Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has set out Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £6.6million for maintenance schemes in the Newry and Mourne District this year.

Speaking ahead of Friday's meeting between Roads Service and Newry and Mourne District Council, the Minister said: "A wide range of improvement and maintenance schemes is underway or already complete in the Newry and Mourne District. This includes completion of a junction improvement schemes on the Ballymoyer with the Lurgana Road junction, Whitecross and Cortamlat Road with the Tullyneill Road junction, Newtownhamilton.

"The priorities and constraints placed on funding levels by Budget 2010 mean it is likely the programme of local transport and safety measures in 2012/13 and 2013/14 will be under considerable pressure.

-- Advertisement --

"While current indications are that funding for resurfacing and minor improvement works will be very limited next year, I remain committed to delivering these important schemes as resources permit. The autumn round of Council meetings is a timely opportunity for Councils to discuss potential schemes and priorities for incoming and future years."

At the meeting, Divisional Roads Manager, Kevin Monaghan highlighted a number of improvement and maintenance schemes currently under construction and planned this year. He said: "I am pleased to note that work is nearing completion on the Newry Road with the Donaldsons Road, Crossmaglen. This scheme provides a new footway link between Creggan Village and Donaldsons Road. In addition resurfacing has been completed on the A25 Camlough Road, Newry; Bridge Road, Burren and Hilltown Road, Newry."

Mr Monaghan also discussed his priority list of schemes planned for 2012/13 and onwards, which include improvement works on the Concession Road, Cullaville and the Glassdrumman Road, Creggan. These schemes aim to provide new footway links to local Primary schools.

(GK/LB)