Approximately £1 billion has been invested in our networks since the publication of the Investment Strategy in 2008. Some of the key achievements are set out below.

•  Approaching £150m has been invested in significant improvements to the M1/ Westlink and sections of the M2. Over £300m has been invested to deliver dual carriageway upgrading on the A1 Belfast/Dublin route and on the A4 Dungannon to Ballygawley. The grade separation of four further junctions on the A1 and the addition of realigned upgraded sections of the A4 at Annaghilila and A5 Tullyvar has improved safety and journey times.

•  Construction on the A26/M2 Ballee Road East in Ballymena has reduced delays and improved safety by diverting traffic on to a new 2.1 kilometre long dual carriageway, while the completion of 6.6km of dual carriageway on the A2 Broadbridge project has significantly enhanced access to the City of Derry airport.

•  Further single carriageway improvements have been completed in Newtownards, providing a new southern distributor and a link at Frederick Street. This has greatly reduced the congestion in the town and opened up areas for economic development. The realignment of the A29 between Dungannon and Cookstown at Carland Bridge has also improved safety and journey times along this link corridor.

•  The local road network has been enhanced through a programme of minor works including local transport and safety measures, and bridge strengthening.

•  The newly built train station at Newry was officially opened towards the end of 2009. The station has been significantly improved by the addition of a 300 space Park & Ride facility, upgrades to platforms, and a pedestrian bridge.

•  In the summer of 2010, a new 700 space Park & Ride came into operation on the southern outskirts of Belfast at Cairnshill, which is served by a dedicated bus service and supported by more intensive bus priority measures.

•  We have replaced over 500 buses reducing the average age of the feet from twelve to seven years.

•  The track life extension project on the railway line between Ballymena and Coleraine was completed in February 2010.

•  Significant improvements in the reliability, cost and speed of international data transfer to North America and across Europe are being made possible by Project Kelvin. The new section of submarine cable provides a high-speed transatlantic internet connection and increases our competitive edge in a globalised world.

•  Access to superfast broadband services have been delivered under the £51m Next Generation Broadband project, with improved speeds of up to 40Mbps available to at least 85% of businesses across the region. 89% of premises in the region are now served by a fibre access point - the highest coverage in Europe.