11 September, 2001

CAMPBELL TO ANNOUNCE NEW CONSULTATION ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROAD BUILDING SCHEDULE

Elected representatives will be given the opportunity to put forward their views during the formulation of Roads Service’s ten year Forward Planning Schedule for roads schemes

In response to an assembly question, Regional Development Minister Gregory Campbell, MP MLA, announced that he intends to write to MLAs and councils within the next two weeks advising them of the detailed consultation arrangement to be used in preparation of the schedule of projects.

Mr Campbell said: "When the Regional Transportation Strategy is published later this year, MLA and councils will be invited to make representation on schemes which they consider should be included in the ten-year Forward Plan Schedule.

"I believe this will be a welcome addition to the existing consultation arrangement on this important programme."

The ten-year Forward Planning Programme is part of revised arrangements for delivering the Roads Service programme of major works announced by the previous Minister Peter Robinson in July 2000.

The arrangements also include the establishment of a major work preparation pool for higher priority schemes which Roads Service hopes to construct or start work on within the next five years.