Council gets update on infrastructure projects for Newry, Mourne and Down

Newry, Mourne and Down council members have been updated on programmed infrastructure works for the area by the Department for Infrastructure.

Speaking as he addressed council members, Divisional Roads Manager for Southern Division, Simon Richardson said:

“In the early part of this financial year we have made good progress on our resurfacing programme in the District. Some of the schemes we have completed include Downshire Road, Newry, Comber Road, Killyleagh, Strangford Road, Downpatrick and we will be completing a £300,000 scheme on Newtown Road, Camlough in early November.

“We are continuing to work through our network development programme for this financial year and have completed a number of schemes including Fountain Street, Downpatrick and an extension to the Park and Ride site in Clough which is being well used. We also intend to complete a junction improvement at Collins Corner, Downpatrick and extend the Park and Ride site close to Sheepbridge on the A1 dual carriageway.”

At the meeting Mr Richardson also updated Councillors on the funding for two major road schemes. He said:

“I am delighted to announce that the Department is set to receive €2.85 million (£2.55 million) in European funding through the Connecting Europe Facility for the design stages of two key road projects. Up to €1.35 million (£1.2 million) of EU funding has been allocated to the Newry Southern Relief Road Study with a further €1.5 million (£1.35 million) allocated for the design of four new fly-over junctions on the A1 Belfast to Dublin Road between Loughbrickland and Hillsborough. This funding will help us to complete the design stages for both projects.”

On the issue of the Department’s budget, Mr Richardson continued:

“Despite a challenging budgetary situation, the Department has delivered a significant programme of resurfacing and surface dressing and continues to carry out a programme of routine maintenance, including pothole repairs and street lighting repairs to meet all essential public safety requirements.”

In relation to winter gritting services, Mr Richardson concluded:

“The Department is planning to deliver a normal winter service, as in previous years, with all necessary staff and equipment at the ready to be deployed as and when required.” 

Notes to editors: 

Funding for the two schemes has been made available through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The CEF is a key EU funding instrument to promote growth, jobs and competitiveness through targeted infrastructure investment at European level. It supports the development of high performing, sustainable and efficiently interconnected trans-European networks in the fields of transport, energy and digital services. CEF investments fill the missing links in Europe's energy, transport and digital backbone.

All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or e-mail: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.

Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra

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