Logistics UK welcomes announcement on A1 improvement scheme

Friday 29 January 2021

Logistics UK welcomes the announcement made this week by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon approving the A1 improvement scheme. Logistics UK’s Northern Ireland Policy Manager, Seamus Leheny, comments:  

“Logistics UK has long supported the need to upgrade the A1, a major route in Northern Ireland connecting Belfast and Dublin. In March 2020 Logistics UK submitted a response to the Department for Infrastructure’s call for evidence, supporting this upgrade and highlighting the road safety and economic benefits it will deliver. We are thrilled this has been taken into consideration; the safety of road users is imperative and the current outdated infrastructure of the A1 does not reflect this.” 

The proposed improvements include the provision of new grade separated junctions, the closing of all gaps in the central reservation and the provision of a continuous central reserve safety barrier along the whole route. Mr Leheny continues: “While we are delighted with the decision by the Minister to progress the scheme, swift action is needed and we hope to see the necessary work commence as soon as possible.” 

Logistics UK (formerly FTA) is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With COVID-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods