Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy has met with Carrickfergus Borough Council to discuss the ongoing £1.6m investment scheme in the area.

Mr Murphy provided an update on the progress of a number of projects.

He said: "Preparatory work on the proposed widening of the A2 Shore Road at Greenisland is ongoing. Draft Statutory Orders to provide a continous four lane road between "Carrickfergus and the M5 at Whiteabbey were published in March 2007 and a Public Inquiry was held the following October.

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"Following consideration of the Inspector's Report, a Departmental Statement was issued. This was followed by publication of the Statutory Notices, the Notice to Proceed and Direction Order on 1 October 2008.

"Roads Service will further develop the road design and carry out an economic appraisal prior to making the Vesting Order in 2009/10.

"Subject to the availability of funding and awarding of the works contract in 2010/11, it is anticipated that construction could commence by 2010/11."

The Minister outlined scheme completed in the last year, including the reinforced earth embankment at Barnhalt Roadbridge; dropped kerb provision at Lancastrian Street, traffic calming at Barn Road/Elizabeth Avenue and street lighting at Straid Walk, Carrickfergus.

Road Service’s Deputy Divisional Roads Manager Kevin Monaghan welcomed the continued investment in local transport and safety measures in the Carrickfergus Borough Council area.

(PR)