DEPARTMENT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Press Release 26 November 2009
Progress on £3.4million investment in Castlereagh
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £3.4million in the Castlereagh area this year.
Speaking ahead of this evening’s meeting between Roads Service and Castlereagh Borough Council, the Minister said: “Preliminary work on the development of a major works proposal for the A55 at Knock Road is progressing. My Department's Road Service has published an Environmental Statement, draft Direction Order and Notice of Intention to make a Vesting Order. A two day public information event has also been held in the Stormont Hotel, Belfast. This was very well attended and depending on the outcome of the consultation, the Department may decide to hold a public inquiry to allow a decision to be made on implementation of the scheme."
At the meeting, Road Service’s Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Kevin Monaghan welcomed the continued investment in local transport and safety measures in the Castlereagh Borough Council area. These include collision remedial schemes, traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of safety projects.
He referred to schemes completed this year plus others nearing completion. These included street lighting at Belvoir Road, resurfacing on the Saintfield Road, Carryduff and collision remedial work on the Ballygowan Road near Roselawn Cemetry.
Mr Monaghan continued: "The financial position for the next two years will depend on decisions made by the Executive. However, Roads Service is planning improvement schemes and welcomes comments from Council on its programmes. Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Castlereagh Borough Council area. We will minimise the disruption that will arise from our works and we will give motorists advance warning of road works through signage and information prior to works. There will also be updated information on our website and radio traffic reports.''