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Transport Links Importance Acknowledged

HINTS that more money could be made available for upgrading the roads to the Lochryan ferry ports have come from a senior Scottish Executive Minister.

Transport Minister Iain Gray, in Cairnryan on Wednesday for the naming of the new P&O ship European Highlander, claimed the executive did recognise the importance of the ports.

He pointed out that £33 million had been allocated to both the A77 and A75 roads in the current upgrade programme. And, he added

"I acknowledge more still has to be done and the place to take these discussions forward is the North Channel Partnership".

Mr Gray, who had his ear bent publicly by P&O Ferries chairman Graeme Dunlop on the question of roads investment, said he had anticipated that a visit by a Minister to a ferry operator in this part of the country would not pass without mention of the roads links

"This is not the time, or the place to fully address the issue, but I think I do want to emphasise we are also committed to improving both the A75 and A77 roads", he continued. "We do recognise the importance of the Lochryan ferry ports".

He added that he was very well aware that good transport links were crucial to the economies of both Scotland and Northern Ireland.