PRESS RELEASE

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

15 January 2010

RD 03/09/10

Committee commends Roads Service

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Regional Development has commended the tireless work of the Roads Service and its staff during the current winter freeze.

Chairperson of the Committee for Regional Development, Fred Cobain MLA, said:

“The Committee for Regional Development has high regard for the efforts of Roads Service in keeping the road network open during the winter season. The snow and icy conditions have been the longest period of prolonged cold weather since 1981 and the Roads Service has been diligent in ensuring that driving conditions are as safe as possible. ”

Michelle McIlveen MLA, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee, added:

“I, and others, have seen the ongoing work at local depots since mid-December and have been extremely impressed by efforts to ensure minimum disruption on the roads. I praise the Roads Service for the manner in which they have managed resources to ensure that this continues. Coverage in the press of the problems faced in other places, as reserves fall to a very low level, highlights the importance of the work that Roads Service is doing here in Northern Ireland.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors :

Membership of the Regional Development Committee is as follows:

Chairperson:	Mr Fred Cobain
Deputy Chairperson:	Ms Michelle McIlveen
Committee Members:	Cathal Boylan MLA
	Allan Bresland MLA
	Willie Clarke MLA
	Tommy Gallagher MLA
	Danny Kinahan MLA
	Raymond McCartney MLA
	Ian McCrea MLA
	George Robinson MLA
	Brian Wilson MLA

For further information, or to arrange an interview or photo opportunity, please contact:

Jennifer Pleavin
Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 1606
Mobile : 07502 379339
Email: jennifer.pleavin@niassembly.gov.uk

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