16/01/2008

DRD Minister Welcomes Increase In Roads Budget

The NI Assembly's Roads Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed the additional funds for roads maintenance announced as part of the outcome of the December in-year monitoring round.

Murphy said: "Up to £75m is to be spent on maintaining roads in the north this year. The additional funding of just over £15m, announced as part of the December in-year monitoring, represents a 26% increase in the structural maintenance budget and is extremely good news for both road users and the construction industry."

Commenting on concerns about the levels of infrastructure funding expressed by the Quarry Products Association for Northern Ireland, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Freight Transport Association in recent media reports the Minister explained that in the last three years a total of £788million has been spent on developing and maintaining the roads network in Northern Ireland.

Some £503m has been invested in revenue activities, including maintenance, with a further £285m on capital.

The Minister said: "The additional funding this year means that in the three years to 2007/08 some £211m will have been invested in roads' structural maintenance bringing benefits right across Northern Ireland's 15,600 miles of carriageway and footway and making a much needed contribution in addressing the impact of many years of under-investment."

It is hoped increases to the Draft Budget over the next ten years will significantly increase the size of the motorway and dual carriageway network, reduce journey times and improve access times to urban centres and regions in the north.

(GK)




Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

13 December 2012
153 People Die On Irish Roads
As of the 13th December 2012, 153 people have tragically lost their lives on Irish Roads, according to the Garda. However, this represents 22 less than this date in 2011. If this downward trend continues as expected, it will be on course to achieve another record low in 2012 in terms of road safety.
14 March 2024
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
12 May 2015
NRA Call For Introduction Of Additional Tolls On M50
The National Roads Authority (NRA) has called for the introduction of more tolls on the M50 in an effort to address gridlock on the countries busiest road. The NRA said that "effective measures" were needed to address congestion on the M50, and that traffic control decisions needed to be "taken now".
03 August 2012
N5 Open To The Public
After 16 months of construction and an investment of €26 million, the N5 Longford Bypass opens 2 months ahead of schedule. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, welcomed the opening of the N5 Longford Bypass. "The bypass will dramatically improve the town environment for residents, traders and the public in general.
19 November 2010
Railway Museum Plan Runs Out Of Steam
A major tourism development that would have newly expanded an existing rail museum in West Clare has been rejected by An Bord Pleanála. The official body said that plans for the road and rail were turned down on road safety grounds.