Regional Development Minister Peter Robinson has urged support for the proposed £1 billion 10-year Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS).

Mr Robinson, launching the consultation paper on the proposed RTS for public consultation, said: "With extensive consultation to date, we have adopted a people and community focused approach. As result we have developed a shared and challenging vision for transportation in Northern Ireland.

"I believe the political and public support exists to radically improve transportation infrastructure and services throughout Northern Ireland. I am determined that we get the balance right between giving people time to comment further on these proposals and seeking the Assembly's approval for the strategy as quickly as possible so that we can start work on transforming our transportation system.

The Strategy could have a major impact on the social and economic life of Northern Ireland. Among the benefits could be a pilot rapid transit scheme for Belfast, over £200 million of strategic highway improvements, elimination of much of the serious road maintenance backlog, the introduction of a new bookable accessible rural transport system, more Quality Bus Corridors, updated rails services and better use of information technology.

Mr Robinson said: "The Strategy would provide new public transport services to serve isolated rural communities and mobility impaired residents in rural areas.

"On our roads, we would complete 10 new bypasses, 30 kilometres of dual carriageway, 30 kilometres of widened carriageway and eight major junction improvements on the Regional Strategic Transport Network."

The Minister said he believed the strategy to be balanced and would help to achieve the five main objectives of the RTS-to protect the environment, improve safety, strengthen the economy, improve accessibility and foster integration.

However, he said the strategy would require an additional investment of £950 million on top of the £2.9 billion that would be spent on transportation if funding continues at its current level over the next 10 years.

An Infrastructure Funding Division has been set up to explore the scope for an increased role for the private sector in meeting the regional infrastructure needs.

At the same time, the Minister warned that failure to implement the Strategy and provide additional funding for the transport would have serious consequences for Northern Ireland.

Mr Robinson described the costs of not making sufficient investment as "huge".

The consultation period for the Strategy will last until April 16 and a final draft will be drawn up for the Assembly's consideration before the summer recess.

(CG/SP)