Ulster Unionist Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy today announced his decision to hold a Public Inquiry into the proposed 30km, A6 Londonderry to Dungiven dualling project.

The recent formal consultation period associated with the project, which ran from 14 December 2011 until 2 March 2012, attracted 122 objections and 11 representations.

Announcing his decision, the Minister said: "As expected there has been considerable interest in the proposed A6 dualling project and it is important that Public Inquiries are held to discuss and debate the issues of contention associated with the published Draft Orders and Environmental Statement.

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"The Public Inquiry provides a process where the representations and objections from affected landowners, businesses and local residents can be heard in an open and independent forum. I hope many of the matters of concern can be addressed either before or at the Public Inquiry."

The Public Inquiry is scheduled to start towards the end of September 2012.

The A6 Dualling project extends from a new roundabout on the A2 at Stradreagh, Londonderry passing north of Drumahoe and closely following the route of the existing A6 to beyond Claudy where it then runs to the south of the existing A6, bypassing Dungiven and rejoining the existing A6 just east of Dungiven. The project also includes widening and realignment of the existing A2 between Caw and Maydown roundabouts and the construction of 27 bridges and underpasses. The total length of the project is 30km.

(CD)