Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service's progress on investment totalling £1.6 million in the Moyle District year.

Speaking ahead of this morning's meeting between Roads Service and Moyle District Council, the Minister said: "1.2km of resurfacing on the A2 Straid Road at Novally and 1.2km on the M14 Ballyeamon Road have been successfully completed at a total cost of £152,000.

“Other schemes which have been completed this financial year include: 63km of surface dressing on various routes in the Moyle area at a total cost of £208,000, and a new zebra crossing facility has been installed on Castle Street outside Brady’s Supermarket. It is also planned to start a bend realignment scheme on Kiln’s Road, Ballycastle, and a footway scheme on Glenariff Road, Waterfoot."

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At the meeting Road Service's Principal Engineer, Jim Campbell, welcomed the continued high level of investment in local transport and safety measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.

Mr Campbell said: "Roads Service faces some very significant challenges over the next few years as it deals with ongoing needs for road maintenance, while progressing a demanding programme of strategic road improvements. We are also awaiting developments arising from the publication of the Review of Public Administration Emerging Findings Paper in October 2007, so that changes to our structure or working arrangements can be planned and implemented smoothly."

He continued: "The Draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland will see £3.1 billion invested in our road network by 2018. This includes a £400 million contribution by the south of Ireland for improvements to the inter urban routes linking Dublin, Belfast and the North West. Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Moyle area."

(JM)