NI Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, has welcomed Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £3.25 million in the Castlereagh Borough.

The Minister said: “In March 2007 Roads Service commenced the statutory procedures for the A55 Knock Road widening. This will culmininate in production of an Environmental Statement which we aim to publish for public comment during 2008.

"Following receipt of any consequential objections and comments the Department may then decide to hold a public inquiry. This would conclude with publication of an inspector's report and facilitate a decision being made on progression of the scheme. Subject to a positive conclusion being reached, commencement of the construction works would then depend on the satisfactory completion of an economic assessment, the statutory processes and availability of funding."

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Other schemes which have been completed this financial year include replacement of safety fencing at Gransha Road, pedestrian measures at Grand Prix Park, Saintfield Road at Upper Galwally and Brackenvale plus bus shelter provision at Drumadoon Drive and Beechill Road.

At the meeting Road Service’s Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Kevin Monaghan, voiced concerned over ‘ongoing pressures’ on the road maintenance budget.

The timing of schemes will depend on the outcome of the current comprehensive spending review and the revised Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland, which will cover the period from 2008 to 2018.

(GK/SP)