AQW 44967/11-15

Mr Dominic Bradley
Social Democratic and Labour Party
Newry and Armagh

Tabled Date: 23/04/2015
Answered On Date: 29/04/2015
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development when construction work will begin on the Armagh North and East West Link Roads; and what the anticipated costs are for each project.

Answer:

I am grateful to the Member for his continued support for the A28 Armagh East Link and the A3 North & West Link Road proposals.

Following a Public Information event held in June 2014 for the A28 Armagh East Link, my officials have been carrying out a review of the Preferred Corridor for the proposal. This review, which has included updating the traffic and environmental surveys, is expected to be completed in the coming months. The current preferred option costs in the range of £12m - £20m, although this is subject to change following completion of the ongoing work.

In relation to the A3 Armagh North & West proposal, which is expected to cost in the range £55-£75m, I am of the opinion it would not be appropriate to make a decision on the preferred route pending development of the Armagh City & District Council Masterplan for the Mullinure Area.

A significant amount of development work has already been progressed on these proposals, although much remains to be done. Unfortunately, I am unable to provide an indication of when these schemes may be expected to commence on site, as delivery remains subject to clearance of the statutory procedures, continuing demonstration of satisfactory economic appraisals and the availability of funding in future budget settlements.