Department for Regional Development

Business Plan 2007-2008

CONTENTS
Page
1. Minister’s Foreword 2

2. Permanent Secretary’s Foreword 4

3. The Department’s Structure 7

4. The Department’s Aim, Objectives and Business Planning Context 10

The Department’s Overall Aim and Key Objectives
Planning Context
Priorities and Budget 2006-08
Investment Strategy NI 2005-15
DRD Public Service Agreement 2006-08
NICS Reform Framework 2006-08
NICS Efficiency Review 2005-08
DRD Business Plan 2007-08
Roads Service Business Plan 2007-08
Core Divisional Business Plans 2007-08
Government Strategies and Statutory Duties

5. Resources 15
Budget 2007-08 table

6. Corporate Governance 17
Responsibilities
Departmental Management Assurance System
Risk Management
Audit Committees

7. Business Plan 2007-08 19

Key Priorities and Targets for 2007-08


1. Minister’s Foreword
As Minister for Regional
Development, I am pleased
to present my Department’s
business plan, actions and
targets for the period April 2007
to March 2008.
The Plan builds on the Priorities and Budget 2006-08,
published in December 2005, and is funded through the
budget agreed by Direct Rule Ministers for 2007-08.
Enormous progress has been achieved in recent times as a
result of power-sharing. The potential now exists to create a
base for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
In a comparable effort, we must demonstrate how we can
meet the needs of a modern economy operating in a global
environment, as it is this which shall provide the basis for our
economic competitiveness.
The Department has a key role in facilitating this. An efficient
and balanced infrastructure is a major contribution and an
effective development strategy is fundamental.
In April 2007, Northern Ireland Water was established as the
water and sewerage undertaker. The Executive has taken the
decision not to introduce domestic charges in 2007-08 and
one of my key priorities now is to secure an acceptable and
sustainable way of funding water and sewerage services in
the longer term. With this objective in mind the Executive has
decided to conduct a comprehensive review to address the
longer term approach that should be adopted in relation to the
funding arrangements for these services. I expect this review
to be concluded by autumn 2007.
In the meantime, I will continue to support a major programme
of investment in our water and sewerage services.
Northern Ireland Water, with its key partners, will invest £780
million in these services over the next three years. This
means that £1.5 billion will have been invested in the six years
up to 2010. A further £232 million of capital investment will
be delivered in this period through Public Private Partnership
projects.
This investment programme will deliver benefits to customers
by further improving the quality of drinking water, by improving
the quality of our rivers and bathing waters and by reducing

the problems of sewer flooding and low water
pressure. The majority of this expenditure will
be directed towards sewerage assets, reflecting
the priority of obtaining full compliance with
European standards of wastewater treatment as
soon as possible.
The first Roads Service Public Private
Partnership (PPP) package started its operational
phase at the beginning of 2006-07. Procurement
of the second package has progressed during
2006-07 and it is anticipated that this contract will
be awarded by the end of April 2007. Through
the 2 PPP packages we will invest over £300
million in strategic road improvements over the
next 4 years.
In August 2006, the Government’s intentions
for reforming the way that bus and rail public
transport services across the North are planned
and managed, was announced. The proposed
arrangements will secure greater local control
over these services and will allow greater
transparency in the use of public money. Bus
services here will continue to be regulated
and the Northern Ireland Transport Holding
Company’s subsidiaries operating as Translink
will continue to provide the majority of public
transport services. However, the arrangements
will allow greater private sector involvement in
the provision of services.
Significant developments in 2006-07 will allow
the Department to further develop access to
the region in 2007-08. In June 2006, the British
Secretary of State jointly with the Irish Foreign
Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern announced their
intention to introduce arrangements to allow free
bus and rail travel for senior citizens throughout
the island of Ireland. Following consultation,
the all Ireland Free Travel Scheme for Older

People became operational on 2 April 2007. In
addition, in January 2007, Peter Hain announced
a package of support for City of Derry Airport to
be jointly funded by the Irish government. The
Department will carry out a public inquiry into a
request by Derry City Council for a vesting order
for works to allow maximum use of the existing
runway.
In 2007-08 the Department will continue to lead
the implementation of the Regional Development
Strategy (RDS) which seeks to achieve more
sustainable patterns of development across the
North. A Focused Assessment of the RDS will be
completed in 2007. Work will also begin on the
mid-term review of the Regional Transportation
Strategy (RTS). The mid-term review will
examine progress to date in the implementation
of the RTS, the budgetary position and the
implications that other changes, such as the
publication of the Sustainable Development
Strategy for Northern Ireland, have for the RTS.
The targets that have been set in this plan
are challenging. I am confident we will deliver
on these targets as well as meeting our other
objectives. Through these plans we will seek to
deliver high quality services to the public whom
we serve. I am pleased to publish this plan on
behalf of the Department.
CONOR MURPHY MP, MLA
Minister for Regional Development
2. Permanent Secretary’s Foreword
The Department has a key role
in the creation of a prosperous
region, and one whose residents
live rich and fulfilled lives.
The role relates to the creation
of a framework of facilities which
encourage the achievement of
these objectives.
The facilities are transport - road, rail, airport and harbour;
water and sewerage; and planning for long term development
of the region.
If we get this right, and provide effective and appropriate
facilities in a timely fashion, we provide an enormous “lift”
which will be to the benefit of everyone here.
We view our role as fundamentally important; as forward
looking; and as requiring strategic vision as well as immediate
technical excellence. Put broadly, we must judge the nature
and kind of facilities the region will need in future; and we
must ascertain and create them effectively.
This is challenging and important. We believe we have made
good progress to date; we are confident that we will carry
forward our task increasingly effectively in future.
I would like to draw attention to some key achievements of the
year just ended and to recognise the vital contributions from
staff throughout the Department.
Transport - Roads
Our overall aim is to increase the efficiency and safety of road
transport. This means upgrading certain roads, revising safety
hazards and generally maintaining the network.
Within the past year Roads Service completed the
construction of 9 km of dual carriageway on the A1 between
Loughbrickland and Beech Hill (north of Newry) and a 2.4 km
single carriageway extension to Omagh throughpass.
The significant investment on the A1 will continue this year
through work on the Newry to Dundalk cross border link and
the commencement of work on a 12.1 km section of dual
carriageway between Beech Hill and Cloghogue. Completion
of these schemes will mean that the route from Belfast to the
border will be upgraded to at least dual carriageway standard
by the end of 2009.

An important issue in relation to road transport
efficiency is interruption by utility works. These
are, of course, inevitable but they need to be
managed well, to minimise delay to road users.
In order to improve the position, we have, in the
past year, introduced new legislation to help
address the congestion and damage caused to
roads by utilities’ street works. We will continue
to work in partnership with the utility companies
in developing the regulations that will set out the
detailed operational controls for more effective
and safer management of street works.
Transport – Buses
Buses are, potentially, a particularly safe and
efficient use of roads. But they will only be
widely used if the passenger experience is
acceptable. This requires safety, reliability and
convenience.
As part of our continued aim to improve the bus
service, the Department supported Translink
in commissioning 150 new buses last year,
which will help generate improvements in the
quality and frequency of services. In 2006-07
passenger numbers on the Metro service rose by
some 4.6%.
Another important step forward is the introduction
of the new Door-2-Door service in November
2006. These are local urban transport services
for those with disabilities or who find it difficult to
use mainstream public transport. The service
began in Dungannon in September 2006, and will
be extended to 27 towns and cities throughout
Northern Ireland by the end of May 2007.

