A £5.8 million infrastructure investment has been announced for the Armagh area this year,

Speaking ahead of this evening's meeting between Roads Service and Armagh City and District Council, Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy outlined progress on a number of major and minor schemes taking place in the area.

The minister said: "This year in the Armagh area we plan to spend £5.8 million on various projects; overtaking opportunities on the A28 at Edenaveys; a roundabout on the Tandragee Road at Shortt’s Crossroads, Tandragee; junction improvements on the Castleblaney Road/Derrynoose Road, Keady and sightline improvements on the Tandragee Road at Lattery, Madden Road/Lagan Road and Battleford Road/Ballaghy Road subject to successful land agreements or vesting. These are in addition to the ongoing extensive programme of smaller local transport and safety measures, as well as resurfacing and surface dressing schemes."

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He 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 £17 million of extra funding being allocated to this important function.

"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 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.

"Schemes which have already been completed include right turning lanes at Brotally Crossroads, Armagh; junction improvements at Newtownhamilton Road/Keady Road, Armagh; a new length of footway on the Annareagh Road, Hamiltonsbawn and visibility improvements on the Castleblayney Road/Drumherney Road and at Lisbofin Road/Annahagh Road."

Speaking at the meeting, Roads Service's Strategic Roads Improvement Manager Leslie McCullough said there were significant challenges to be faced.

"The Investment Strategy anticipates a large programme of trunk road improvements over the next ten years, with investment totalling three billion pounds. 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/KMcA)