FTA delighted with €500million plus boost to NI transport infrastructure

An imminent €500million plus cash injection into Northern Ireland transport infrastructure will lead to lower fuel costs, quicker journey times and greater overseas investment, according to the Freight Transport Association (FTA).
March 15, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
RSSAn imminent €500million plus cash injection into Northern Ireland transport infrastructure will lead to lower fuel costs, quicker journey times and greater overseas investment, according to the 3934 Freight Transport Association (FTA). Among Government funded investment will be €125.2million for the A8 from Larne to Belfast. The FTA has been a vocal supporter of long-time plans to dual the congested 14km stretch of single carriageway, which is one of Northern Ireland’s most vital trade routes. Tom Wilson, FTA’s head of policy for Northern Ireland, said: “The A8 is a strategically significant trade route, but one which has lacked capacity to cope with the sheer volume of lorries relying on this route to reach Larne Port. "It is an absolutely essential link in our supply chain between businesses on the island of Ireland and large freight hubs in northern England and Scotland. This funding will go a long way to improve Ireland's connectivity and finally make the A8 fit for purpose." The A8 has been the unfortunate setting for many fatal road traffic accidents owing to the lack of safe overtaking opportunities along it. "Typically, slower-moving agricultural vehicles do cause long tailbacks on this road and motorists do take risks when overtaking tractors, combine harvesters and the like," said Wilson. "Dualling will reduce instances of risky overtaking." This week’s announcement by Sammy Wilson, Minister for Finance, will also see €393.5million spent on upgrading the A5, which links the north west of Northern Ireland to Eire. During his unveiling of the transport infrastructure investment plan, Wilson said: "Better roads and infrastructure will not only encourage investment from overseas and overall connectivity, but also mean lower fuel costs and more reliable journey times, giving hauliers, local businesses and motorists alike a welcome boost."

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • A new airport for Crete
    October 1, 2024
    Crete's new airport is benefiting from the use of Dynapac machines.
    Read More
  • Lindsay argues the case for reversible lanes over adding lanes
    June 26, 2018
    Build new lanes or use existing lanes more effectively? In a recent US study* commissioned by Lindsay Transportation Solutions, the company argues the case for reversible lanes. The level of future uncertainty in transportation planning - specifically in addressing congestion on urban freeways - has increased significantly over the past few years. The impact of connected and autonomous vehicles on traffic flow, of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) initiatives, particularly the car-sharing elements, and exciting
    Read More
  • Australian road maintenance needs an immediate $3.78 billion boost
    July 4, 2014
    The Australian National Road and Motorists Association (NRMA) has published a report highlighting a widening gap in national funds available for road maintenance, a gap which the motoring group says has already reached Aus $3.78 billion. The association is calling on the Federal Government to allocate more fuel excise revenue to road projects, saying up to half of the current 38.1 cents per litre is required to fund the ‘black hole’.
    Read More
  • Reducing road pollution around major routes
    July 22, 2019
    The UK firm Amey Consulting is working on two innovative projects utilising smart technology to improve air quality around major A roads and motorways.
    Read More

Highlighted Content