The long road towards an upgraded route from Belfast to the port of Larne via Newtownabbey is finally progressing.

The Stormont Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has announced the publication of the draft Statutory Orders and Environmental Statement for the 14.4km A8 Belfast to Larne Dualling project.

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."

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Commenting, Newtownabbey DUP Alderman and Planning Chairman, Nigel Hamilton said the decision to press ahead with the improvements was an important step towards safer roads in the borough and an opportunity to enhance commercial arterial access for business traffic.

"I believe that we need to invest now if we are to reap the benefits as we come out of the recession.

"The decision by the Irish Government and other funders to ring fence this commitment will give us a fighting chance to give our commercial sector some distinct advantages over their rivals while reducing travel time to and from ports in Larne and Belfast," he said.

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

An exhibition of the scheme proposals will be held at Corr's Corner Hotel on the 25 and 26 January 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.

In conclusion the Stormont 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," said Sinn Fein Minister Murphy.

(GK)