Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has insisted that the A5 and A6 road schemes will go ahead as planned, despite opposition from some landowners.

Mr McGuinness was responding to an Assembly question by Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson who sought assurances that the Derry to Aughnacloy and Derry to Dungiven roads would go ahead despite reports that some landowners were planning to oppose the compulsory purchase of their land.

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"These are two vitally important road projects," said Mr. McGuinness.

"I understand that there will be landowners who have concerns but there will be processes and opportunities for inquiries where people can bring forward their concerns.

"But let nobody be in any doubt whatsoever that these two projects will go ahead, they are of vital importance to us in terms of developing our economy and allowing us to attract inward investment."

Ms Anderson welcomed the Deputy First Ministers assurances.

"These roads have been a priority for Derry for decades and I am delighted that they are to proceed and the administrations in Dublin and Belfast remain steadfastly committed to this project," she said.

(NS/GK)