Council receives an update on infrastructure projects for Mid Ulster District Council 2022

Date published: 29 September 2022

Speaking as he addressed council members this evening, Divisional Roads Manager, Mr Daniel Healy said:

“In the absence of an Executive, the Department of Finance (DoF) has provided the Department with contingency planning budgets, for both Resource and Capital funding. With the uncertainty around budgets it is important to monitor all activities within the constrained funding available going forward and difficult decisions may need to be made to re-align activities within funding levels as the year progresses. Despite these budget uncertainties, the Department will continue to develop local transport and safety schemes and maintenance programmes to enhance safety, improve traffic progression and provide measures for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Continuing Mr Healy said:

“Minister O’Dowd is keen to progress the development of a number of Strategic Road Improvement Schemes. The A5 Western Transport Corridor continues its progress through the statutory processes with the Planning Appeals Commission due to reconvene later this year or early next to address the Environmental Statement Addendum. The Department is currently considering feedback on the A29 Cookstown By-pass and developing the scheme design. It is hoped to publish the draft Direction Order, draft Vesting Order and Environmental Impact Assessment report for further consultation in early 2023-2024. The £189million A6 dualling between Toome and the Castledawson Roundabout opened in May 2021 which has had the benefits of increased safety and reduced and more predictable journey times.

“The Department has recently completed the Cookstown resurfacing contract and is currently progressing both the £1.25million Ballygawley and £2million Casteldawson Resurfacing contracts. The Department also successfully awarded new asphalt term contracts for the Magherafelt and Dungannon areas on 28 June 2022 and the Cookstown area on 13 September, which will enable further resurfacing schemes in 2022/23.

“The Department has continued its commitment to the delivery of active travel schemes across the north and to making walking, wheeling and cycling a safer and more attractive option for people getting around. The upgrading of a shared footway/cycleway on the Garvagh Road, Swatragh is substantially complete and the Department is currently preparing plans to deliver footway/cycleway upgrades in a number of areas in 2022/23.

“I am pleased to confirm that the second tranche of the new part-time 20mph speed limit at schools are programmed to be operational at nine schools by end September 2022 which follows on from the eight schools that benefited from the initiative in 2021."

Continuing Mr Healy said:

“The Department recognises the importance of street lighting and delivered a full repair service in 2021/22 and is currently continuing in 2022/23 as part of the contingency planning budget. Total capital expenditure on street lighting during the 2021/22 year amounted to approximately £3.3million and included both full system replacement schemes and energy efficient LED lantern schemes. Among the areas that received LED lighting were Moneymore Road, Magerafelt and Ballygawely Road, Dungannon. The LED streetlights not only improve the quality of lighting but are also more energy efficient, given the Department’s commitment to climate action. Further proposed replacement schemes are planned in 2022/23."