SDLP representatives elected to Westminster and the Assembly met Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy today to discuss the future of the A5 project held up by a legal ruling on habitat issues.

The delegation emphasised to the Minister the need to resolve the issue in the shortest possible time frame.

The Party's Spokesperson on Regional Development John Dallat said: "The Minister understands the SDLP's commitment to the A5 project which is much more than a road way. It is an economic hub critical to the regeneration of the North West. It is unthinkable that this project does not go ahead and that is not an option for consideration.

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"We were told that the delay could be as much as two years and it may be necessary to take decisions to avoid the money going back to the Treasury. In those circumstances the A6 project which includes a bypass at Dungiven is an option but we emphasise it is not an alternative.

"The meeting was frank and forthright with a clear vision of what should happen both in the short term and in the longer term when this setback, which we regard as temporary, is resolved.

"Both our MPs at Westminster and our MLAs at Stormont will continue to meet with the Minister on a regular basis as well as maintain regular contact with our colleagues in Dáil Éireann."

(CD)