SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed the news that the Regional Development Minister is to launch an inquiry into the proposed dualling of the A6 which would bypass Dungiven.

However he has warned that the Minister must not hope that a Public Inquiry is an end in itself and hopes that the work will finally commence, alleviating the difficulties faced by commuters and Dungiven citizens alike.

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He said: "I am glad that Danny Kennedy has announced this inquiry but it must not just be a cosmetic exercise but rather a precursor to the commencement of these much-needed works.

"It should also be completed swiftly.

"Many people make the journey from Derry to Belfast every day, and the bypassing of Dungiven would make that commute that little bit easier.

"It will also be a boon to the health and wellbeing of Dungiven residents, who currently have to live with high levels of pollution emanating from the slew of cars that sweep through the town every day.

"Conor Murphy, who preceded Danny Kennedy as DRD Minister, was unable to deliver on this much-needed project. I only hope Minister Kennedy is better able to come good on it, to the benefit of all the North-West."

(CD)