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Logistics UK reacts as Northern Ireland Executive approves A5 upgrade
In a significant policy win for Logistics UK, Stormont ministers have approved the long-awaited A5 road upgrade project - including a full dual carriageway.
Nichola Mallon, Logistics UK's Head of Trade and Devolved Policy said: "This announcement is welcome news for every person and business who has to travel along this road and our thoughts, especially today, are with all those who have been injured and tragically lost a loved one along this road."
The total cost of the road upgrade will be about £1.2 billion, with €600m (£500 million) coming from the Irish government.
The development is good news for the freight industry, which will be able to move more goods more quickly and will also create a safer road infrastructure in the area.
A report by BBC News NI found that between 2012 and 2024, the A5 had the highest rate of deaths per kilometre of any road in Northern Ireland.
Phase one of the scheme would be between Strabane and Ballygawley in County Tyrone, which was where many of the deaths and injuries had taken place on the road.
"The A5 is critical for road safety and will save lives" continued Logistics UK's Nichola Mallon. "It will also improve connectivity, logistics efficiency, economic opportunity, and enhance the competitiveness of the west, issues Logistics UK has been lobbying the Executive on. It is critical that funding is provided for full completion of this strategic infrastructure."
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said that work on the project would begin in early 2025 and would completed on a phased basis. O'Dowd said phase one was half of the total project, 34 miles out of the total 53 miles.
He added that he would make formal decisions on the remainder of the project in due course.
Published On: 10/10/2024 15:12:29
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News In Brief
DP World doubles rail freight services between London and Southampton
DP World is set to double its rail services between two of the UK's largest container ports.
A new mid-week train now links the London Gateway and Southampton logistics hubs, operated by Freightliner. The move aims to bolster UK supply chain resilience and cut more than one million truck miles a year, reducing carbon emissions.
This new service will complement the existing weekend service, providing businesses with more access to the extensive facilities at London Gateway Logistics Park.
Customers using the new rail service can also take advantage of DP World's Modal Shift Programme. This is a financial incentive for customers to move import-laden containers via rail to railheads within 140 miles of the Southampton logistics hub.
The programme has already increased the share of rail freight at Southampton from 21 per cent to more than 30 per cent.
Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Advisor, Ellis Shelton, said: “DP World's new programme of rail freight services underscores the crucial role of the rail industry in the nation's logistics.
“It is vital that the logistics sector works together to promote rail freight adoption among new businesses, invests in modern facilities and leverage data technology, and demonstrates a forward-thinking approach.
"To ensure growth like this is maintained, it is essential that the government provides adequate funding to invest in enhancing capacity on the network."
John Trenchard, Vice President of Commercial and Supply Chain, DP World in the UK said: "Launching a second rail service between London Gateway and Southampton is the next logical step for DP World, given the clear benefits for our customers.
"Providing a cleaner and more cost-efficient way to move cargo across the country is a key priority for DP World in the UK, and modal shift has consistently proven to be a reliable and flexible solution."
Chris Lawrenson, Managing Director of Intermodal Logistics, Freightliner Group, said: "Freightliner is delighted to continue supporting DP World with its second weekly port train service, working in partnership to develop further modal shift between Southampton and London Gateway."
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