AQO 2501/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 25/09/2025
Answered On Date: 07/10/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any action her Department is taking to improve transport links to the Maze Long Kesh site, including the Eikon Exhibition Centre.

Answer:

My Department currently has no plans to improve transport linkage to the Maze Long Kesh Site. Should future development of the site be proposed, consideration will be given to any requirement for upgrading of the transport infrastructure.

Whilst I acknowledge that the Balmoral Show, which attracts over 120,000 visitors per annum, creates significant traffic congestion in the local area over a 4 day period in May, other events during the year occur on a monthly basis with relatively low attendance. To date my officials have not been made aware of any particular traffic management issues during these lesser events.

Planning permission has been granted to a developer for the Knockmore Link Road and, if built, this developer led and privately funded project would provide links from the local road network to the Motorway at Sprucefield.

A planning application has recently been lodged for a significant mixed-use development on the lands between the existing M1 Junction 8 / A101 roundabout and Moira Road / Knockmore Road junction. The approved Knockmore Link Road is to be provided in support of this large-scale development.