Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh has welcomed progress on key infrastructure projects across the constituency, following a productive meeting with new Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA.
Speaking after the meeting with the Minister, Dáire Hughes MP said;
“It is very encouraging to hear that progress is being made on a number of key infrastructure projects across the constituency.
“Minister Kimmins and I discussed the urgently needed A1 road improvements. The Minister confirmed that the tendering process for work will be concluded shortly and work would commence early next year. This will be welcome news for local motorists and will enhance safety on this incredibly busy road.
‘We also discussed rail services and I encouraged the Minister to consider additional Dublin-Belfast services in light of the success of the recently introduced hourly service. The 50% increase in passengers using the hourly Enterprise service is proof that if a good public transport service is offered, people will use it. Minister Kimmins confirmed that capacity in our local rail service would be increased future in the coming years with the delivery of a new fleet of trains.”
The MP continued,
“It was positive to have confirmed by the Minister that the feasibility study into the Armagh-Portadown rail link would be published shortly. Connecting Armagh city to Portadown, and therefore the main Dublin-Belfast line, would be a game-changer for Armagh. There is unquestionably a demand for this service and I look forward to working to advance this project in the time ahead.
“Newry’s Southern Relief Road was also discussed. The Minister and I agreed that the delivery of this project would be transformative for Newry, helping to alleviate traffic congestion in our city centre, taking heavy goods vehicles out of Newry and improving air quality for residents. I repeated Sinn Féin’s support for a lifting bridge to preserve both access to and the heritage of Newry Canal. This project is currently subject to a public consultation and we encourage everyone with an interest to respond to the consultation.
“The meeting concluded with a discussion on NI Water and connectivity to new builds. It was encouraging to hear that the Minister is working to support NI Water and increase connectivity rates. Initiatives taken by the Minister and her predecessor John O’Dowd have already seen thousands of buildings connected and it is hoped this will continue. It is clear that every department in the Executive is in need of more funding from London, but the Minister is committed to working with her Executive colleagues to secure the funding needed to address these issues.”
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CLANRYE NEWS 