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25/02/2010
Lack Of Roads Finance Slammed
Doubts have been expresssed this week over the Stormont Executive's roads' maintenance funding.
SDLP Regional Development spokesperson, Tommy Gallagher said he is very concerned that a lack of finance is forcing the NI Department of Regional Development to give up on its own very limited targets for minor roads maintenance.
"The standard road maintenance guidelines used by the Department are hardly ambitious – they only seek to achieve 30% of what they consider to be best practice," said Mr Gallagher.
"However, this year they are even giving up on this limited target and admitting it won't be met.
"We have had a terrible winter and now we are going into the spring months which traditionally do the most damage to road surfaces.
"Our minor roads are in an awful state and it must be time for the Executive to step in," he said.
"Finance Minister Sammy Wilson must realise that if we fall much below 30% of best practice, serious structural damage will be done which will cost much more to fix."
He continued: "Our entire rural population depends on these roads for access to education, health and the rural economy.
"The Dublin government has just provided extra money, more than the councils bid for, to take account of exceptional frost and flood damage to minor roads.
"I am calling on our Finance Minister to see the good sense of taking similar steps and coming up with the money in next week's budget."
(NS/GK)
SDLP Regional Development spokesperson, Tommy Gallagher said he is very concerned that a lack of finance is forcing the NI Department of Regional Development to give up on its own very limited targets for minor roads maintenance.
"The standard road maintenance guidelines used by the Department are hardly ambitious – they only seek to achieve 30% of what they consider to be best practice," said Mr Gallagher.
"However, this year they are even giving up on this limited target and admitting it won't be met.
"We have had a terrible winter and now we are going into the spring months which traditionally do the most damage to road surfaces.
"Our minor roads are in an awful state and it must be time for the Executive to step in," he said.
"Finance Minister Sammy Wilson must realise that if we fall much below 30% of best practice, serious structural damage will be done which will cost much more to fix."
He continued: "Our entire rural population depends on these roads for access to education, health and the rural economy.
"The Dublin government has just provided extra money, more than the councils bid for, to take account of exceptional frost and flood damage to minor roads.
"I am calling on our Finance Minister to see the good sense of taking similar steps and coming up with the money in next week's budget."
(NS/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
