To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail when her Department will complete the purchase of the planned park and ride site at William Street, Newtownards.

Since the land was vested, the Department, with assistance from the Departmental Solicitor’s Office (DSO), has spent a considerable amount of time addressing complex legal title issues in conjunction with Ards and North Down Borough Council.

I understand that these issues have largely been resolved with the matter having recently been referred to Land and Property Services (LPS) with a view to determining formal valuation and compensation. On receipt of the Valuer’s Report the Department will issue further instructions to DSO to address any remaining legal matters and to complete the purchase of the land.

As my Department is awaiting the Valuer’s Report, I am unable to provide a timeframe for completion of the purchase.