Transport - Trains
The use of trains is increasing. In 2006, overall
passenger numbers rose by 2.5%, with a notable
increase in local train services 13.8%. In order
to improve the frequency of services, we also
recruited a number of train drivers during the
year.
Transport - Harbours
In December 2006, a grant of almost £15
million was announced to support essential
developments at Warrenpoint harbour. The
assistance to Warrenpoint harbour is being
provided through the establishment of a Service
of General Economic Interest. The grant will
enable a major upgrade of the facilities at
Warrenpoint which is now critical to meet the
demands of modern vessels and to secure the
long term viability of the port and its contribution
to the local economy.
Water Service (Northern Ireland Water)
From 1 April 2007 Northern Ireland Water (NIW)
became responsible for the provision of water
and sewerage services in Northern Ireland.
The company is government owned, with the
Department as the sole shareholder.
These arrangements were implemented by the
Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland)
Order 2006 which came into effect on 1 April
2007. The Executive subsequently decided
that the new annual charges for water supply
and sewerage services would not be introduced
during 2007-08 and also decided to conduct
a review of existing arrangements with a view
to finding sustainable and acceptable funding
arrangements for water and sewerage services.
2. Permanent Secretary’s Foreword

NICS Reform and Efficiency

No organisation can remain the same, and

flourish. We have to be aware of the changing
surroundings, the impact of the global market
and technological advances. Given these
changes, we have to consider how we can
perform our tasks better; and whether we should
be re-defining the tasks we perform. This is not
easy but it offers the prospect of future success.
Our fundamental concern is to ensure we deliver
the right services and facilities in the years
ahead.

These programmes add short term pressure

on staff, and risk disruption; however, they are
justified by the benefits they promise and our
confidence in achieving the objectives we have
set. I am very grateful indeed for the resilience
and positive outlook shown by our staff in
implementing all these changes. This attitude
- as well as their hard work and competence
- are enormously encouraging for us all. I am
confident that the services we provide will be
increasingly effective, and will constitute a
framework for a genuine step change upwards in
the prosperity of the region and in improving the
lives of our residents.

GERRY McGINN
Permanent Secretary


3. The Department’s Structure

The Department comprises two Core Groups

and an Executive Agency. The Core Groups
are Resources and Management Services, and
Regional Planning and Transportation. The
Executive Agency is Roads Service.

The Department also plays an important role

in relation to a number of other organisations:
Northern Ireland Water, Northern Ireland
Transport Holding Company and Northern Ireland
Trust Ports.

The Department is headed by a Permanent

Secretary. Each of the Core Groups is managed
by a Deputy Secretary. Roads Service is Clarence Court, Belfast
managed by a Chief Executive.

The Permanent Secretary chairs the Executive Agency

Departmental Board. The Board also consists
of the two Deputy Secretaries, the Director of
Finance, and the Chief Executive of Roads
Service. Two Non-Executive Independent
Board Members were appointed with effect from
January 2007.
The Board provides collective leadership and
corporate management of the Department within
the strategic policy and resources framework set
by the Minister.
Core Groups
Resources and Management Services:
Responsible for personnel, finance, corporate
services, internal audit, central claims, water
policy and management of the Department’s
shareholder interest in Northern Ireland Water.
Roads Service: Responsible for ensuring
measures are taken to implement the roads
aspects of both the Regional Transportation
Strategy for Northern Ireland 2002-12 and the
Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland and that
the public road network is managed, maintained
and developed. Roads Service is responsible
for just over 25,000 kilometres of public roads,
approximately 9,000 kilometres of footways,
5,800 bridges, 257,700 streetlights and 370
public car parks.
The Department’s senior management structure
is shown at Figure 1.1.

Regional Planning and Transportation:

Responsible for regional development and
transport planning, public transport, air and sea
ports and public transport performance.


3. The Department’s Structure

Figure 1.1.


3. The Department’s Structure
The Department’s Role in Relation
to Other Organisations
The Department has an important role in relation
to each of these other separate organisations.
Northern Ireland Water:
The Water and Sewerage Services (NI) Order
2006 made provision for the establishment of
a Government owned company for the future
delivery of water and sewerage services. The
Order transferred all the water and sewerage
functions previously conducted by the
Department’s Water Service Executive Agency to
the new company, Northern Ireland Water (NIW),
on 1 April 2007. NIW acts as the statutory water
and sewerage undertaker and operates under
licence.
northern ireland
water
NIW is entirely owned by the Government. It
is established to operate at arms length from
central government structures. The non-
Executive members of Northern Ireland Water’s
Board are appointed by the Minister. While
the Department, as shareholder, sets strategic
objectives for the business, it is not intended
that it should become involved in day-to-day
operational matters.
Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company:
Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company
(NITHCo) is a public corporation and the
parent company of the publicly owned bus and
rail companies in the North (Northern Ireland
Railways, Metro and Ulsterbus, all operating
as Translink). The Northern Ireland Transport

