Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the capital expenditure on each class of road in each of the past five years in the borough of ards; when the proposed link road at Portaferry/Comber road, Newtownards was first included in the local area plan; at what stage is the design and acquisition of lands for the road; and if he will make a statement about the programme for construction of this link road. [41232]
§ Mr. MossDetails of capital expenditure by roads classification are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate costs. Overall capital expenditure covering major and minor works, traffic management and accident remedial schemes, street lighting and car park provision in the Ards borough council area was for the years in question as follows:
- 1990–91: £1,101,000
- 1991–92: £472,000
- 1992–93: £792,000
- 1993–94: £612,000
- 1994–95: £558,000
The Portaferry road-Comber road link, Newtownards appeared in the North Down area plan which was published in 1972. At the moment, design work is at a very preliminary stage and a final line for the road has yet to be determined. The scheme is included in the current major road works programme with a planned starting date in the 1999–2000 financial year, subject to the necessary finance being available.