Key infrastructure needs for Mid Ulster outlined to minister

OPENING up access to industrial land, the Cookstown and Dungannon bypass projects and the overloaded wastewater treatment works in Mid Ulster were some of the key points raised by councillors in a meeting with the Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon last week.

With the continued success of the area’s local engineering and manufacturing sector, calls for improved infrastructure have continued to grow louder and the Minister acknowledged that there has been “historic underinvestment in many areas across the North”.

Minister Mallon met the Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Paul McLean, who is also the current Chair of the MSW Region Governance Steering Group, alongside other elected representatives.

In a statement, Mid Ulster council said the wide-ranging discussion, focused on the specific strategic infrastructure priorities for Mid Ulster as part of the wider Mid South West Region (MSW).

The council said members of the MSW grouping also emphasised the importance of “opening up access to industrial land at strategic sites such as Desertcreat”, as well as the need to “address investment in utilities, most notably in the wastewater treatment systems which are already beyond capacity in Mid Ulster”.

The minister also heard of the development potential of the Ulster Canal and a range of greenway and blueway projects.

Councillor Paul McLean, said there was “an inextricable link between well-developed infrastructure in its broadest sense and a region’s pace of economic growth”.

He continued, “And if infrastructure is a key economic driver, then addressing the regional, historical imbalance and underinvestment in infrastructure is critical to the overall success of Mid Ulster and the Mid South West region.

“It is equally critical to the ability of our business base, particularly our manufacturing sector, to expand and to compete more effectively in local, regional and international markets.

“We welcomed the opportunity to raise these issues with the Minister in what was a productive and valuable engagement, and hope we can continue to work in partnership with her to ensure we deliver against the wider ambitions for the Mid South West region.”

Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon said she welcomed the opportunity to hear of the key areas of need.

She said, “There has been historic underinvestment in many areas across the North. Since becoming Minister, I have made clear my commitment to tackling regional imbalance and delivering for all communities. Last year I announced my intention to progress a number of strategic infrastructure and flagship projects. One of these projects was the A29 Cookstown Bypass so I am pleased that this week we have unveiled the preferred route for this scheme which is of significant importance to the town of Cookstown and the surrounding area.

“The proposed route will remove strategic traffic from the town centre which will in turn help to reduce traffic congestion, increase road safety and improve air quality. As part of my commitment to delivering green infrastructure and providing greater opportunities for active travel, I am pleased to confirm there will also be walking and cycling provision along the entire scheme.”

She added, “Going forward, I want to continue to work in partnership with the council and others to ensure that we can deliver the change people in Mid Ulster, and right across the North, have long deserved.”