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FTAs NI road budget anger
Page 12
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THE FREIGHT Transport Association has reacted angrily to proposed cuts of 20% to Northern Ireland's road maintenance budget.
The proposals are set out in a consultation paper called Draft Priorities and Budget for Northern Ireland.
FTA regional policy manager Tom Wilson says: "We understand that in 2002 there was already a £140m backlog in road maintenance spending and a commitment was made to address this situation.
If the Government attempts to reduce the £780m identified for road maintenance in the 10year plan, it's obvious that a further deterioration of the road network will result."
He says the cutbacks are particularly unwelcome in the light of road improvements south of the border: "The admirable improvements to the road network in the Republic of Ireland in recent times have strengthened its ability to grow its economy and attract inward investment.
"If the road network in Northern Ireland is neglected and allowed to deteriorate, this will do untold economic damage to our country."
Wilson is concerned about more than the economic impact; he believes that the cuts negate proposals to improve road safety: "It seems to be a contradiction when on the one hand [Environment Minister] Lord Rooker proposes new road safety measures, and on the other hand the government seeks to impose severe reductions in planned expenditure a few weeks later."