The Stormont Executive has unveiled a £270m investment plan for the North's infrastructure.
First Minister, David Trimble, and Deputy First Minister, Mark Durkan, outlined details of 29 projects, which will be funded over the next two years by the plan.
The Department of Health is the major benefactor, with £110m going into essential improvements to a number of the North's hospitals. This includes a regional cancer centre which will be developed at a cost of £58m.
The Department of Regional Development will receive £67m to improve roads and the ageing water and sewage systems. Education will be given £52.8m, half of which will go on improvements to six secondary schools.
This major infrastructure investment package is the result of an initiative announced in May by British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and his Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown.
Announcing details of the projects in the Stormont Assembly, Mark Durkan said the fundamental idea of the initiative was for reform as well as re-investment.
