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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on claims made by members of the public in 2002 about tarmac laid on the Gransha Road, Dundonald. [130986] Mr. Spellar: On 25 July 2002 routine surface dressing work was carried out on behalf of the Department at Gransha Road by its measured term contractor, Tullyraine Quarries Ltd. On 29 July 2002 reports were received about the failure of the surface dressing and of a substantial number of vehicle damage claims caused by this failure. The failure was investigated by the Department and these investigations led to the Department referring all the Gransha Road vehicle damage claims then known, approximately 400, to the contractor, Tullyraine Quarries Ltd., in accordance with proper legal and audit practice and procedure. The Department maintains its position that legal responsibility for the claims lies with its contractor, Tullyraine Quarries Ltd. The contractor has not to date conceded responsibility and the claims remain outstanding. One of the motorists, who sustained vehicle damage on 29 July 2002, issued legal proceedings on 22 July 2003 against the Department, Tullyraine Quarries Ltd. and Lagan Services Ltd. This on-going court action shall proceed as a test case. The Department cannot comment any further as the legal issues are now sub judice.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

130986; 411 c187W;411 c209W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Northern Ireland Standards Roads Repairs and maintenance Dundonald

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk