Joint efforts are to continue to build a strong strategic case for urgent investment in the A75 and A77.
Three local authorities – Dumfries and Galloway, South Ayrshire and Mid and East Antrim Borough – have confirmed plans urgent infrastructure improvements in the south west of Scotland.
They have promised further action to strengthen the longstanding case for much-needed investment in both key routes.
The news has been warmly welcomed by Finlay Carson, MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, who has been campaigning vigorously to encourage the Scottish Government to fund vital upgrades to the roads sooner rather than later.
The local MSP said: “I delighted the councils, including Dumfries and Galloway, are now firmly on board and, like me, insist these improvements are crucial to our economic growth in the coming months.
“It is important that these respective councils help in the campaign to convince this Government just how crucial these improvements are to the south west of Scotland.
“While it has made plenty of promises in the past the Scottish ministers have failed to deliver, so any added pressure being placed on them has to be welcomed.”
Like many, the local MSP is anxiously awaiting the final report following the union connectivity review carried out by Sir Peter Hendy on behalf of the UK Government.
His interim report highlighted the need for vital infrastructure investment on the A75 as being a major priority.
News that the three local authorities were building a strong strategic case for investment in both the A75 and A77 was outlined in a letter to the local MSP from Fiona Lees, interim chief executive of Dumfries and Galloway Council.
She said: “It is vitally important to ensure that the need for investment in our roads is firmly routed in the economic case for the Freeport and Greenport bids under preparation and encompassing the Port of Larne and for the Ports at Cairnryan.
“Further, such investment will also support the strategic projects now being delivered through the Regional Growth Deals which all three local authorities have secured and will be vital to our businesses optimising access to trade in both the UK and EU markets.”
The councils have established a working group to gather evidence and information as part of a shared strategic case for future investment in both roads.
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