Roads Minister Conor Murphy has said investment in an integrated transport strategy is key to a successful economy in Northern Ireland.

But the Minister feels, despite multi-billion pounds worth of investment, congesting on our roads is set to rise.

Mr Murphy said this demands a "step-change in the way we tackle rising traffic".

The Minister, addressing the Transport Ireland Conference in Dublin, yesterday, said: "Over the past decade, the number of licensed vehicles on this island has risen by over 50% to over £3.25million."

The Minister said the Northern Ireland Executive recognises the need to improve transportation infrastructure, which has resulted in a record amount of investment being earmarked for the area, over the coming years.

The Minister said only adequate levels of investment can create a quality public transport network, which will encourage motorists to abandon their cars and take the bus or train.

Mr Murphy said he recognises that public transport is not just an option but a necessity for many: "While 26% of households now have two cars, another 26% of households has no car. Public transport is a necessity for many to get to work, to school, to the doctor, to the shops or simply to visit family and friends."

Minister Murphy, outlining planned investment in both roads and public transport, said: "The recently agreed Investment Strategy covering the 10 year period to 2018 has indicated an investment of £3.1billion in roads infrastructure and from this I intend to direct around £2.5billion to the Strategic Road Network.
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Over £45m will be spent over the next three years on 290 new buses, with £137m planned for 20 new trains, track extensions between Ballymena and Coleraine, relays between Coleraine and Londonderry and an upgrade for the Lisburn and Lurgan line.

A new station in Newry is planned to be completed by 2009.

During the next ten years almost £500m will be spent on the maintenance of current bus and rail systems.

And £111m worth of funds has been reserved for, a controversial, investment in a pilot rapid transit network for Belfast.

The Minister said £470m of work was already underway in the Province, including major works on the A1 at Newry, between Beech Hill and Cloghogue. This scheme will provide the final piece of dualling on the Belfast to Dublin corridor.

Plans to dual substantial sections of the A6 between Belfast and Londonderry and the A2 from Derry to the City of Derry Airport, are now well advanced, according to the Minister. 



Mr Murphy also said consultants are currently considering a number of options for a 30km stretch of the A6 between Derry and Dungiven. An announcement on the preferred route is expected to be announced by mid-2009.

Further public inquiries have been held on a 15km stretch between Randalstown and Castledawson, said the Roads Minister.

The completion of these schemes will mean almost 75% of Derry bound Belfast traffic, or visa-versa, will travel either be by motorway or dual carriageway.

The Minister said: "Furthermore, in conjunction with the Government’s decision here to make £400million available for road improvements in the north, my Department will be providing dual carriageway standard roads on the 88km long Western Corridor, running from Derry to the border at Aughnacloy and also on the remaining 14km single carriageway stretch of the Eastern Seaboard Corridor, between Belfast and Larne."



Mr Murphy also mentioned two major schemes to improve connections on the Belfast to Dublin Corridor, a flyover scheme at Lisburn, joining the A1 to the M1, and a flyover scheme at the M2 / Westlink junction in Belfast, which is the last remaining part of the Westlink.

It is hoped these works will reduce potential bottlenecks, which can occur in these areas during peak times.

The Minister added: "Investment is essential in underpinning a successful economy. This has not always been recognised by governments in the past and our Investment Strategy has been developed to face the challenges of not just addressing the current infrastructure deficit but also addressing the demands of continuing traffic growth."

(PR)