Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, has welcomed Roads Service's progress on investment totalling £6.5 million in the Ards Borough this year.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Ards Borough Council, the Minister said: "Roads Service has completed the statutory processes for the A20 Newtownards Southern Distributor. Subject to the successful conclusion of the tendering processes we would anticipate being in a position to award the contract during November 2007. Also subject to the successful conclusion of the tendering processes, Roads Service would anticipate being in a position to award the contract for the A20 Newtownards Frederick Street Link during this financial year.

"Other schemes which have been completed this financial year include traffic calming in Killinchy. These works were accompanied by several smaller local transport and safety measures, as well as a programme of resurfacing and surface dressing schemes."

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At the meeting Road Service’s Traffic and Development Manager, Reynold Nicholson welcomed the continued high level of investment in the road network development and maintenance including provision for local transport and safety measures in the Ards Borough. These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.

Mr Nicholson 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 £1.41 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)