Holding Company’s statutory duties are to
manage public transport properties and to
oversee the activities of Translink.
The Department appoints the chairman and
members of the NITHCo board. They are
appointed following a public competition and
serve for a defined period. The appointments
are made in line with guidance published
by the Office of the Commissioner of Public
Appointments (Northern Ireland).
The Department is responsible for determining
NITHCo’s performance framework against the
Department’s wider strategic aims and objectives
and for monitoring the extent to which targets are
achieved. It is also responsible for ensuring that
appropriate financial and management controls
are in place and that compliance with those
controls is effectively monitored.
Northern Ireland Trust Ports: The Department
appoints the chairmen and members of the
trust ports at Belfast, Derry and Warrenpoint.
They are appointed following a public
competition and serve for a defined period. The
appointments are made in line with guidance
published by the office of the Commissioner of
Public Appointments (Northern Ireland). The
Department also appoints the Donaghadee
Harbour Commissioners.
4. The Department’s Aim: Objectives and Business Planning Context
The Department’s Overall Aim and
Key Objectives
The Department’s overall aim and key objectives
are set out in the Secretary of State’s “Priorities
and Budget 2006-08”. They are stated in the
following terms:
The overall aim of the Department is to improve
the quality of life for everyone in Northern
Ireland by maintaining and enhancing a range of
essential infrastructure services and by shaping
the region’s long-term strategic development.
In pursuing this aim the key objectives of the
Department are:
• Supporting the economy by maintaining
and developing safe transportation
networks, promoting airport and
harbour services, shaping the long-term
development of the region and providing
other services to the public and other
Departments; and
Figure 1.2.
10
• Contributing to the health and well being
of the community and the protection
of the environment by developing and
maintaining the policy and regulatory
environment which provides modern, high
quality water and sewerage services, at
the lowest possible cost.
Planning context
The Business Plan sets out how the Department
plans to meet its requirements within relevant
constraints. These requirements and constraints
come from a number of sources as set out in
Fig. 1.2. Some are stated in general terms;
others are more specific; some only apply to
the Department; others give the Department a
role in NICS wide programmes. The following
commentary gives more detail on these services.
4. The Department’s Aim: Objectives and Business Planning Context
Priorities and Budget 2006-08
This is the fundamental document for the
Department. It was published on 14 December
20051 and sets out the context within which the
Department operates.
Investment Strategy NI 2005-15
The Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland
2005-152 was published by the Secretary of
State on 14 December 2005. The Strategy
sets out a long-term high-level view of planned
investment over the next 10 years. Potentially,
up to £14.4 billion worth of projects could
be supported over the 10 years to 2014-
15, a number of which would be within the
Department’s sphere of operation. All investment
proposals envisaged by the Investment Strategy
will be subject to economic appraisal, statutory
processes and the availability of resources at
future budget rounds.
The Department’s proposed investment totals
£4.1 billion overall. In the field of water services,
this would enable Northern Ireland Water to
progress compliance with European Union
Directives, achieve substantial progress towards
the completion of the 20 year capital investment
programme for Water infrastructure as set out
in the second NI Asset Management Plan, and
enhance its capacity to respond to the increasing
demand for water and sewerage services in the
North.
1
Priorities & Budget 2006-08: http://www.pfgni.gov.uk/fulldoc0608.pdf
2
Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (2005-2015):
http://www.sibni.org.uk/index/information/sibpublications/investment-strategy.htm
3
DRD Public Service Agreement: http://www.drdni.gov.uk/publications-details.htm?docid=2747
11
With regard to the road network, this would
progress the objectives established in the
Regional Transportation Strategy 2002-12
and the associated Transport Plans. The
Investment Strategy would also enable further
progress to be made with regard to the public
transport objectives established in the Regional
Transportation Strategy. This would facilitate
the development of the public transport
network system and support the Government’s
commitment to sustainable development.
The Department is currently engaging with
the Strategic Investment Board (SIB) and
the Department of Finance and Personnel in
developing ISNI 2. This will build on the plans
envisaged in the first ISNI and will set out the
capital investment plans for the North for the 10
years to 2017-18.
DRD Public Service Agreement
2006-08
Public Service Agreements are set by Ministers
to ensure the delivery of public services to
agreed standards of service, performance
and quality. The Department for Regional
Development’s Public Service Agreement
for 2006-08 sets out the key outcomes that
it is seeking to provide for the citizen. The
Department has identified the ways in which it
will achieve these outcomes. The Public Service
Agreement for 2006-08 for the Department is
published on its website3.
4. The Department’s Aim: Objectives and Business Planning Context

NICS Reform Framework 2006-08 NICS wide Reform initiatives

This is the detailed implementation of the reform
aims set out in the Priorities and Budget 2006-08.
There are three principal elements affecting the
Department specifically and five which are NICS
wide but which involve the Department.
Departmental Reform Plans
• Records NI (formerly known as Electronic
Documents Record Management);
• HR Connect (formerly known as e-HR);
• Account NI (formerly known as Accounting
Services Programme);

• Water Reform – to support the Executive’s • Information & Communications Technology;

review of the existing arrangements for the
funding of water and sewerage services.
Northern Ireland Water (NIW), established
in April 2007 as the water and sewerage
undertaker, is responsible for the cost-
effective delivery of high quality services
for the people of Northern Ireland, at the
lowest possible cost.
• Public Transport Reform – to improve
the planning, delivery and governance of
bus and rail public transport, optimising
the involvement of the private sector in
terms of its expertise and investment, and
improving the quality and efficiency of
public transport services.
and
• Workplace 2010.
The key targets for the delivery of these reforms
in 2007-08 are outlined in Section 7.
NICS Efficiency Review 2005-08
The Priorities and Budget 2005-08 summarised
the work involved in identifying efficiencies
within NICS departments. It quantifies the
total financial efficiency gains to be delivered
by departments by 2007-08. By 2007-08, the
Department will realise total annual efficiencies
of at least £48.5 million. At least £39.4 million of
these efficiencies will be resource releasing.

• Construction Procurement – to improve

The Department has prepared an Efficiency
value for money and increase efficiency in
Technical Note (ETN)4 which provides details
Roads Service, thereby delivering better
on its financial efficiency targets. These are
services to the public.
summarised by budget period in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1

2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

(£ millions) (£ millions) (£ millions)

Of which Of which Of which

Total Total Total
Resource Resource Resource
Efficiencies Efficiencies Efficiencies
Releasing Releasing Releasing

