Robinson and McGuinness visit Ballygawley dualling project

First Minister Rt. Hon Peter D. Robinson, MLA, and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA visit the site of the new A4 dualling at Ballygawley today to view ongoing developments at the multi million project.

Ministers were given a tour of the site and also inspected a completed section of the project which is on track to be completed ahead of schedule.

Speaking during their visit Mr Robinson said: “The ongoing work being undertaken here is indicative of the major infrastructure developments that the Executive have been able to press forward with over the last four years.

“Along with other projects such as those undertaken on the Westlink, M1 and M2 in recent years it has marked a step change in the levels of investment in our infrastructure that is vital as we continue to grow our economy with investment totalling some £450million.”

Mr McGuinness said: “As well as the investment of millions of pounds and creation of hundreds of jobs projects such as this also play a crucial part in improving the infrastructure that is vital as we seek to tackle disadvantage across the North. It will also improve journey times and road safety along a stretch of road which in the past has been the scene of a number of tragic collisions.

“What we saw today is the result of unprecedented levels of investment and it is vital that Government honours its commitments under the St Andrews Agreement to insure the £18billion package promised then, is delivered and projects such as this can continue.”

Following their visit to Ballygawley Ministers also visited the Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute at Loughgall where they saw the work that is being undertaken by Rural Generation NI into the use of willow as a fuel product. The Ministers also met with a delegation from Austria who are examining the benefits of alternative fuel sources.

Mr Robinson said: “The work being undertaken here is vital, renewable energy not only helps mitigate against climate change but also helps to address the current disadvantages associated with being so heavily dependent on fossil fuels from overseas."

Mr McGuinness said: “The work being undertaken by AFBI and RuralGeneration is groundbreaking and has the full support of the Executive. Over the course of the coming days the delegation from Austria will see some truly innovative work in the field of renewable energy."

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