Dozens of rural roads to benefit from £10m upgrade

Around 38 rural roads are to be improved through cash from the Roads Recovery Fund, according to the Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon

In a written answer to Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly, the Minister confirmed that £10 million of the £12 million fund will be targeted at rural roads.

The Roads Recovery Fund is part of a capital investment of £75million by the Infrastructure Minister in the structural maintenance of the rural network in 2020/21.

Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly said: “I welcome confirmation from the Infrastructure Minister that the majority of the £12million Roads Recovery Fund will be spend on the rural road network.

“Rural roads provide an important link between communities and sustain the rural economy.”

“It is important that the rural road network is constantly maintained and improved when possible.”

She welcomed the news adding that it would go some way to addressing the imbalance towards rural roads and communities.

“There are around 38 locations in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council area where work is planned or has already been completed under the programme,” said Mrs Kelly.

These include: Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon East: ∙Ballymore Road;∙Old Newry Road; ∙Ballykeel Road;∙Boghead Bridge Road;∙Cannagola Road;∙Clonmacash Road;∙Ballynagarrick Road;∙Brankinstown Road; and∙Annadroghal Lane.

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon West: ∙Tirnascobe Rd;∙Aghory Rd;∙Mullaghbane Rd;∙Drumcoote Rd;∙Tonagh Road;∙Cavanbellaghy Rd;∙Tyrones Ditches Rd;∙Shilling Hill Rd;∙Ballysheil Rd;∙Lough Rd; ∙Lisnagat Rd;∙Mossview Rd; ∙Derrynoose Rd; ∙Crossdall Rd;∙Rowan Road;∙Curragh Lane;∙Unnamed Road off Monaghan Rd;∙Armaghbreague Rd;∙Tullynawood Rd; ∙Grange Road;∙Drumcoose Rd; ∙Derryhirk Rd; ∙Kilmore Rd.

Also∙Mulladry Rd;∙Dundrum Rd; ∙Clarkes Lane;∙Unnamed Road off Marlacoo Rd; ∙Unnamed Road off A29 Darkley Road; and∙Carnavanaghan Rd

Mrs Kelly added: “In this difficult financial period, it is of course necessary to prioritise resources, but for too long rural communities have dropped down the priority list.

“I am pleased Minster Mallon has prioritised the implementation of this fund,” said the Upper Bann MLA.

“This will go some way to addressing that imbalance and giving rural communities across the region roads that are fit for purpose and that will stand the test of time and weather.”

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