24.1 17.8 39.1 30.3 48.5 39.4

4
Efficiency Technical Note: http://www.drdni.gov.uk/DRDwww_FOISearch/details.asp?docid=1775

12
4. The Department’s Aim: Objectives and Business Planning Context
These efficiencies are being achieved through a
number of measures including:
• improvements in procurement processes
and by reducing construction costs on
contracts;
• rationalising office accommodation and
associated costs;
• simplifying and standardising processes
through improved systems and
centralisation; and
• maintaining productivity with fewer
resources.
DRD Business Plan 2007-08
The Department has identified a number of
Business Plan targets. These are set out in
tabular form at Section 7. The intention is to
operate to specific and measurable targets
in order to fulfil our more general aims and
objectives. The table outlines these performance In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern
targets and associated activities and budgets for Ireland Act 1998, the Department has screened
each spending area within the Department.
Roads Service Business Plan
2007-08
The Minister has agreed 11 Key Performance
Targets to reflect the Agency’s Key Objectives
from April 2007 to March 2008. To further
develop challenging business commitments, the
Minister has also agreed 21 Supporting Business equality impact assessments carried out where
Targets. The full Roads Service Business Plan for appropriate. The human rights implications
2007-08 can be found on the Agency’s website5.
Core Divisional Business Plans
2007-08
To deliver the Department’s Business Plan
Targets for 2007-08, each Core Division has
5
http://www.roadsni.gov.uk/
a Divisional Business Plan. These plans
are managed by Directors to ensure that the
performance of their business areas throughout
the year support the achievement of the
Department’s objectives and targets.
Government Strategies and
Statutory Duties
The Department also, of course, operates within
the context of Government Strategies and
Statutory Duties. These are wide ranging but the
following in particular are worth noting:
Equality of Opportunity, Lifetime
Opportunities and Human Rights
The Department’s policies and practices are
underpinned by arrangements to promote
equality of opportunity and good relations.
They also take account of the Government’s
Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy for
Northern Ireland - Lifetime Opportunities.
all its policies to identify any differential impacts
on the nine Section 75 groups. It is carrying out
a programme of Equality Impact Assessments
on those policies which might have a significant
impact on the promotion of equality of opportunity
and good relations. In addition, all new policies
and legislation are screened for equality of
opportunity and good relations impacts, with
of all policies are assessed in line with the
requirements of the Human Rights Act 1998.
The Department will continue to implement its
Equality Scheme and address the improvements
and good practice issues emerging from the
current Review of the Effectiveness of Section 75
by the Equality Commission.
13
4. The Department’s Aim: Objectives and Business Planning Context
With effect from 1 January 2007, an amendment
to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 requires
public authorities, when carrying out their
functions, to have due regard to the need to:
• Promote positive attitudes towards disabled
people; and
• Encourage participation by disabled people
in public life.
To this end the Department will prepare a
Disability Action Plan, in accordance with
guidance prepared by the Equality Commission,
by 30 June 2007.
Door-2-Door transport
14
Civil Contingencies
Emergency preparedness and response is an
important issue for the Department. Planning
is developed in accordance with the Civil
Contingencies Framework produced by the Office
of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. A
rolling emergency planning activity programme,
the Emergency Management Development Plan,
is reviewed and updated at bi-annual meetings of
the Department’s Emergency Planning Steering
Group.
A Major Emergency Response Plan has
been developed for the Department. This is
supplemented by a range of emergency and
business continuity plans developed by individual
business areas. An annual report detailing
progress on emergency planning is submitted to
the Departmental Board in June each year.
Better Regulation
The Northern Ireland Better Regulation Strategy
aims to minimise the burden of bureaucracy
on businesses. The Department of Enterprise
Trade and Investment (DETI) has reviewed
the strategy to take account of developments
elsewhere in the United Kingdom and to address
concerns raised by business representative
organisations. The review identified a number
of actions that need to be taken to strengthen
the strategy. The Department is committed to
encouraging Better Regulation and will take
forward relevant recommendations from the
review in collaboration with the DETI Better
Regulation Unit. Progress will be reflected in the
Department’s input to a Better Regulation Annual
Report.
5. Resources

Expenditure Plans 2007-08

Summary Tables

The Budget provides the Department with a
total allocation of £811.8 million in 2007-08.
The Department will provide the resources for
Northern Ireland Water to further improve water
and sewerage services in the region, and its
transportation infrastructure.
Table 1.2 below sets out the budget allocations
agreed by Direct Rule Ministers for 2007-08.
Table 1.3 on page 16 provides details of the
Department’s budget allocations for both 2006-07
and 2007-08.

Table 1.2
Key Objective 1: Supporting the economy by maintaining and developing safe transportation
networks, promoting airports and harbour services, shaping the long-term development of the region
and providing other services to the public and other Departments.

Spending Area: Current Investment Total

2007-08 (£m) (£m) (£m)

Roads 198.4 103.7 302.1

Transport 80.1 124.2 204.3
Other 0.2 - 0.2

Total Objective 1 278.7 227.9 506.6

Key Objective 2: Contributing to the health and well being of the community and the protection of
the environment by developing and maintaining the policy and regulatory environment which provides
modern, high quality water and sewerage services at the lowest possible cost.

Current Investment Total

Spending Area: (£m) (£m) (£m)
Water and Sewerage (NIW) 160.0 145.2 305.2
Total Objective 2 160.0 145.2 305.2

Total Departmental Expenditure Limit allocation 438.7 373.1 811.8

15
5. Resources

Table 1.3:

Building On Progress Budget 2006-2008

Summary Table For DRD

2006-07 2007-08
OBJECTIVE (£m) (£m)
AND
SPENDING Resource Resource
AREA Cap Sum Cap Sum
Admin Other Admin Other

Roads 81.6 90.1 110.5 282.2 83.2 115.2 103.7 302.1

Transport 11.9 66.1 26.1 104.1 11.1 69.0 124.2 204.3

Water and 79.9 44.0 234.1 358.0 5.6 154.4 145.2 305.2
Sewerage

Other 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2

TOTAL DRD 173.4 200.4 370.7 744.5 99.9 338.8 373.1 811.8

16
6. Corporate Governance
Responsibilities
The Permanent Secretary of the Department, as
Accounting Officer, is responsible for maintaining
a system of internal control. This system
safeguards the public funds and departmental
assets in accordance with the responsibilities set
out in Government Accounting (NI). The system
includes the appointment of the Chief Executive
of Roads Service as Agency Accounting Officer.
The Chief Executive accordingly has similar
responsibilities in relation to the funds and assets
of Roads Service. Now that Northern Ireland
Water is a separate legal entity, its Board is
collectively responsible for its operations.
The Departmental Board supports the head of
the Department. It contributes to the corporate
management of the Department within the
strategic and policy resources framework set by
Ministers. The Departmental Board operates
within Terms of Reference which comply with the
Code of Good Practice on Corporate Governance
in Central Government Departments. The Board
includes two independent members to ensure
that executive members are supported and
constructively challenged in their role. They were
appointed in January 2007 for a two year period.
Departmental Management
Assurance System
In preparing the annual Statement on Internal
Control for the Department, the Accounting
Officer will place reliance on information
and assurances provided by the executive
members of the Departmental Board. The
work of the Internal Audit Branch also provides
the Accounting Officer with an independent
assurance on the effectiveness of the
Department’s system of internal control. In
17
addition, the annual Resource Accounts of the
Department and Roads Service are scrutinised
by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Risk Management
The system of internal control within the
Department is based on an on-going risk
management process. This identifies the
principal risks that threaten the achievement of
departmental policies, aims and objectives. It
also identifies the controls in place to manage
those risks at four key levels:
• Corporate – high level risks for the
Department managed by the Departmental
Board;
• Agency/Core Group – key risks identified
and managed by the Senior management
team of each of the Department’s
Executive Agencies and Core Groups
under Deputy Secretaries;
• Division/Directorate Level – key risks
identified and managed by Directors and
their management teams; and
• Branch/Functional Area – key risks at
this level are identified by all staff and
managed by the Head of Branch and feed
into the Agency/Divisional level risks as
appropriate.
6. Corporate Governance

Figure 1.3

The risk management cycle is a “top-down” and

“bottom-up” exercise. This allows risks to be
identified and managed at all the levels outlined
above and to be escalated as appropriate.

Figure 1.3 shows the relationship between the

various levels of risk management within the
Department.

Audit Committees

Audit Committees operate within the Department

and Roads Service. The Committees meet
up to four times per annum and their role is to
support the Accounting Officers in monitoring
the corporate governance and control systems
across the Department and Roads Service. The
Departmental Audit Committee is chaired by
a non-executive independent member of the
Departmental Board.

