Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has set out Roads Service's progress on investment totalling £2.1million for road improvement and maintenance schemes in the Moyle Council area this year.

The Minister said: "A wide range of road improvement and maintenance schemes is planned or already complete in the Moyle Council area.

"In March 2012 Roads Service published the Environmental Statement, draft Vesting Order, draft Direction Order and draft Stopping-Up of Private Access Order for the proposed seven kilometre dual carriageway between Glarryford crossroads and Drones Road. This initiated the formal consultation period for the scheme. Although my Department received only a small number of objections to the scheme, I decided it was important to hold a Public Inquiry to discuss and debate the issues of contention. The Public Inquiry commenced on 5 November 2012 at the Tullyglass House Hotel in Ballymena.

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"The priorities and constraints placed on funding levels by Budget 2010 means the programme of local transport and safety measures in 2012/13 and 2013/14 is under considerable pressure. However, while indications were that funding for resurfacing works would be very limited this year, a successful in year bid by my Department has improved this position considerably. I remain committed to delivering these important schemes and will continue to submit strong bids for additional funding.

"The autumn round of Council meetings is a timely opportunity for Councils to discuss potential schemes and priorities for incoming and future years."

(CD/IT)