PUBLIC SERVICES Since 1997, we have achieved a number of major road improvement schemes in the Lisburn and Dromore areas but the closure of the Antrim to Lisburn railway line was a setback in public transport provision.

I am continuing to lobby for the reinstatement of the line as part of an upgraded rail network serving the whole of the Belfast Metropolitan area.

In the Lagan Valley constituency almost 1,000 new housing units have been built by the Housing Executive and Housing Associations since 1997 but more will be required to accommodate our growing population. Reform of the planning system and greater efficiency in local government will also continue to be a priority for me.

I will also continue to press for a commitment by Government to further improvements in our Roads network, including a by-pass for Moira, the upgrade of the A1 on the Hillsborough by-pass and completion of the Knockmore link to the M1 motorway.