Kennedy announces progress on £2.5million investment in Larne

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has set out Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £2.35million for maintenance schemes in the Larne Council area this year.
~ Monday, 3 October 2011

Speaking ahead of this evening’s meeting between Roads Service and Larne Borough Council, the Minister said: “Development of the A8 dual carriageway has continued on schedule with the draft Statutory Orders and Environmental Statement being published in January 2011. A Public Inquiry to test the case for and against the scheme was held in June 2011. My Department has recently received the Inspectors report from the Public Inquiry and is currently considering its recommendations.

"Subject to the satisfactory outcome of the Public Inquiry and availability of funding at the time, construction work is expected to start in 2012 and be completed in 2015.

“The priorities and constraints placed on funding levels by Budget 2010 mean it is likely the programme of local transport and safety measures in 2012/13 and 2013/14 will be under considerable pressure. While current indications are that funding for resurfacing and minor improvement works will be very limited next year, I remain committed to delivering these important schemes as resources permit. The autumn round of Council meetings is a timely opportunity for Councils to discuss potential schemes and priorities for incoming and future years.”

Mr Kennedy also said: “A wide range of improvement and maintenance schemes is underway or already complete in the Larne area. This includes completion of local road widening to assist turning movements at the junction of Pound Street and High Street to improve capacity. Additional facilities to assist pedestrians crossing have also been included in the junction upgrade. This scheme will significantly improve safety at this location. Sight visibility improvement works on the A2 Coast Road at its junctions with Tower Road are planned to commence in early October this year.”

The Minister recalled his recent meeting with the Council: "I had a useful meeting with Larne Council Chief Executive and Councillors last Thursday, where we discussed a range of issues including the dualling of the A8 and Winter Service at rural schools."

At the meeting, Divisional Roads Manager, Deidre Mackle highlighted a number of improvement and maintenance schemes currently completed and planned this year. “I am pleased to note the introduction of traffic calming measures on Linn Road has been completed and work on measures for Upper Carncastle Road will be carried out along with the resurfacing scheme programmed for later this year. In addition, resurfacing has been completed on the A42 Ballymena Road, A2 Coast Road, B150 Mullaghboy Road, C38 Braepark Road and UR66 Bentra Road”.

Ms Mackle also outlined a number of other schemes planned for 2011/12 , which include a number of traffic calming schemes and as part of an ongoing programme to improve safety outside schools, it is proposed to introduce new signage with flashing lights and additional road markings at Ballycarry Primary School and Linn Primary School. These will provide additional warning to approaching drivers of the presence of the schools.

Notes to editors:

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