Minister tells Chamber members he is committed to A26 scheme

His comments came at the annual President’s lunch, held at the Royal Court Hotel in Portrush.

Minister for Regional Development, Danny Kennedy was the special guest at the lunch, which is one of the main business to business networking activities organiesd by the Chamber.

Chamber President, James Smyth spoke about the activities that the Chamber were engaged in during the year,

He spoke about the development of the Causeway region, and how good road links were crucial to the area.

“As a business community our interest is in facilitating the movement of raw materials into the area, and the movement of finished goods out to our markets via the ports to much further afield,” said Mr Smyth.

Responding to the President, Minister Kennedy told those present that his Department was committed to progressing the A26 scheme.

The Minister also spoke about the Coleraine to Londonderry rail link upgrade, and highlighted the improvements to water and sewerage systems in the area.

He concluded by telling those present that he wished to play his part in revitalising town centres - particularly in the debate about car parking in town centres, “an important issue for such a major tourist destination as the North West,” he said.

Chamber members then had the opportunity to update the Minister on their views and concerns around current business issues.