York Street interchange is essential for economy

The organisation – which represents over 500 businesses in the city – made the comments after the Infrastructure Minister announced a review into how to best proceed with the road scheme.

Belfast Chamber Chief Executive Simon Hamilton said: “Belfast Chamber welcomes the announcement by the Infrastructure that she intends to conduct a short external review of the York Street Interchange scheme and we are especially welcoming of her clear statement that she is determined to see this important project delivered. “I took the opportunity to raise the York Street Interchange with Minister Mallon when I met her last week and Belfast Chamber is grateful that the Minister has clearly indicated that she also recognises the strategic importance of the scheme.

“Belfast Chamber has long supported this scheme. It is essential to the success not just of the Belfast economy but also that of the entire region. A short, sharp review to ensure that the scheme is forward looking and future proofed as the Minister indicates is a sensible step and it is right that a scheme of such size and significance considers issues like sustainable travel, improving road safety and connecting communities in the north of the city with the city centre, and we hope that it won’t be long before we hear the Minister announce a date for the commencement of construction on this vital piece of infrastructure.”

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