A public inquiry is expected to be held by the end of this year on the development of the A5 Western Transport Corridor.

Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin has welcomed the announcement and said the next stage will see the publication of the draft vesting orders, together with the environmental statement for the upgrade.

-- Advertisement --

She said: "That will also involve a six-week public consultation, which will include a series of exhibitions along the route.

"After that a decision will be made on holding a public inquiry but the minister has indicated it is likely that such an inquiry will be held by the end of the year."

(CD/JP)