THE COMPLETION of the last stretch of dual carriageway between Belfast and Dublin was welcomed by politicians on both sides of the Border yesterday.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said it showed the administrations in both parts of the island were anxious to move forward in the interests of all the people, while junior minister Robin Newton, representing First Minister Peter Robinson, said he welcomed “the benefits that this will deliver to Northern Ireland and to the economy of the island as a whole”.
Regional Development Minister in the Northern Executive Conor Murphy said the scheme was, “the final link in the chain connecting our two main cities, Belfast and Dublin on what is now entirely motorway or dual carriageway standard roads, reducing journey time significantly”. Speaking at the opening of the 12.1km A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue dual carriageway on the northern and western outskirts of Newry, he said the scheme was “five months ahead of schedule and representing an investment of more than £150 million”.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said: “This is an opportunity to reflect on the interdependency and the interaction that is so vital for all our people in the context of the present times and indeed for the future. But it’s a great statement of confidence in the future as well.”
Mr McGuinness said: “I know that there are still some people who live in the past: well, they need to take a look at what is happening here today and see people and administrations, North and South of the Border, who are anxious to move forward, to develop our economy in the interests of all of the people who live on this island.”
He added: “It all makes the case for us to work together, ever-closer, in the interests of all our people, to get mutual benefit and to do it in a way that doesn’t compromise the political allegiances of anyone.”
Funding for the new stretch of road was provided under Northern Ireland’s “Building a Better Future” investment strategy and the European Union’s Trans-European Network Transport programme.