Publication of Draft Statutory Orders and Environmental Statement for the A8 Belfast to Larne Dualling

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy today announced the publication of the draft Statutory Orders and Environmental Statement for the 14.4km A8 Belfast to Larne Dualling project.
~ Tuesday, 18 January 2011

The Minister said: “I welcome the progress on this strategically important road scheme with the publication of the draft Statutory Orders and Environmental Statement. In terms of transport links the development of the Belfast to Larne Dualling Scheme between Colman’s Corner and Ballyrickard Road will improve road safety, reduce journey times and act as a catalyst to the local economy benefiting both the travelling public and the business community.

“This project will complete the final section of the Eastern Seaboard Key Transport Corridor to dual carriageway standard and will also help develop the Port of Larne, which is the second largest Port in the north.”

The publication of the draft Statutory Orders and the Environmental Statement will take place during week commencing 17 January 2011.

An exhibition of the scheme proposals will be held at Corr’s Corner Hotel on the 25 and 26 January 2011 between 2pm and 9pm. Representatives from Roads Service and its engineering and environmental consultants, Arup, will be available at the exhibition to explain the proposals and answer any questions regarding these proposals and the Environmental Statement.

The Minister said “The publication of the draft Statutory Orders and the Environmental Statement will commence the formal consultation period for the project. Depending on the type and number of comments received a Public Inquiry may be held later in the year. I would encourage people to attend the public exhibition and view the documents which will be on display at a number of public offices over the next few weeks.”

Further details can also be found at http://www.roadsni.gov.uk/A8BelfastLarne

Notes to editors:

1. Media queries should be directed to the Department for Regional Development Press Office on 028 9054 0372. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.