The Ards peninsula, in County Down, is set to receive £4.1m worth of roads investment, outlined by NI Transport Minister Conor Murphy yesterday.

Speaking at a meeting with Ards Borough Council, the Minister said: "This year in the Ards area we plan to spend £4.1 million on various projects; Rowreagh Road/Gransha Road, Kircubbin; Comber Road, Ballygowan at the Brae; Saintfield Road/Ravara Road, Ballygowan and on Moss Road/Ballykeigle Road, Ballygowan subject to successful land agreements or vesting."

Minister Murphy said this work would be in addition to ongoing resurfacing and surface dressing schemes in the area.

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Mr Murphy discussed his department's successful year, detailing the extra funding allocated to the DRD He said: "The additional resources mean that around £75 million has been invested in the structural maintenance of our roads last year and it is planned to spend a further £200 million over the next three years."

The Minister reiterated his belief that good infrastructure has a positive impact on socio-economic elements within communities.

"Schemes already on site include Abbey Road/Woburn Road, Carrowdore and Bowtown Road, Newtownards. Work continues on the two major road schemes in Newtownards, the A20 Southern Distributor and the Fredrick Street Link, both due to be completed within twelve months," Minister Murphy added.

Speaking at last night’s meeting, Roads Service's Divisional Roads Acting Manager Bertie Ellison said there were significant challenges to be faced: "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."

(PR/JM)