DLP West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne has welcomed the result of a public inquiry which has given the go-ahead to two sections of the proposed A5 upgrade.

Mr Byrne, who appeared at the public inquiry, said: “This is a very positive and progressive move which should now remove any legal impediment for work on the Newbuildings to Strabane and the Ballygawley to Omagh stretches of the A5 to begin in September.

“I look forward immensely to that work commencing and being conducted swiftly and efficiently to provide a high-quality roadway which will benefit individuals and businesses in this part of the North and further afield.

-- Advertisement --

“There are still issues surrounding the other two stretches of the road: the Strabane to Omagh section requires more funding and the Ballygawley to Aughnacloy section will be delayed until there is clarity over how the government in the Republic intend to act regarding the integration of it with the Monaghan roads system. However, for the two sections that have been cleared by the inquiry, their completion is essential for the good of the area.

“A sound roads network across the North is a huge facet in our economic development and progression and the A5 is an extremely important part of that network.”

(GK)