:: press release ::

October 21, 2008

ROSS SEEKS ASSURANCES OVER A8 ROAD PLAN 

East Antrim DUP MLA Alastair Ross has said that he is concerned that the A8 duelling project may be put on the back burner given the current financial squeeze and global economic downturn.  

He has pressed the Regional Development Minister and his officials on this issue and said that we must keep a close eye on the project so that it is not scrapped or delayed.  

Commenting, Mr Ross said,  

“All government departments will be reigning in some financial commitments given the current circumstances in the global economy. The A8 project is of massive importance for Larne in terms of road safety and travel times, although it requires a substantial amount of funding. 

Much of the funding has been pledged by the government of the Irish Republic, who yesterday announced their budget plans. It was of concern that only a few weeks ago the Irish government said that financial commitments outside of their jurisdiction may not proceed.  

The Regional Development Minister has assured me that the project will proceed as planned, and I used the opportunity this morning to press DRD officials on the same issue. The DRD Committee has also agreed to write to the Department to ensure that the money for this project is still available and will come to answer questions from representatives on this specific project on a few weeks time. 

I will be keeping a close eye on developments on this issue as it is vitally important that it continues as planned.”