Mrs Erskine said,
“It is welcome that the Minister has now announced these schemes are to be taken forward as a priority during 2022/2023 in preparation for future procurement. They should however have been a priority from the beginning. This scheme entered the planning process in 2008.
For years my predecessor Arlene Foster fought for better road networks and connectivity in this rural constituency. It is long past the time for an Infrastructure Minister to step up and realise the unique problems that face rural constituencies. We need better connectivity and transport, this requires ambitious investment and a more strategic approach to ensure this area has an opportunity to thrive.
Furthermore, if we are serious about attracting new and better jobs and reforming our health service, we need proper infrastructure to do this. That is why I will continue to ensure and fight for projects like this to go ahead. Our rural community deserve more than a Belfast centric approach to creating road projects.”