MP calls on DRD to fund Ballyclare bypass

Plans for the much-needed £25million bypass linking Templepatrick Road, Doagh Road and Rashee Road were shelved after the parent company of building firm Holm NI, which had been due to carry out the project as part of the ambitious ‘Westlands’ housing scheme, ceased trading earlier this year.

“The possibility of the town bypass was enhanced with the designation of Ballyclare as a ‘growth town’ under the Government’s strategic plan for Northern Ireland. Through the intervention of Paul Girvan, MLA and myself the bypass road was linked to permission for the town’s additional housing. Unfortunately, both the housing market and specifically the house build programme that included the bypass road provision has faced the ravages of the recession and this has caused continuous problems for Ballyclare,” Dr McCrea said.

“The traffic congestion in the town is unacceptable and I have written to the DRD minister, Danny Kennedy, seeking departmental help to provide this economic driver which is essential for the survival of businesses here.

“No one can deny that the bypass is urgently needed and the business community demands their right to compete with other town centres across the province. The provision of the bypass relief road would be a genuine boost for the development and growth of Ballyclare,” the DUP man added.