West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has welcomed the news that the public inquiry into A5 Derry to Dublin upgrade has favoured the scheme going ahead.

Mr Doherty said: "The A5 upgrade is crucial to the economic development of the entire North West region so I welcome the news that the public inquiry has come out in favour of proceeding.

"Sinn Féin has been the lead party in the campaign for the upgrade of this strategic road transport corridor so todays news is a good story for the North West and the whole of the island.

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"This is the largest ever infrastructural project west of the Bann and means that people will now be in a position to enjoy the tangible benefits such as significant cuts to journey times, increased roads safety, reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality and enhancement of the economic competitiveness of the region.

"I am also aware of concerns of those people who have objected to the project and I would call on the planners and developers to work closely with these people to minimise disruption to their lives."

(CD/GK)