PRESS RELEASE

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

14 October 2009

RD 02/09/10

TIMELY INVESTMENT WILL PAY DIVIDENDS SAY REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Funding for road maintenance was the focus for the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for Regional Development at their weekly meeting today. The Committee was briefed by Professor Snaith who has recently produced a review which looks at funding available for roads structural maintenance and the general condition of roads in Northern Ireland.

Deputy Chairperson of the Regional Development Committee, Michelle McIlveen MLA said:

“The Committee welcomes the report and hopes that the robust evidence within it will encourage funding for structural roads maintenance to the recommended level.

“The Committee has a sustained interest in the structural maintenance funding available to the Department for Regional Development and has consistently expressed the view that current levels of funding are inadequate. Members were particularly concerned that the £700m backlog of structural maintenance would also be addressed. This backlog in particular represents poor value for money.

“Continued under-funding of this area will have negative implications on journey times and reliability, and the competitiveness and attractiveness of Northern Ireland in a global economy. There are also potential road safety consequences of under-funding in this area.

“This is a timely and valuable report, and the Committee urges the Minister and the Executive to act on it.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

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Stephanie Mallon
Communications Office
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 1953
Mobile: 07825 146794
Email: stephanie.Mallon@niassembly.gov.uk