York Street: Plans advance for £130m scheme despite funding concerns

The project to reduce congestion at the York Street Interchange in Belfast has been long-awaited

The infrastructure minister is advancing plans for the major York Street Interchange project in Belfast, despite uncertainty around its funding.

Chris Hazzard said he accepts the findings of a public inquiry held into the £130m scheme last year.

However, he also said funding the roadworks "remains a major challenge" for the Northern Ireland Executive.

The scheme was designed to ease congestion at the junctions of the M1, M2 and M3.

In October, the minister said uncertainty over EU funding had put the project at risk.

The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) said projects signed until the point the UK leaves the EU, would be fully funded by the Treasury.

The part of York Street concerned is considered Northern Ireland's busiest road junction, with more than 100,000 vehicles passing through it daily.

The underpass and bridge project is aimed at easing congestion where the three roads intersect.

Public inquiries into the project were held between 10 and 12 November 2015.