Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Castlereagh Borough Council, the Minister said: “In March 2007 Roads Service commenced the statutory procedures for the A55 Knock Road widening. This will culmininate in production of an Environmental Statement which we aim to publish for public comment during 2008.
Following receipt of any consequential objections and comments the Department may then decide to hold a public inquiry. This would conclude with publication of an inspector's report and facilitate a decision being made on progression of the scheme. Subject to a positive conclusion being reached, commencement of the construction works would then depend on the satisfactory completion of an economic assessment, the statutory processes and availability of funding."
“Other schemes which have been completed this financial year include replacement of safety fencing at Gransha Road, pedestrian measures at Grand Prix Park, Saintfield Road at Upper Galwally and Brackenvale plus bus shelter provision at Drumadoon Drive and Beechill Road.”
At the meeting Road Service’s Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Kevin Monaghan welcomed the continued high level of investment in local transport and safety initiatives in the Castlereagh Borough. These include collision remedial works, traffic calming schemes, bus priority, cycling and pedestrian measures and a programme of school travel and safety projects.
Mr Monaghan said: "Roads Service faces some very significant challenges over the next few years as it deals with ongoing pressures on its budget for road maintenance, while progressing a demanding programme of Strategic Road Improvements. We are also awaiting the outcome of the Review of Public Administration, so that the resulting changes to our structure or working arrangements can be planned and implemented.
“The Strategic Road Improvement Programme envisages an investment of £1.4billion in the period up to 2015. Around £1billion of these schemes has already been identified and a consultation on a further £400million of schemes has been completed. In addition, the Republic of Ireland National Development Plan 2007-2013, contains proposals on the inter-urban routes linking the main population centres of Dublin, Belfast and the North West. The timing of schemes will however depend on the outcome of the current comprehensive spending review and the revised Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland, which will cover the period from 2008 to 2018.
“Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in Castereagh Borough. We will minimise the disruption that will arise from our works and we will give motorists advance warning of roadworks through signage and information prior to works. There will also be updated information on our website and radio traffic reports.’’
Notes to Editors:
Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, 028 9054 0007.
