Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, has welcomed Road's Service's progress on investment totalling £2 million in the Carrickfergus Borough this year.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Carrickfergus Borough Council, the Minister said: "In March 2007 Roads Service published the statutory orders for plans to relieve traffic congestion along the A2 route at Shore Road, Greenisland. This major scheme proposes widening of the existing Shore Roads to provide two lanes in each direction. Ultimately that will provide a continuous four lane road between Carrickfergus and the M5 at Whiteabbey.

"Other schemes which have been completed this financial year include provision of pedestrian islands at Prince Andrew Way between Oakfield Drive and Victoria Road; right turn pocket provision in conjunction with a one way system at Irish Quarter South and pedestrian measures at Boneybefore, Longfield Gardens, Cedar Park and Elizabeth Avenue."

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At the meeting Road Services’s Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Kevin Monaghan welcomed the continued high level of investment in local transport and safety measures in the Carrickfergus Borough. These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.

Mr Monaghan said: "Roads Service faces some very significant challenges over the next few years as it deals with ongoing pressures on its budget for road maintenance, while progressing a demanding programme of Strategic Road Improvements. We are also awaiting the outcome of the Review of Public Administration, so that the resulting changes to our structure or working arrangements can be planned and implemented."

He continued: "The Strategic Road Improvement Programme envisages an investment of £1.4 billion in the period up to 2015. Around £1 billion of these schemes has already been identified and a consultation on a further £400 million of schemes has been completed. In addition, the Republic of Ireland National Development Plan 2007-2013, contains proposals on the inter-urban routes linking the main population centres of Dublin, Belfast and the North West."

(JM)