A8 Upgrade Facing Funding Review

A multi-million pound road project in Co Antrim may be facing a roadblock with news that its progress now depends on the outcome of a UK-wide spending review later this year.

The long-awaited A8 road upgrade scheme has been costed at £113 million and would involve the widening of the busy commuter route between Coleman's Corner near Ballyclare and Ballyrickard outside Larne.

It is scheduled to get under way within the next few years. However, a final date for work to commence work is likely to depend on the findings of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review.

Transport Minister, Conor Murphy in January, appointed the contractor who will be leading the scheme and negotiations over necessary land acquisitions along the 14km route are ongoing.

"Progress on the development of the scheme has been good to date.

"The key milestones have been achieved on target and the scheme remains on track to meet the next target of publishing the draft statutory orders and an environmental statement in early to mid 2011," a Department of Regional Development spokesperson confirmed.

The scheme is part of the Investment Delivery Plan for Roads and Roads Service it had been provided with the necessary funding for this scheme in the budget period 2008 - 2011.

The current Investment strategy for Northern Ireland 2008 - 2018 includes indicative allocations for the scheme in subsequent years and also reflects the £400 million contribution from the Irish government for the joint A5 (Londonderry to Aughnacloy) and A8 schemes.

"The Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowan, recently reiterated his government's commitment to the provision of this funding.

"The Comprehensive Spending Review to be carried out in the UK later this year will determine the budget for the period 2011 - 2015 during which it is planned to commence construction," she added.

Details of the Spending Review Framework are due to be published on October 20.

In August last year the DRD unveiled its route for the new dual carriageway, including plans for a major by-pass road around Ballynure village - part of the scheme which has sparked considerable objection among local residents and business owners.

Roads Service officials claim that the A8 upgrade project, which could generate up to 200 construction jobs, will help improve road safety, cut journey times and aid the local economy.

Meanwhile, protestors against the dualling of the A5 road from Aughnacloy to Londonderry have 'set up camp' along the route.

The road could lessen journey times by up to 20 minutes, but campaigners said the environmental impact far outweighed the shortened journey time.

Local protestors and campaigners from Climate Camp, a group of environmental activists who travel around Britain and Ireland, are camping in the field of a farmer outside Victoria Bridge.

(BMcC/GK)