Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has announced a £5.8million investment for the Newry and Mourne area this year.

Speaking ahead of a meeting between NI Roads Service and the Newry and Mourne District Council, the Minister outlined a number of major and minor schemes taking place in the area.

Mr Murphy said: "The A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue scheme is being progressed via a Public Private Partnership.

"The contract to design, build, finance and operate this scheme was signed in December 2007. A considerable amount of advanced works including drainage, topsoil strip and fencing were undertaken prior to the signing.

"The A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue scheme follows the completion of the A1/N1 Cloghogue to the border scheme (and on to Ballymascanlon, Dundalk) which was opened to traffic on 2 August 2007."

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The Minister also said that 2007/08 had been a successful year for structural maintence, after a strong bid by Roads Service for additional funds led to more than £17million of extra funding being allocated to this important function.

"The additional resources mean that around £75million has been invested in the structural maintenance of our roads last year and it is planned to spend a further £200million over the next three years.

"The maintenance of surfaces and underlying structures of roads and footways is essential for the social and economic well-being in all areas in the north," he said.

He also noted that within the Newry and Mourne there are plans to spend £5.8million on various projects.

"It is hoped to complete minor works schemes at Concession Road, Cullaville at Conlig Primary School and on Rostrevor Road, Hilltown," he said.

"These are in addition to the ongoing extensive programme of smaller local transport and safety measures, as well as resurfacing and surface dressing schemes. It is also planned to introduce parking meters in Newry city centre this summer."

(JM)