Swann seeks cash solution to A26 ‘blackspot’

Mr Swann issued his appeal after receiving a letter from Regional Development Minister and UUP colleague Danny Kennedy regarding making the A26 between Glarryford and the A44 Drones Road a priority project.

In his correspondence the Minister Kennedy pointed out that a public inquiry for the scheme took place last November and that the inspector’s report on it is expected to be provided to the Department by the end of this month.

“I would anticipate being in a position to issue a departmental statement, indicating the way forward, later this year. At present, there is insufficient funding to commence the construction of this scheme in the current budget period 2011-15,” Nr Kennedy stated.

He added: “However, the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland 2011-2021 includes the A26 project as part of a £390 million package of high priority strategic roads improvements, to be funded through alternative finance in the period 2015/16 to 2020/21.

“In the event of alternative finance not being available, the scheme could be included, together with other priority schemes, in the bidding process for conventional capital funds, in the next Budget period.

“In the meantime, officials will continue to develop the scheme to the point where the Orders can be published and procurement could commence, should additional funding become available,” Minister Kennedy told Mr Swann.

The local MLA responded: “It is my sincere hope given this positive response from my party colleague and Minister Danny Kennedy, that the Stormont Executive will find the necessary funding to complete this much-needed roads project.

“This particular stretch of road has become not just the accident black spot of North Antrim, but one of the most dangerous death traps in Northern Ireland.

“Given the dreadful reputation which this stretch of notorious road has gained, it is literally a matter of life and death that the Executive finds and releases the funds to radically improve the A26,” said Mr Swann.