Stormont Roads Minister Conor Murphy has lauded progress on a £5.1m investment package in the south Down area.

The Minister said Roads Service is currently awaiting the outcome of the public inquiry into the draft Ards/Down Area Plan 2015, which includes the A24 Ballynahinch Bypass proposal.

"It is the intention to propose the Ballynahinch Bypass scheme to preliminary public consultation as soon as practicably possible once the outcome of the public inquiry into Ards/Down Area Plan 2015 is known," said Mr Murphy.

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Roads Service is also carrying out essential development to ensure it proceeds through statutory procedures, he said.

The Minister discussed other schemes ongoing within the Down Council area, which include smaller local transport and safety measures as well as resurfacing and other routine maintenance works.

Road Service's Network Development Manager Reynold Nicholson welcomed the continued investment in local transport and safety measures in the Down Council area.

These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.

(PR/JM)