Work is progressing on a number of Road Recovery Fund schemes across Co Down, with the projects on track to be completed by the end of the year.

The Department of Infrastructure updated Newry, Mourne and Down District Council members on the programmed works.

Divisional Roads Manager, Simon Richardson said: "This fund, of £15 million across the four Roads Divisions, was established to address sections of road that would otherwise not have received treatment, and targets relatively short lengths that have a number of potholes or other surface defects. We will continue with this work during the remaining months of the year. These projects will realise significant benefits for both the local community and commuters in Newry, Mourne and Down."

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Resurfacing schemes have also been completed across the district, including at Concession Road, Culloville; Upper Dromore Road, Burren; Ardglass Road, Downpatrick; and Rooney Road, Kilkeel. Further schemes at Seaview, Warrenpoint; Dundalk Street, Newtownhamilton; and Fathom Line, Newry, are expected to be completed during the remainder of the financial year.

Mr Richardson also issued an update on the Newry Southern Relief Road.

He said: "On 03 October the Department announced the preferred route of the Newry Southern Relief Road, which connects the A2 Warrenpoint Road to the A1 Belfast/Dublin Road. The proposed preferred route connects to the A2 along the frontage of Greenback Industrial Estate, crosses the Newry River and Canal just to the south of Drumalane Quarry and then heads in a westerly direction joining the A1 at the Ellisholding Junction.

"The next stage of the project will be to develop the design of the road and prepare the draft statutory Orders and the Environmental Impact Assessment for public consultation. We will be undertaking a series of local exhibitions and information events to keep the public up to date on developments and we will be continuing our face to face meetings with affected land owners."

(CM/MH)