FIRST Minister John Swinney is set to visit the area today to see and discuss the A75.
During the visit he will attend a meeting with stakeholders including Belfast Harbour, Stena Line and P&O Ferries and Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson, as well as road campaigners.
The meeting comes after Mr Swinney showed a willingness to witness for himself the desperate need for an upgrade of the busy road which links Stranraer with Gretna.
Speaking ahead of the talks, Mr Carson said that the First Minister clearly recognised the importance of the Euro-route. He said: “I am absolutely delighted that the First Minister will come down and see for himself the problem that the A75 currently poses when it comes to safety and reliability.
“I believe it is crucial that he hears the experiences being faced on a daily basis by hauliers as well as those operating the ferry services at the ports at Cairnryan.
“Being able to listen to their views and problems is an important step and I know Mr Swinney will take on board all that is said.”
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP admitted that he didn’t expect any quick fix to improving the A75. But he is hopeful that the First Minister will give a serious commitment that he will push for work to begin as quickly as possible.
“In the general scheme of things, a plan is coming together slowly but surely. The fact that technical advisers have been appointed to come up with bypass options regarding the villages of Crocketford and Springholm is a major step forward,” he said.
“Of course, I would like to hear the sound of spades hitting the ground but that will come. Of that, I am sure.”
