Minister Hazzard says North West roads projects a 'key priority'

Sinn Fein Infrastructure Minister says infrastructure projects west of the River Bann are among his top objectives during time in office. Chris Hazzard MLA was giving progress updates on routes to be developed whilst at meeting with the Derry Chamber yesterday.

Infrastructure Chris Hazzard says sorting road infrastructure west of the Bann is one of his "key priorities".

The Sinn Fein minister made the comments after meeting with business leaders in Derry/Londonderry yesterday.

During the meeting the minister gave the Derry Chamber progress updates on a number of projects due to get off the ground across the North-West.

In a statement, he said work on the A6 dualling scheme between Randalstown and Castledawson was now "well advanced". In addition to those works, he was assured he could speed up plans to implement similar plans for a section of the A6 between Derry and Dungiven.

“The A6 Randalstown to Castledawson scheme is now well advanced with the appointed contractor working on final design details and I am actively working to expedite progress on delivery of the Derry to Dungiven dualling scheme during the current mandate," he said.

In the same statement, he also said work on the A5 Western Transport Corridor, (the eighty-five kilometre stretch of road spanning across much of central Tyrone leading to the border crossing point of Aughnacloy), could be due to start "late next year".

“Work could begin late next year subject to the successful completion of all the statutory procedures and outcome of the Inspector’s Report.

“I am confident that my plans to improve infrastructure in the North West will go a long way to assist The Chamber in its vital work helping its members optimise opportunities to grow and enhance their position in the global market place through all the services they offer," he added.