Menu
27/03/2009
Roads Spending Cuts Blasted
A Stormont assemblyman has hit out at Transport Minister Conor Murphy, after it was revealed roads infrastructure spending this year would be almost a quarter less than 2008.
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott said figures suggesting a 24% slash in investment were "very worrying".
Mr Elliott said: "The figures that I received from the Department for Regional Development make for very worrying reading. It is estimated that the total spend on road structural maintenance for 2009 will reach £59m, down from £77.3m for 2008."
The UUP assembly member said this year will represent a seven year low in spending, and is almost a third less than that invested between 2003 and 2004.
Mr Elliott raised concerns about the condition of roads in his own constituency: "Many of the roads I use have not had any substantial work carried out for a number of years and there are often visible potholes and signs of extreme wear and tear."
The MLA said he appreciated that the economic downturn had an impact on all Executive spending, but argued Northern Ireland's economy is highly dependent on an efficient roads network.
"I would argue that the massive cut we are seeing in road structural maintenance is too large and will end up costing us more in the long run. It is worth remembering that as a country we are reliant, both economically and socially, upon a viable and efficient road network," he said.
"I would call on Minister Murphy to look into this matter with haste and with a view to increasing the amount available for road structural maintenance."
(PR/JM)
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott said figures suggesting a 24% slash in investment were "very worrying".
Mr Elliott said: "The figures that I received from the Department for Regional Development make for very worrying reading. It is estimated that the total spend on road structural maintenance for 2009 will reach £59m, down from £77.3m for 2008."
The UUP assembly member said this year will represent a seven year low in spending, and is almost a third less than that invested between 2003 and 2004.
Mr Elliott raised concerns about the condition of roads in his own constituency: "Many of the roads I use have not had any substantial work carried out for a number of years and there are often visible potholes and signs of extreme wear and tear."
The MLA said he appreciated that the economic downturn had an impact on all Executive spending, but argued Northern Ireland's economy is highly dependent on an efficient roads network.
"I would argue that the massive cut we are seeing in road structural maintenance is too large and will end up costing us more in the long run. It is worth remembering that as a country we are reliant, both economically and socially, upon a viable and efficient road network," he said.
"I would call on Minister Murphy to look into this matter with haste and with a view to increasing the amount available for road structural maintenance."
(PR/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 February 2024
UK Govt Outlines Full Details Of £3.3bn NI Spending Settlement
The UK Government has outlined the full details of the £3.3 billion spending settlement for Northern Ireland in a letter sent to Minister for Finance, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
UK Govt Outlines Full Details Of £3.3bn NI Spending Settlement
The UK Government has outlined the full details of the £3.3 billion spending settlement for Northern Ireland in a letter sent to Minister for Finance, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
09 May 2006
Roads Service to spend £6M on improvements
The Roads Service is to invest £4 million into the Armagh district and £2 million in the Newtownabbey area over the next twelve months, it has been revealed today.
Roads Service to spend £6M on improvements
The Roads Service is to invest £4 million into the Armagh district and £2 million in the Newtownabbey area over the next twelve months, it has been revealed today.
26 January 2004
Roads Service prepared to deal with snowfalls
Prepared to deal with heavy snowfalls, the DRD Roads Service in Northern Ireland have been on special alert since Sunday, following an advanced warning of possible snow from the Meteorological Office.
Roads Service prepared to deal with snowfalls
Prepared to deal with heavy snowfalls, the DRD Roads Service in Northern Ireland have been on special alert since Sunday, following an advanced warning of possible snow from the Meteorological Office.
02 December 2003
Local roads get record £80m spend
A record £80 million will be spent on structural roads maintenance this year across Northern Ireland. The figure was revealed by Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt as he presented DRD Roads Service’s autumn report to Newtownabbey Borough Council. Mr McCourt said: "This is a huge increase in investment over previous years.
Local roads get record £80m spend
A record £80 million will be spent on structural roads maintenance this year across Northern Ireland. The figure was revealed by Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt as he presented DRD Roads Service’s autumn report to Newtownabbey Borough Council. Mr McCourt said: "This is a huge increase in investment over previous years.
13 August 2010
A8 Upgrade Facing Funding Review
A multi-million pound road project in Co Antrim may be facing a roadblock with news that its progress now depends on the outcome of a UK-wide spending review later this year.
A8 Upgrade Facing Funding Review
A multi-million pound road project in Co Antrim may be facing a roadblock with news that its progress now depends on the outcome of a UK-wide spending review later this year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Some low cloud lingering in the north and west through the day, although cloud should burn back to the coast as the day goes on. Elsewhere some good sunny spells with very little cloud. Warm with light winds. Maximum temperature 22 °C.Tonight:A sunny evening for most except where cloud lingers along the north coast. Cloud will increase for a lot of areas overnight with mist and fog patches developing. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
