South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Maskey meets Minister to discuss Ring-Road proposals

Published: 11 March, 2009

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey, speaking after yesterday meeting with Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy MP and a senior member of the Roads Service to discuss the Ring-Road proposal which had previously been suggested for the Cromac Street/Ormeau Avenue area, has said that he is confident that no such development will take place without full consultation with the surrounding communities.


Alex Maskey MLA said,

"Over the past number of weeks there had been growing concern, particularly in the Markets and Donegall Pass communities, that plans for a city centre ring road, which would have implications for these areas, would be implemented irregardless of the views of local residents.


"Yesterday I held a meeting with Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy MP and a senior representative of the Roads Service to discuss this issue and to highlight the concerns of the local community.


"This meeting was extremely helpful and constructive. What was made clear at the meeting by the Minister was that the idea of a ring-road is only one of a number of options which exist for dealing with traffic problems in the centre of Belfast. The Minister was also able to give a very firm commitment that absolutely nothing would be agreed without full consultation with the surrounding communities.


'I have no doubt that this commitment will be welcomed by the local community, particularly in the Markets and Donegall Pass areas."

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