NI's Minister for Infrastructure has been slammed by the SDLP over his decision to proceed with work on a major dualling scheme in Northern Ireland.

Minister Chris Hazzard announced construction work is to begin on the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling Scheme in October this year.

However, SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson Daniel McCrossan MLA, said the scheme will only address nine miles of the road and is "far short" of what Sinn Féin promised the people west of the Bann during the election.

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Mr McCrossan said: "Someone needs to tell Mr Hazzard that the A6 does not end at Castledawson, it continues for around 40 miles before reaching Derry. The coupling of this 9 mile stretch of road between Randalstown and Castledawson is far short of what Sinn Féin promised to people west of the Bann during the election.

"At no point does the Minister say that this is the first stage in the total upgrade. It would seem his plan is to do the bare minimum and let his party spin it as mission accomplished.

"We must also question why this development is taking place closer to Belfast than to Derry when the Minister claims that his goal is to address the economic neglect of the West."

(CD/JP)