The Minister said: “The final Budget allocations are good news for the Department for Regional Development (DRD) and our entire community.
“The final allocations will allow DRD to extend the Concessionary Fare Scheme during 2008 to introduce free travel on public transport for those aged 60 and over."
DRD will also assist Translink by investing some £137million in new trains and the railway network. The Minister said: “This investment will allow Translink to buy 20 new trains, which will provide additional train capacity and allow for a further growth in those travelling by train.”
Speaking about rail infrastructure the Minister said: “This new investment will allow Translink to take forward important railway infrastructure projects. This includes £12million for track life extension works north of Ballymena and the start of a £64million major track relay project between Coleraine and Derry. There will also be £40million for significant improvements to the Belfast to Dublin line between Knockmore and Lurgan. These schemes would reduce journey times and increase the frequency of services.”
There will be £45million of new investment in buses over the next three years. This will allow for the continuation of the bus replacement programme and further modernisation of the bus fleet.
The Minister said: “These substantial investments in public transport will help retain and improve services on the Derry line. They will also make bus and rail more attractive as an alternative to the private car. This reflects my own personal commitment to sustainable travel.
“The final allocations will also provide for the introduction of Rapid Transit, which will provide us with an opportunity to dramatically change travel patterns in Belfast. Many cities around the world have used rapid transit to re-brand themselves, to get people out of cars and into high quality public transport, to address congestion, and to reduce pollution. My Department is exploring the best routes and technology and looking at all options to identify the best scheme for Belfast,” he added.
“The final Budget alllocations will also provide for an improved ferry service on the Ballycastle to Rathlin island route.
“It will also fulfil DRD’s existing commitment of joint funding with the Irish Government of some £14.3million grant aid towards a runway safety scheme at City of Derry Airport.
“We will also invest £612million over the three years to 2011 in our road network. This will result in a significant increase in the size of the motorway/dual carriageway network, reduce journey times and improve access to urban centres and regions in the north.”
The Minister said this investment will allow for the opening of the M1/Westlink and M2 upgrades in 2009, the dualling of the A4 from Dungannon to Ballygawley and, the opening of the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue in 2010, which will complete dualling of the main route from Belfast to Dublin. In addition, Roads Service will be able to progress work on a number of other strategic road improvement schemes including: A6 dualling Randalstown/M22 – Castledawson; A2 dualling from Maydown to City of Derry Airport; A2 Widening at Greenisland; A5 Derry to Aughnacloy; A6 Derry to Dungiven; and A8 Belfast to Larne.
“The allocations will increase funding for roads structural maintenance to around £200million. This reverses the short-sighted decision by Direct Rule ministers and allows for increased maintenance expenditure across the road network.
“On water and sewerage, DRD has secured some £647million of financing facilities, which will be made available to Northern Ireland Water over the three years to 2011. This investment will further improve our water and wastewater infrastructure. It will help us comply with EU Water Quality and Environmental standards; make our drinking water healthier; and our beaches and rivers cleaner.”
Notes to Editors:
- Media queries to the Press Office Department of Regional Development Tel. 028 9054 0887.
- Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
