Swann praises Roads Service over Ballymoney cash boost

Assemblyman Swann, who is also North Antrim UUP Chairman, was speaking after his fellow UUP MLA and Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy set out the Roads Service’s progress on investment for the Ballymoney region this year.

Mr Swann added: “This is a tremendous boost for roads in the Ballymoney borough and comes on the back of my invitation to Minister Kennedy to come and visit the constituency.

“This cash aid for the roads network in the Ballymoney area will also boost the economic regeneration of the region and I am especially pleased about the development plan for the A26 Frosses.

“Hopefully, this scheme in particular will see this dangerous stretch of the road no longer be known as the most deadly blackspot in the constituency,” said Assemblyman Swann.

And speaking ahead of a meeting between Roads Service and Ballymoney Borough Council, the Minister said: “Roads Service expects to publish an Environmental Statement, draft Direction Order and draft Vesting Order later this financial year for the A26 Frosses dualling scheme.

“These will invite formal comment and objection which will most likely lead to a public inquiry to examine the case for and against the scheme.

“The priorities and constraints placed on funding levels by Budget 2010 mean it is likely the programme of local transport and safety measures in 2012/13 and 2013/14 will be under considerable pressure.

“While current indications are that funding for resurfacing and minor improvement works will be very limited next year, I remain committed to delivering these important schemes as resources permit. The autumn round of Council meetings is a timely opportunity for Councils to discuss potential schemes and priorities for incoming and future years.”

Mr Kennedy also said: “A range of improvement and maintenance schemes are underway or already complete in the Ballymoney Borough. This includes the completion of a right turning lane at the Frosses Road/Crosstagherty Road junction, just south of Killogue Railway Bridge. It was the only junction on this stretch of the Frosses Road without a right turning lane, and will significantly improve safety at this location.”

At the meeting, Divisional Roads Manager, Deidre Mackle highlighted a number of maintenance schemes currently under construction and planned this year.

She said: “Resurfacing schemes have been completed on the B62 Craigs Road, Rasharkin, C84 Corkey Road, Loughguile and U120 Station Road, Dunloy. Further stretches of resurfacing are planned for the B16 Kilraughts Road, Armoy, B66 Knock Road, Ballymoney and the Kirk Road, Ballymoney.”