18
7. Business Plan 2007-08
Key Objective 1:
Supporting the economy by maintaining and
developing safe transportation networks,
promoting airport and harbour services, and
shaping the long-term development of the
region and providing other services to the
public and other Departments.
Better maintained road network
In 2007-08, the Department will ensure that
structural maintenance of roads is undertaken in
a timely fashion with a focus on optimising safety
and value for money.
More efficient transportation
infrastructure
In December 2005 the Secretary of State
announced total capital investment proposals
for the road network in excess of £1.9 billion,
as part of the Investment Strategy for Northern
Work ongoing A1 Newry to Dundalk Dual Carriageway
19
Ireland. This represents a significant increase
over current investment levels and those levels
envisaged in the Regional Transportation
Strategy 2002-12.
The Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland,
along with conventionally procured schemes,
currently includes two Public Private Partnership
packages with an estimated combined value
of some £370 million. These packages will
further enhance the roads infrastructure and
assist in achieving reductions in journey times
on Key Transport Corridors. It commenced in
February 2006 and will include flyovers at the
Grosvenor Road and Broadway roundabouts on
the Westlink. It will also widen the M2 between
Sandyknowes and Greencastle and create new
on-slips from Antrim Hospital to the M2.
7. Business Plan 2007-08
The Department will continue to carry forward the
Accessible Transport Strategy. The Department’s
Mobility Inclusion Unit will consult with key
stakeholders on a revised Accessible Transport
Strategy Action Plan for 2007-09. Consultation
with the Inclusive Mobility Transport Advisory
Committee suggested that the Action Plan focus
on ensuring that information is provided in ways
which are accessible to people with disabilities
and older people to allow them to plan and make
journeys independently and on training both for
transport providers on the needs of users and
for those users to enable them to overcome the
psychological barriers which inhibit their use of
the accessible services which exist.
Safer Roads
In partnership with the Department of the
Environment and the Police Service of Northern
Ireland, the Department is committed to reducing
the number of people killed or seriously injured
on our roads. In support of this aim, a wide
Traffic calming scheme Strabane
20
range of measures will be undertaken. These
include road safety engineering and traffic
calming schemes and further enhancement of
the pedestrian and cycling infrastructure will also
improve road safety and facilitate an increase in
travel using these more sustainable modes of
transport. These included significant cycleway
and footway improvements on the Hospital Road,
Crevenagh Road and Irishtown Road in Omagh,
completed in conjunction with stage 3 of the
Omagh Throughpass, and at Westland Road in
Cookstown.
Improved air and sea port services
and gateway facilities
In June 2006, the Department published a
consultation paper on ports policy issues, in
particular those relating to the powers, status
and governance of public trust ports. The
consultation paper was published in parallel
with “Ports Policy – your views invited”, the
Department for Transport’s discussion paper
7. Business Plan 2007-08
for the United Kingdom ports policy review,
which was published in May 2006. Consultation
ended in September 2006. Subsequently the
Department has been developing a range of
options for consideration by Ministers.
In January 2007, the Secretary of State
announced the details of a package of support
for City of Derry Airport to be jointly funded
with the Irish government. The British and
Irish governments are contributing equally to a
grant of £14 million to Derry City Council, the
airport owner. Derry City Council is carrying
out works to allow maximum use of the existing
runway. The proposed safety works include the
installation of new equipment and the purchase
of lands to remove obstacles. In February 2007
the Department announced a public inquiry into a
request by Derry City Council for a vesting order
relating to those lands.
Warrenpoint Harbour
21
In December 2006, a grant of almost £15
million was announced to support essential
developments at Warrenpoint harbour. The grant
will enable a major upgrade of the facilities at
Warrenpoint to meet the demands of modern
vessels. This will secure the long term viability of
the port and its contribution to the local economy.
Improved public transport services
and infrastructure
The Department will continue to support Translink
in improving public transport in the region. The
Department has carried out a strategic review
of future options for railways in the region. The
Department will report to Minister in light of the
Review on a range of options for the size and
level of rail services. The Department will also
examine the feasibility of potential Rapid Transit
pilot routes in the Belfast Metropolitan Area.
7. Business Plan 2007-08
The Department has approved proposals for a
£50 million investment in additional new buses.
This will facilitate further development of the
Metro service and help reduce the age of the
Ulsterbus fleet. It will also enable the elimination
of 3 for 2 seating and standing on school
transport services. In addition the Department
will fund a major programme of railway station
refurbishment to ensure compliance with the
Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
A sustainable approach to
development and land use
In 2007-08 the Department will continue to lead
the implementation of the Regional Development
Strategy 2025 (RDS) through its work with other
Departments, Councils and other key groups
at a sub-regional level. The Department will
complete the first five year review of the Regional
Development Strategy by 30 June 2007. The
review will consider in-course adjustments to the
Strategy and will confirm adjustments to sections
on Rural Northern Ireland, the Environment and
the Economy. It will also set out anticipated
figures for housing needs which were confirmed
following a Public Examination in February 2006.
The Department has also prepared a series of
Planning Policy Statements to implement the
Regional Development Strategy. These deal with
Development in the Countryside, Retailing and
town Centres, Housing in Settlements and The
Coast. There is considerable public interest in
these Statements. Consultation on ’Development
in the Countryside’ which was published in
March 2006 elicited over 8,500 responses. All
of these were considered by the Department
in preparing its final Statement. During 2007-
08 the Department hopes to move forward the
22
finalisation of the policy. The Department is also
reviewing planning policy Housing in Settlements
in response to the growing affordability problems
identified in the Semple Review.
Enhancing Service Delivery and the
NICS Reform Framework
During 2007-08, the Department will begin to
implement HR Connect. This is a major reform
programme relating to Human Resource services
throughout the NICS. The reform programme
envisages extensive online services, timely
management reporting and consistency across
the whole of NICS. The aim is to provide more
effective HR services with fewer resources
– allowing resources to be allocated to services
provided to the public.
There are significant accommodation challenges
ahead for the Department given its participation
in Workplace 2010. The aim is to provide more
efficient accommodation for the Department.
We will also ensure there is minimal disruption
to Departmental activities and service delivery.
The challenge will be to use this project as an
opportunity to consider, and where appropriate
introduce, new and more effective working
practices.
The implementation and effective use of NICS
Records will provide the means for a more
efficient management of documents and records
held by the Department. The move from
personal document ownership to file sharing will
ensure duplication of information is reduced.
This in turn will improve the storage and
accessibility of information and make for more
efficient working practices.
7. Business Plan 2007-08
The Records-NI reform project incorporating
the TRIM electronic document and records
management system will be fully implemented
in DRD between March and July 2007. This
will involve the training of some 2,500 users.
There will inevitably be some disruption during
the implementation phase, but the benefits
envisaged from use of the system are very
significant, and long lasting.
Account NI (ACNI) is being introduced to
modernise financial accounting processes. It
aims to improve financial management across
all NICS departments. During 2007-08 the
Department will continue to liaise with the ACNI
central team in establishing key requirements
and develop internal business processes
to enable the efficient linkage with a newly
established Shared Service Centre.
Lagan bridge Belfast
23
The Construction Procurement Reform
programme builds on the achievement of Roads
Service in being recognised in 2007 as a Centre
of Procurement Expertise. The Department will
progress actions in relation to design quality,
sustainability, project management, procurement
routes and health and safety. In particular it is
proposed to:
• move to the New Engineering Contract
(NEC) Version 3 (Conditions of Contract)
from Version 2 presently being used.
The Office of Government Commerce
recommends the use of NEC3 by public
sector construction procurers;
• deliver the remaining nine Street Lighting
Term Contracts to complete the revised
strategy adopted for maintenance and
minor improvement works by March 2008;
7. Business Plan 2007-08
• review procurement strategies for capital
schemes in line with Best Practice and
Achieving Excellence principles and
produce revised policies and procedures
by April 2008; and
• consider additional use of Public Private
Partnership to supplement packages I & II
already in place.
The Public Transport Reform programme will
implement the statement relating to bus and
rail transport made on 22 August 2006. The
announcement contained five main points:
• The new local authorities envisaged in the
Review of Public Administration will have
responsibility for planning, designing and
securing public transport services, both
bus and rail. This is a development of the
commitment made as part of the Review
of Public Administration that the new
local authorities would be involved in the
planning of bus services;
• Arrangements will be made for the
local authorities to discharge these
responsibilities acting together in the
form of a public transport authority. The
authority would comprise district councillors
drawn from the new local authorities.
This is intended to ensure that within the
region there is a unified approach to public
transport development;
• Bus services will continue to be regulated.
There will not be “on the road” competition
by bus operators as in Great Britain. This
is consistent with the intention that there is
an integrated approach to public transport
development;
24
• The Northern Ireland Transport Holding
Company’s subsidiaries will continue to
provide the majority of public transport
services. However, the new public
transport authority will be able to secure
services from private operators; and
• Currently Government supports bus public
transport primarily through capital grant for
the purchase of new buses. It is intended
to shift support for buses away from capital
to revenue, building on existing revenue
support mechanisms.
Subject to legislation, the new arrangements will
be in place from 2010. A major implementation
programme is being developed which will include
work to set up the public transport authority.
The various elements of Equality Reform will
continue to be progressed by the Department. It
will continue to implement the Equality Scheme
and address issues emerging from the current
Review of the Effectiveness of Section 75 by
the Equality Commission. With effect from 1
January 2007, an amendment to the Disability
Discrimination Act 1995 required public
authorities, when carrying out their functions, to
have due regard to the need to:
• Promote positive attitudes towards disabled
people; and
• Encourage participation by disabled people
in public life.
To this end the Department will prepare a
Disability Action Plan, in accordance with
guidance prepared by the Equality Commission,
by 30 June 2007.
7. Business Plan 2007-08

