A26 improvement a key role in economic growth - Gaston

Addressing the October monthly meeting of Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, last week, Deputy Mayor Councillor Timothy Gaston said the Frosses scheme was one of a number of major road infrastructure developments currently underway in the borough which will play a key role in improving the local economy.

Council’s Chief Executive, Anne Donaghy said she recognised the strategic importance of infrastructure across the borough and that a meeting on the issue, including roads, would be held in Ballymena on December 8 involving council, MLAs, MPs and other partners.

The Chief Executive underlined the importance of approaching road infrastructure and connectivity on a regional basis and councillors went on to agree a recommendation that she would work in partnership with the CEOs of both neighbouring councils - Causeway Coast & Glens and Antrim & Newtownabbey - to explore options to improve connectivity across the borough.

The forum would also examine how increased synergy around significant infrastructure projects such as the A26, A8 Larne Road and A2 Shore Road (Greenisland) could support and grow the local economy, councillors were told.

The scheme to dual the A26, which is used by an estimated 18,000 vehicles per day, is being carried out at a cost of £65million.