Shore Road Resurfacing Welcomed- McGlone

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster, Patsy McGlone, has welcomed the resurfacing work being undertaken by Roads Service along the Shore Road from Killymuck Crossroads through Ballyodonnell and Salterstown.

The Mid Ulster MLA said, “I welcome the resurfacing work being undertaken by Roads Service along the Shore Road.

“Following the Roads Minister’s response to my written question in September it had been expected that the work would not begin until next year.

“The decision to bring that work forward is certainly welcome, and I will continue to lobby for further improvements to the Shore Road and the rest of the rural road network.”

Local SDLP Councillor Christine McFlynn added, “The poor condition of local rural roads has been a source of concern for some time now. The SDLP have been lobbying for a coordinated strategic approach by the Roads Minister.

“The work on Shore Road is welcome, but there is much to be done to improve our rural roads network.

“That network is essential to rural communities and only with a first class rural roads system can we build a sustainable rural economy.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Assembly Question Written 350/11

Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Regional Development if there are any plans to improve the Shore Road, between Ballyronan and Ballylifford.

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that it has assessed two improvement schemes on the Shore Road, between Ballyronan and Ballylifford, one at the junction with the Brookmount Road and the other at the junction with the Salterstown Road. Unfortunately, these assessments indicated that the schemes did not attract a high enough priority for inclusion in the Local Transport and Safety Measures programme.

However, as part of the ongoing maintenance operations, some sections of the road south of Ballyronan, towards Ballylifford, have had edge strengthening work carried out. Further similar work is also currently being considered as preparatory work ahead of a final surfacing scheme, which is programmed for completion in the 2011/12 financial year. This scheme may be completed earlier, should additional funding become available.

ENDS