Key Objective 2:

Contributing to the health and well being to 82.5% of population served by compliant
of the community and the protection of the works in 2007-08, compared to 76% in 2006-07.
environment by developing and maintaining
the policy and regulatory environment which Reform of Water and Sewerage
provides modern, high quality water and Services
sewerage services at the lowest possible
cost. A major change programme carried through by
the Department has been the establishment
High quality drinking water and of Northern Ireland Water (NIW). This is an
high standard of Wastewater independent company whose shares are owned
treatment by the Department. All the region’s water and
sewerage assets, facilities and operations were
Investment in the region’s water and wastewater transferred to it on 1 April 2007.
infrastructure is essential to meet key
environmental standards and to deliver good
quality services to customers. The investment
in upgrading the water infrastructure will raise
the compliance with Drinking Water Standards
to 99.72% taking into account Authorised
Departures, and 99.60% not taking into account
Authorised Departures by 31 December 2007.

The drive to achieve wastewater compliance

standards remains the single largest asset
spend. The additional investment will raise the
total number of compliant works6 to 84%. The
population equivalent served by compliant works
will also be raised to 82.5% by 31 December
2007.

The target of 84% is below the original Public

Service Agreement target for waste water
compliance set in 2005. This is partly due to re-
definition of standards. The population served
by compliant works has however, increased, due
to some relatively large works being completed.
This has led to an increase in the target outturn Banbridge storm tanks

6
This target includes a small number of wastewater treatment works with <250 population equivalent and an Environment and Heritage
Service numeric discharge standard.

25
7. Business Plan 2007-08

The intended introduction of new domestic

charges for water and sewerage services was
deferred by the Executive for 2007-08. It also
announced a review of existing arrangements
with a view to finding sustainable and acceptable
funding arrangements for water and sewerage
services.

During 2007-08 work will focus on the Review of

funding arrangements for water and sewerage
services, the implementation of a regulatory
framework and supporting the achievement of
compliance with EU and legislative requirements.

On 1 April 2007, the Department assumed the

role and responsibilities of shareholder in the
company. This role includes the implementation
of the governance framework and setting
objectives for the company. The Department
will monitor and analyse the performance of the
company, as well as developing dividend and
remuneration policies.

26
 Key Objective 1: Supporting the economy by maintaining and developing safe transportation networks,
promoting airport and harbour services, shaping the long-term development of the region and providing
other services to the public and other Departments
Planned Citizen Spending Area
7.

PSA Targets
Outcomes Actions SMART Targets
SERVICE PROVIDER: Spending Area 1 Resource £192.1 m
ROADS SERVICE Capital £103.1 m
Total £295.2 m
Better maintained road Maintain the road Implement Strategic Road Network By 31 March 2008, we will maintain
network network to the following structural maintenance programme. the motorway network so that at
defined levels of least 81% is in satisfactory1 structural
structural condition: condition.
Business Plan 2007-08

Carry out Annual Deflectograph By 31 March 2008, we will maintain

• 85% of the Motorway
Survey. the trunk road network so that at
network and
least 70% is in satisfactory structural
70% of the trunk

27
condition.
road network in
satisfactory7 structural Implement Local Road Structural By 31 March 2008, the remainder
condition Maintenance Programme. of the road network will receive
resurfacing treatment – 20% of
• “Other” roads to that recommended in Best Practice
receive resurfacing Guidelines.
treatment of 10% of
that recommended
in National Best
Practice Guidelines

7
“Satisfactory” means having a residual life of over 5 years.
 Key Objective 1: Supporting the economy by maintaining and developing safe transportation networks,
promoting airport and harbour services, shaping the long-term development of the region and providing
other services to the public and other Departments
Planned Citizen Spending Area
7.

PSA Targets
Outcomes Actions SMART Targets
More efficient By 2015 reduce journey Implement the major Capital Works By 31 March 2008, we will achieve
transportation times on the Key Programme. 85% of Roads Service’s major works
infrastructure Transport Corridors by milestones.
2.5% compared to 2001.
Safer Roads Reduce the number of Implement We will reduce, by at least 50%,
people/children killed • defect repair programme; the total number of target collisions
or seriously injured in • proactive maintenance occurring at treated sites over the
road traffic collisions programmes; and three years following completion of
Business Plan 2007-08

by 33/50% by 2012 • LTSM programme. the collision remedial works.

compared to 1996-2000
average.

