Private Sector willing to pay for two major road projects

Work may soon begin on a new interchange to make safe a letal junction at Kilpedder if the offer of an interest free loan by the private sector is accepted by the cash starved National Roads Authority.

A meeting of the County Council last month heard that the NRA does not have the money to provide the interchange before the new Glen of the Downs dual-carriageway is opened. Some members, particularly Cllr. Pat Doyle, said that the authority would have no business opening the new road if the letal junction was not made safe.

At this week's meeting of the Council, Co. Manager Eddie Sheehy said that he had discussions with Zappy Developments who are prepared to provide the the money for the interchange on the basis that it will be paid back by the NRA by the end of January 2004.

`The same developers are also prepared to foot the bill for a southern access route near Newtownmountkennedy. The cost involved will then be offset against future levies that the same developers will be charged in relation to developments in the area', he added.

The Manager said that he has now written to the National Roads Authority, urging them to accept the offer so that these projects can be carried out soon and at present day costs.

However, some members have expressed concern at the fact that this unprecented move could compromise the local authority. According to Mr. Sheehy, it has been made quite clear to the developers that their move will not in any way influence further planning applications they may make.