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

  • Improving safety for cyclists
    November 15, 2013
    New systems in development for protecting vulnerable road users - Mike Woof writes In many European countries the number of people using bicycles for commuting are increasing. This is being actively encouraged by city authorities as it offers an effective way to reduce traffic congestion, lower exhaust emissions and also improve public health. The Netherlands and Denmark have long had high percentages of commuters opting to use bicycles and other European countries are looking to capitalise on the experienc
    Read More
  • Improving safety for cyclists
    November 29, 2013
    New systems in development for protecting vulnerable road users - Mike Woof writes In many European countries the number of people using bicycles for commuting are increasing. This is being actively encouraged by city authorities as it offers an effective way to reduce traffic congestion, lower exhaust emissions and also improve public health. The Netherlands and Denmark have long had high percentages of commuters opting to use bicycles and other European countries are looking to capitalise on the experienc
    Read More
  • Rokbak’s top 10 hot winter operating tips
    December 11, 2023
    Safeguarding hauler productivity is vital when operating in low temperatures. Scottish articulated hauler manufacturer Rokbak addresses the challenges posed by winter weather.
    Read More
  • Vietnam invests in infrastructure improvements
    May 11, 2012
    Transport Infrastructure Vietnam 2012 has been organised by IQPC in partnership with the local authorities and will be held in Hanoi from 17-18 April, 2012. Further details can be found at www.transportinfrastructure-vietnam.com. A huge investment by Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport will see over US$5 billion spent on the country’s road transport infrastructure by 2020.
    Read More

Highlighted Content