28
Customer Service and Monitor and review performance on
Service Improvements monthly basis.
Monitor and review performance on
monthly basis.
During 2007-08, we will respond
substantively to 90% of written
enquiries from customers within 15
working days.
During 2007-08, we will issue
substantive replies to 95% of written
complaints from customers within 15
working days.
 Key Objective 1: Supporting the economy by maintaining and developing safe transportation networks, promoting
airport and harbour services, shaping the long-term development of the region and providing other services to the
public and other Departments 7.

Spending Area
Planned Citizen
PSA Targets
Outcomes Actions SMART Targets

SERVICE PROVIDER: Spending Area 2 Resource £14.7 m

PORTS & PUBLIC Capital £14.5 m
TRANSPORT DIVISION Total £29.2 m
Improved air and sea Maintain annual Translink Complete Ports Policy Review. By 30 June 2007, detailed options will
port services and passenger numbers at have been presented to the Minister.
gateway facilities over 70 million in the face
of downward trends.
Business Plan 2007-08

Monitor Warrenpoint Harbour By 30 September 2007, we will appoint

Authority performance in relation consultants to review the port charging
to compliance with conditions regime and methodology.

29
set out under the Services of
General Economic Interest (SGEI) By 31 December 2007, we will
regulations as agreed through the implement full SGEI monitoring
Entrustment Contract between arrangements.
the Department and Warrenpoint
Harbour Authority.

Project financial monitoring. During 2007-08, we will monitor

Warrenpoint Harbour Authority and the
Department’s contributions to project
costs on a monthly basis.
 Key Objective 1: Supporting the economy by maintaining and developing safe transportation networks, promoting
airport and harbour services, shaping the long-term development of the region and providing other services to the
public and other Departments 7.

Planned Citizen Spending Area
PSA Targets
Outcomes Actions SMART Targets
Facilitate effective port and harbour By 1 October 2007, we will
operations. reconstitute Warrenpoint Harbour
Authority.

By 1 January 2008, we will

reconstitute Belfast Harbour
Commissioners.
Provide grant to City of Derry Airport We will process valid grant claims
Business Plan 2007-08

for runway safety works. within 30 calendar days of receipt.

30
 Key Objective 1: Supporting the economy by maintaining and developing safe transportation networks, promoting
airport and harbour services, shaping the long-term development of the region and providing other services to the
public and other Departments 7.

Spending Area
Planned Citizen
PSA Targets
Outcomes Actions SMART Targets

SERVICE PROVIDER: Spending Area 3 Resource £55.5 m

PUBLIC TRANSPORT PERFORMANCE Capital £108.8 m
DIVISION Total £164.3 m
Improved public Maintain annual Translink Determine appropriate targets During 2007-08, we will monitor
transport services and passenger numbers at aimed at enhancing public transport Translink’s performance against a
facilities over 70 million in the face services and increasing passenger basket of key targets covering value
of downward trends. numbers. for money, operating efficiency, quality
Business Plan 2007-08

of service and safety.

By 31 December 2007, we will issue

31
a report benchmarking Translink’s
performance for 2007-08.

By 31 March 2008, we will set agreed

targets, main KPI measures in respect
of 2008-09.
 Key Objective 1: Supporting the economy by maintaining and developing safe transportation networks, promoting
airport and harbour services, shaping the long-term development of the region and providing other services to the
public and other Departments 7.

Planned Citizen Spending Area
PSA Targets
Outcomes Actions SMART Targets
Ensure public funding of public By 30 September 2007, we
transport services is subject to will undertake a review of the
proper controls. Management Statement and Financial
Memorandum to ensure that they
provide an effective governance
framework between the Department
and NITHC.

During 2007-08, we will fully

Business Plan 2007-08

implement a financial memorandum

for the Public Service Obligation for
the railways.

32
Ensure plans for public transport
provision have a sound basis and
are aligned with departmental
objectives.
By 31 May 2007, we will produce an
appraisal report setting out options for
future railway services.
 Key Objective 1: Supporting the economy by maintaining and developing safe transportation networks, promoting
airport and harbour services, shaping the long-term development of the region and providing other services to the
public and other Departments 7.

Spending Area
Planned Citizen
PSA Targets
Outcomes Actions SMART Targets

SERVICE PROVIDER: Spending Area 4 Resource £1.4 m

REGIONAL PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION Capital £0.0 m
DIVISION Total £1.4 m
A sustainable Achieve more sustainable Continue current Regional By 31 December 2007, we will publish
approach to patterns of development Development Strategy (RDS) the Regional Development Strategy
development and land as outlined in Regional monitoring arrangements. Monitoring report, which will include
use Development Strategy. monitoring of the Brownfield target of
60%.
Business Plan 2007-08

Determine if Area Plans received We will issue statements within 28

from the Department of the calendar days of receipt of plans.

33
Environment are in general
conformity with the RDS.

Complete the 5 year review of the By 30 June 2007, we will publish

Regional Development Strategy. a final report on the review of the
Regional Development Strategy.

Prepare Planning Policy Statements By 31 March 2008, we will revise the

(PPS) to guide the implementation PPS on Housing to facilitate the supply
of the RDS. of housing land, especially social and
affordable.

By 31 March 2008, we will publish the

draft PPS on the Coast.
 Key Objective 1: Supporting the economy by maintaining and developing safe transportation networks, promoting
airport and harbour services, shaping the long-term development of the region and providing other services to the
public and other Departments 7.

Planned Citizen Spending Area
PSA Targets
Outcomes Actions SMART Targets
Initial work on the mid-term review By 30 September 2007, we will
of the Regional Transportation undertake the review by critically
Strategy (RTS). assessing progress towards the RTS
key outcomes.

By 31 March 2008, we will consider

the need for any adjustments to the
Strategy.
Business Plan 2007-08

Rapid Transit feasibility studies. By 30 September 2007, we will

determine the preferred option to pilot
a scheme(s) in Belfast.

34
 Key Objective 1: Supporting the economy by maintaining and developing safe transportation networks, promoting
airport and harbour services, shaping the long-term development of the region and providing other services to the
public and other Departments 7.

Spending Area
Planned Citizen
PSA Targets
Outcomes Actions SMART Targets

SERVICE PROVIDER: Spending Area 5 Resource £15.0 m

RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES Capital £1.5 m
(DEPARTMENT FUNCTIONS NOT COVERED Total £16.5 m
BY PSA TARGETS)
Enhancing Service Implement over period of rollout (in We will implement the phased rollout
Delivery and the NICS liaison with CPG, HR Project Team of HR Connect between May 2007 and
Reform Framework and Provider) Change Strategy, September 2008.
Stakeholder Strategy, Deployment
Business Plan 2007-08

Strategy and Communication

Strategy.

35
Plan, manage and implement the
roll out of Workplace 2010.
By 31 January 2008, we will complete
the successful decant of all DRD
business areas to other city centre
locations (this date is subject to
change following central agreement of
WP2010 timescales).

