Dillon’s toll road idea could be a winner

Although the idea may be new here, anyone who has travelled abroad, and particularly in the United States, will be familiar with the concept. Indeed, the huge volume of people who travel regularly between Lisburn and Dublin seem happy enough to pay the toll at Drogheda.

Contrary to what some of Mr Dillon’s opponents seem to think, you do not have to pay - you can continue to use the existing road network. Just as you can leave the M1 in the south and travel through Drogheda, so you would be able to continue using other routes between Knockmore and Sprucefield.

Experience would suggest it would be the haulage firms who would switch because the time and fuel saved more than makes up for the cost. And at least it would provide choice.

If, as Paul Porter says, the idea is ‘disgraceful’ what is his suggestion? Is he, as a member of the biggest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly and which holds the finance ministry portfolio, telling us he is confident this road will be built by public money any time soon?

If so, brilliant. But if not why not at least explore other possibilities.

Mr Porter says ‘I would just like to advise the Lisburn public this is Alderman Dillon’s personal view and not the view of Lisburn Council’.

He doesn’t need to worry. We never for a moment thought Lisburn Council would come up with an innovative idea to solve our problems.

Interested Driver,

Hillsborough