A £2.5 million infrastructure investment has been announced for the North Down Borough Council area this year.

Prior to the meeting between Roads Service and North Down Borough Council, Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy said: "This year we plan to spend £2.5million on a number of road improvement projects in North Down Borough. Roads Service will continue with its carriageway and footway resurfacing programmes and other safety schemes will be undertaken such as traffic calming measures at Drumhirk Drive; Grayshill; and Castle Park Road.

"Collision remedial works will also be carried out on the A2 Bangor Road at the Old Belfast Road junction; and street lighting upgrades will be provided in a number of locations in the Borough."

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The Minister also said that 2007/08 had been a successful year for structural maintenance, 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."

Speaking at the meeting, Roads Service's Deputy Divisional Roads Manager Kevin Monaghan said there were significant challenges to be faced.

He said: "The Investment Strategy anticipates a large programme of trunk road improvements over the next ten years, with investment totalling £3.1billion.

"Roads Service is currently considering how this work will be programmed and delivered.

"Roads Service has also noted the recent decision on the reform of public administration and will be considering the revised working arrangements and structural changes that will need to be agreed and implemented by 2011.

(JM)