Regional Development Minister Kennedy has announced the A55 Knock Road widening scheme in Belfast is to proceed, subject to future available funding.

The Minister's announcement follows a public inquiry held into the proposals to widen 1.3km of the Knock Road between the Glen Road and Kings Road junctions to provide two lanes in each direction, together with improved right turning facilities.

After the publication of the Draft Statutory Orders in 2009, the public inquiry was held in November 2010 and the Inspectors reported their findings to the Department for Regional Development in March 2011. In considering the Inspectors' Report, the Department carried out a thorough examination of the issues raised and concluded that the scheme should proceed with amendments to reflect the Inspectors’ recommendations.

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Commenting on the scheme the Minister said: "I am satisfied that the proposed scheme will help to improve road safety and provide a more appropriate standard of road on this key strategic route.

"I am well aware of the strong local opposition to parts of this project but the scheme strikes a balance between the benefits to the wider public and potential impacts to residents in the local area."

He added: "I am mindful of the affordability of the scheme in the current economic climate. Capital funding in this budget period is already committed to constructing major road improvement projects. Delivery of the A55 scheme will be determined by subsequent budget settlements agreed by the Executive."

(CD)