High quality transport, communication and energy networks are the vital arteries of today’s most successful economies – powering competitive advantage in business, reducing social isolation, and linking people to an expanding world of information, services and opportunity. Investing in efficient reliable competitive and sustainable networks is critical if we are to deliver our top priority of growing a dynamic and innovative economy.
Networks embrace a range of activities with the common theme of connecting Northern Ireland to the global economy, and encompass roads, public transport, gateways (ports and airports), telecommunications and energy.
SIB has provided support to the Roads Service throughout a range of procurements. This involved drafting options papers on the projects’ commercial structure, including payment and change mechanisms, as well as advising on financing and accounting issues.
Investment Strategy Milestones:
- opening of the M1/Westlink and M2 upgrades in 2009;
- an enhanced ferry service for Rathlin Island by 2009;
- the establishment of a new InternationaCommunications link in the North West directly connected to North America and Europe by the end of 2009;
- by the end of 2011, working with the private sector, the delivery of widespread access for businesses to a next generation broadband network;
- opening of the Dungannon to Ballygawley dualling in 2010;
- opening of the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue dualling in 2010;
- the first phase of 20 new trains coming into service by 2011;
- starting work on the first Rapid Transit line in Greater Belfast by 2011;
- dualling key parts of the A6 during the lifetime of the strategy;
- opening the A5 and the remaining section of the A8 dualling schemes during the lifetime of the strategy.
Case study: Toome Bypass
