Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has set out Roads Service's progress on investment totalling £47.34million for road improvement and maintenance schemes in the Larne Council area this year.

Speaking ahead of this evening's meeting between Roads Service and Larne Borough Council, the Minister said: "A wide range of road improvement and maintenance schemes are planned or already complete in the Larne Council area."

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Following his recent visit to the A8 Belfast to Larne dualling scheme, the Minister commented: "Progress on the improvement scheme is impressive and it is on schedule to be complete and open to traffic by Spring 2015.

"With over 80% of the pipe culverts and other utility diversions complete, works are progressing well on the key structures and bulk earthworks activities.

"Upgrading the A8 to dual carriageway will help grow the local economy and contribute to wider economic development across Northern Ireland."

The scheme, which is part-funded by the European Commission under its Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) funding, will dual the A8 between Colemans Corner Roundabout and Ballyrickard Road Junction.

(CD/IT)