The SDLP has expressed disappointment after a legal challenge against the development of a section of the A6 is to go-ahead.

Party Leader Colum Eastwood said for the people of Derry and the west it feels like "Groundhog day".

Mr Eastwood said: "We cannot have a repeat of the A5 debacle which saw a legal challenge quash another piece of vital infrastructure promised and typically not delivered by the Executive.

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"I hope the Executive have learned their lesson and ensured that the proposal for the A6 is airtight in regards to planning and environmental protection.

"The A6 does not start and end between Randalstown and Castledawson. While we await the outcome of this challenge the Minister should consider starting work on less contentious stretches of the A6. Dualling the stretch between Dungiven and Drumahoe would be a good start."

(CD/LM)