Kennedy announces £20m boost for roads

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that £20 million will be allocated to road maintenance in Northern Ireland.

In addition, some £3m funding will be used to help deliver improvements to bus stations and workshops, for constructing crash barriers and for cycling.

Kennedy (pictured) said: “My department is responsible for maintaining 25,900 kilometres of public roads which can only be done through significant investment.

“This additional funding will target structural maintenance on the local road network to help address the significant backlog and reduce the actual resurfacing cycles. It will also provide new drainage, some reconstruction and the resurfacing of around 160 kilometres of road.

“This announcement is a welcome boost for the public and the construction industry. Carrying out road improvements sustains hundreds of jobs every year and ensures the travelling public enjoy safer and more enjoyable journeys.”