7 July 2003
RECORD ROADS SPENDING FOR STRABANE DISTRICT COUNCIL AREA
Nearly £4.5m will be spent on structural maintenance of the road network in Strabane District Council area during the current financial year, Pat Doherty, Divisional Roads Manager, said today.
Presenting DRD Roads Service’s annual report to Strabane District Council, Mr Doherty said that road improvement schemes are currently underway on the A5 at Burndennet, and Melmount Road.
There are plans for further works at various locations throughout the district on the minor road network and local transport and safety measures are also to be implemented.
Mr Doherty said: "Structural maintenance spending across Northern Ireland is at an all time high of almost £70 million each year, which is not far off the £75 million envisaged by the Regional Transportation Strategy.
"Just a couple of years ago, the average budget was £45 million which is an indication of how far we have come – although there is still a long way to go.
"Spending on public transport and roads is now a major priority, alongside health and education. The recent Budget has created a new confidence and a commitment to make a difference. DRD Roads Service is able to plan within a three-year horizon of certainty and that allows commitment to proceed with both structural maintenance schemes and capital investment projects."
He informed the Council that £4.5 million will be spent on maintenance in Strabane District Council area and gave details of some of the schemes. Mr Doherty also revealed there is a small increase in the budget for local transport and safety measures for the current year.
He said:"This year’s programme includes a traffic calming schemes in Castlederg and Killen and a collision remedial scheme between Strabane and Newtownstewart at the junction of the A5 with Old Bridge Road."
Mr Doherty thanked the council for its positive role in helping Roads Service develop its works programme.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
For media queries contact Eamon Deeny or Anne McGivern at the DRD Press Office on 028 9054 0004/7.
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