Public consultation event over the dualling of A8
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
CONSULTATIONS have been held regarding major road improvements that will affect public property.
Public consultations on proposals of dualling the A8, were held in Corrs corner hotel on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week. The meetings provided the 150 members of the public who turned up with information about the proposed corridors the new road will take.
A number of corridor options were considered for the dualling of the A8, eight were initially considered with six rejected. Two corridor options remain and will be now be put forward for assessment. A local bypass of Bruslee is being considered, both options run close to the existing road alignment. At Ballynure bypasses have been considered to run either the East or West of the village.
A dvd was playing at the conference providing a detailed illustration of the proposals and billboards were set up showing proposed routes and those that have already been declined.
DUP Councillor, Paul Girven was at the consultation and speaking to the Gazette the former Mayor described how there is a concern about the road cutting through the middle of farms and affecting people's homes, he said: "There is going to be great disruption as the project will result in a major land take around Ballynure. The two major corridors proposed are through the countryside and no matter what option is chosen there will be a major impact on the rural area. A lot of people knew it was going to impact but are looking to the roads service to minimise disruption.
A spokesperson for the Roads Service told the Gazette this Pubic consultation was vital, he said: "It is important that we consult members of the public, because the most important thing is we have to consider a number of environment factors.
“The aim of the conference was to get as much feedback from the public and to provide the public with as much information as possible. Obviously some public property will be infringed but is our aim to disturb as little public land as possible.
“We will be meeting with owners of land that the proposed routes will go through. This consultation will is vital in making the final decision on the new bypass."
At the consultation feedback forms were handed out and members of the public are now being urged to put their opinions on the plans before the Department makes a final decision on a preferred route. Paul Girven said " There has been on going consultation between the Roads service and the public, it is imperative that the decision is dealt with fairly. The deadline for members of the public to express their concerns is the 11th of December and I implore anyone with concerns about to submit them before this date.
Despite the disruption, Paul believes the dualling is necessary, he added: "A lot of people would welcome the dualling of the road especially from a road safety point of view. Coming from a dual carriageway to a single carriageway, as the road is currently, is dangerous for drivers. A number of fatalities have occurred and having been at a number of scenes, I am in no doubt the issue must be addressed."
Details of the scheme are available online at www.roadsni.gov.uk/A8BelfastLarne or by contacting Roads Service on 9089 0900.
