAMA continuing, Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has called on the former Minister Finance Sammy Wilson to publish all information relating to the meetings he attended in relation to the sale of the property portfolio. The need for transparency has increased over recent days after it was sensationally revealed that a law firm connected to the NAMA property sale was effectively selling access to the Northern Ireland Executive. Roy Beggs MLA said: “With more and more information emerging from the ongoing scrutiny of the NAMA £1.2bn property sale there are growing questions being asked as to the probity of the actions of Peter Robinson and Sammy Wilson. “In particular they need to account for their attendance at meetings with NAMA insider and the potential bidder, PIMCO. “It was Sammy Wilson who recommended to the Irish Finance Minister that Frank Cushnahan be appointed to the … Continue reading

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Disappointing that Urban Regeneration & Community Development powers not transferring to local Councils – Beggs

East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party MLA Roy Beggs has expressed his disappointment that the Communities Minister has decided not to transfer urban regeneration and community development powers to local councils.  The UUP MLA had previously questioned the Communities Minister on the timeframe for the transfer of powers which were to be devolved to the new Councils. Roy Beggs said “Given the initial lack of information relating to the transfer of powers, it is disappointing but not surprising that the Communities Minister has lacked vision in deciding against the transfer of powers to our local councils.  Ultimately Councils like Mid & East Antrim and Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council will lose out as local decision making is best made by local people for their local areas.” Mr Beggs had previously asked “The Minister for Communities for an update on the transfer of urban regeneration and community development powers to local councils.” … Continue reading

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Ulster Unionists Welcome Commitment to Resurfacing Schemes in Carrickfergus

Ulster Unionist Party MLA Roy Beggs has welcomed assurances received by Transport NI that road resurfacing work in Slemish Heights & Shane Heights will be completed in this financial year. Mr Beggs said “I wrote to Transport NI to advise that I was not happy with the current state of the road network in the Slemish and Shane Heights area of Prospect, following complaints by constituents.  I also asked that the area be considered for resurfacing as part of Transport NI’s scheme of work in the area. I am glad to hear that the area has been included for resurfacing in this financial year in addition to recent work in Collin Heights, Tardree Heights, Prospect Downs and Sandringham. I will also commit to continue pressing for an upgrade of the busy North Road.” Mr Beggs UUP colleague Cllr Andrew Wilson, who represents Knockagh on Mid & East Antrim Borough Council … Continue reading

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