Minister O'Dowd said: "The proposed A29 Cookstown Bypass is of strategic importance to the town and its surrounding area as it aims to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce journey times and improve road safety and the town centre environment.
"As with all major road schemes a number of statutory processes must be completed. As part of that process, earlier this year, my Department held a public consultation on the draft Statutory Orders for the scheme and during this a number of representations were received.
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"I am committed to working with the local community, businesses and all those impacted to ensure that all issues are appropriately discussed and considered. I have therefore agreed to hold an independent Public Inquiry. This will be held at the Glenavon Hotel in Cookstown, starting at 10am on Tuesday 22 October and I would encourage all interested parties to attend.
"Public Inquiries are a standard procedure in major infrastructure schemes and following the completion of the Inquiry and the receipt of the final report my Department will give full consideration to any recommendations made before any decision is made to move forward with construction."
