Progress on £2.3million investment in Cookstown

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £2.3million in the Cookstown District Council area this year.

Speaking ahead of this evening’s meeting between Roads Service and Cookstown District Council, the Minister said:“The construction of Ballinderry footbridge, costing £200,000, has commenced. The scheme is expected to be completed in March 2010 and will greatly benefit the pedestrians in the Ballinderry area. To complement this new footbridge, Roads Service has proposals to extend the existing footway along Drumenny Road.”

Referring to the Cookstown By-Pass the Minister said: “Roads Service is progressing design work with a view to determining a preferred route alignment. Announcement of the preferred route will be made through a further public consultation event, programmed for early in the New Year.”

The Minister also welcomed the commencement of the resurfacing schemes on the B161 Mullanahoe Road Ardboe, Hammond Street Moneymore, C562 Ballygillen Road at The Loup and Derrycrin Road at Ballinderry. He also noted the completion of resurfacing schemes on the B161 Drumenny Road at Ballinderry, Orritor/Tulnacross Roads at Orritor and at Brigh Road, Stewartstown.

Speaking about the current local transport and safety measures programme the Divisional Roads Manager, Pat Doherty said: “Safer Routes to Schools measures have also been substantially completed in the vicinity of St Mary’s Primary School, Dunnamore and at Orritor Primary School.

“Other schemes still to be completed this financial year include the provision of a pelican crossing at Morgans Hill Road, Cookstown and traffic calming schemes at Northland Road/Drive, Moneymore and Princess Avenue/ Millburn, Cookstown.”

Looking to the future, Mr Doherty said: "The financial position for the next two years will depend on decisions made by the Executive. However Roads Service is still planning improvement schemes and welcomes comments from Council on its programmes."

Among the schemes being considered within the Local Transport and Safety Measures Draft Programme 2010-2012 are the provision of a right turn lane at Teebane Crossroads on the A505 Drum Road, carriageway and footway improvements at Convent Road Cookstown and at Derryloran Bridge, Cookstown.

Notes to editors:

1. All media queries to Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development Press Office, 028 9054 0372. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.