5.The Department consulted interested parties on its street works policy proposals between June and September 2005. Discussions also took place with utility representatives on the Northern Ireland Road Authority and Utilities Committee. While the utilities were opposed to some of the Department’s proposals, the remainder of respondents were broadly in support of them. A subsequent supplementary consultation on a proposal that would enable the Department to delegate certain functions under the Order took place between February and April 2006. Again, responses received from the utilities identified a number of concerns. The Department, nevertheless, concluded that the proposed measures should proceed, given the potential benefit to road users overall. Reports of the consultation can be found at www.roadsni.gov.uk/consultation/consultation.htm.