Agree implementation timetable and By 31 March 2008, we will assess

requirements with Account NI. Departmental readiness for migration
to Account NI service.
 Key Objective 1: Supporting the economy by maintaining and developing safe transportation networks, promoting
airport and harbour services, shaping the long-term development of the region and providing other services to the
public and other Departments
Planned Citizen Spending Area
PSA Targets
Outcomes Actions
See that the NICS Common
Infrastructure reform projects
are implemented in a way that is
consistent with DRD’s corporate
objectives for its people, resources
and processes.
Implement the Department’s
Efficiency Technical Note and any
36
additional agreed procurement
targets.
Emergency Management
Development Plan and Major
Emergency Response Plan
reviewed and updated biannually.
7.
SMART Targets
During 2007-08 we will monitor the
level of service provided by the
NICS ICT Shared Service Centre
(SSC) to ensure that it is consistent
with the commitments and agreed
levels as defined in the Service Level
Agreements and Operational Level
Agreements between the SSC and
the Department.
Business Plan 2007-08
By 31 March 2008, we will realise
total annual efficiencies of at least
£48.5 million and any additional
procurement targets.
We will review Emergency
Management Development Plan
objectives in April and October 2007.
By 30 June 2007, we will provide an
annual report to Departmental Board
on contingency planning.
By 31 December 2007, we will
have emergency plans in place and
reviewed.
 Key Objective 1: Supporting the economy by maintaining and developing safe transportation networks, promoting
airport and harbour services, shaping the long-term development of the region and providing other services to the
public and other Departments 7.

Planned Citizen Spending Area
PSA Targets
Outcomes Actions SMART Targets
Implement relevant By 31 August 2007, we will report on
recommendations from the Review progress in the Department’s input to
of Better Regulation in collaboration the Better Regulation Annual report.
with DETI Better Regulation Unit.
Submit Quarterly progress reports By 31 August 2007, we will submit
on equality issues to the Minister Annual Progress Report to the
and Departmental Board. Equality Commission.
Business Plan 2007-08

Develop a Disability Action Plan. By 30 June 2007, we will submit

Disability Action Plan to Equality
Commission.

37
Raise awareness prior to roll-out of By 1 July 2007, we will implement
Records NI and ensure training is Records NI in the Department.
fully attended according to the roll-
out schedule.

Resource £278.7 m
TOTAL BUDGET FOR OBJECTIVE 1 Capital £227.9 m
Total £506.6 m
 Key Objective 2: Contributing to the health and well being of the community and the protection of the environment by
developing and maintaining the policy and regulatory environment to provide modern, high quality water and sewerage
services, at the lowest possible cost. 7.

Spending Area
Planned Citizen
PSA Targets
Outcomes Actions SMART Targets

SERVICE PROVIDER: Spending Area 1 Resource £156.1 m

WATER POLICY DIVISION / SHAREHOLDER Capital £144.6 m
UNIT Total £300.7 m
High quality To increase compliance Monitor Northern Ireland Water In 2007-08 we will review Northern
drinking water and with the drinking water compliance with Key Performance Ireland Water’s performance against
high standard of standards set in the Indicators agreed in Strategic the following Key Performance
wastewater treatment. Water Supply (Water Business Plan on a quarterly basis. Indicators agreed in Strategic Business
Quality) Regulations Plan:
Business Plan 2007-08

(NI) 2002 to 99.72% by

December 2007. Seek corrective measures where • 99.72% taking account of
targets are not being met. authorised departure limits.

38
• 99.60% not taking account of
authorised departure limits.

To increase compliance Monitor, via NIAUR, NIW During 2007-08, for all wastewater
with Wastewater compliance with Key Performance treatment works serving greater than
Treatment Works Indicators agreed in Strategic 250 population equivalent we will
Registered Discharge Business Plan on a quarterly basis. monitor, via NIAUR, performance
Standards set by the on registered discharge compliance
Environment and against agreed Key Performance
Heritage Service to 84% Indicators as follows:
by December 2007.
(i) 84% of works;
(ii) 82.5% of the population
equivalent.
 Key Objective 2: Contributing to the health and well being of the community and the protection of the environment by
developing and maintaining the policy and regulatory environment to provide modern, high quality water and sewerage
services, at the lowest possible cost. 7.

Planned Citizen Spending Area
PSA Targets
Outcomes Actions SMART Targets
High quality drinking To implement a Make relevant regulations and other By 1 April 2008, we will have a
water and high programme of reform of arrangements; prepare relevant comprehensive framework in place to
standard of wastewater the arrangements for the documents and to consult with include:
treatment. provision of water and stakeholders.
sewerage services in By 30 September 2007, we will make
Northern Ireland penalty regulations;
designed to secure self-
financing arrangements By 31 October 2007, we will
for these services by commence a review of the Water
Business Plan 2007-08

2009-10. Quality regulations.

By 31 January 2008, we will make

39
water fittings regulations;

By 31 March 2008, we will make

insolvency regulations.

During 2007-08, we will make

miscellaneous commencements as
required.

Draft Social and Environmental By autumn 2007, we will

guidance, under Article 7 of the draft Guidance on Social and
Water and Sewerage Services (NI) Environmental issues;
Order 2006 prioritising the need
for improvement and agree with
Regulators.
 Key Objective 2: Contributing to the health and well being of the community and the protection of the environment by
developing and maintaining the policy and regulatory environment to provide modern, high quality water and sewerage
services, at the lowest possible cost. 7.

Planned Citizen Spending Area
PSA Targets
Outcomes Actions SMART Targets
Establish liaison arrangements with By 31 December 2007, we will have in
regulatory bodies. place Memorandum of Understanding
with regulatory bodies;

Payment and monitoring of By 30 June 2007, we will put in place

subsidies to NIW. arrangements for payment of subsidy.

Securing Effectiveness Active management of value of By 1 April 2007, we will have in place
and Value for Money shareholding through quarterly Northern Ireland Water’s governance
monitoring of company performance. arrangements.
Business Plan 2007-08

By 31 July 2007, we will commence

quarterly performance monitoring.

40
By 31 July 2007, we will agree with
Northern Ireland Water the process
for completing Key Performance
Indicators.

The Dividend for 2007-08 will be

paid as planned for in the Strategic
Business Plan.
Development and Support the Executive’s Review Meet Ministerial and Executive
maintenance of of funding of water and sewerage deadlines for Review;
effective policy and services;
regulatory environment
to provide high quality Handling of infraction proceedings Produce briefing as required.
water and sewerage within stipulated time frames;
services.
Development of implementation Contribute to Government policy as
policy on Water Framework Directive required.
and NI Sustainable Development
Plan.
 Spending Area 2 Resource £3.9 m
DEPARTMENT FUNCTIONS NOT COVERED BY
Capital £0.6 m
PSA TARGETS
Total £4.5 m 7.

Resource £160.0 m
TOTAL BUDGET FOR OBJECTIVE 2 Spending Areas 3 Capital £145.2 m
Total £305.2 m
Business Plan 2007-08

41