Trade route investment announced by Northern Ireland
February 16, 2012
A £435 million programme to reinvigorate Northern Ireland’s key trade routes has been welcomed by the Freight Transport Association.
The programme, announced yesterday, includes a £105 million upgrade of the A8 from Larne to Belfast, a heavily trafficked, 14km stretch of single carriageway which the FTA says should be dualled to make it safer and slicker.
Tom Wilson, FTA’s Head of Policy for Northern Ireland, said: “The A8 is a strategically significant trade route, but one which has lacked capacity to cope with the sheer volume of lorries that rely on this route to reach Larne port.
“It is an absolutely essential link in our supply chain between businesses on the island of Ireland and large freight hubs in northern England and Scotland. This funding will go a long way to improve Ireland’s connectivity and finally make the A8 fit for purpose."
The programme, announced by NI Minister for Finance Sammy Wilson (pictured), will also see £330 million spent on upgrading the A5, which links the north west of Northern Ireland to Eire.
The minister said: “Investment in infrastructure brings with it great returns on investment, and the Northern Ireland Assembly’s decision to focus most of its spend on two vital trade corridors will pay dividends.
“Better roads and infrastructure will not only encourage investment from overseas and overall connectivity, but mean lower fuel costs and more reliable journey times, giving hauliers, local businesses and motorists alike a welcome boost.”
Courtesy of IFW
