Northern Ireland Assembly Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £12 million in Derry City Council area this year.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Derry City Council, the Minister said: “The preferred corridor of the proposed dualling of the A6 between Dungiven and Derry, has been chosen and was presented to the public at various Community Information events in September. Civil Engineering Consultants have now been appointed to examine potential road alignments within this corridor. Roads Service would hope to announce a 'preferred route' for the proposed dualling in spring 2009.

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"A public enquiry was held in March regarding the proposed dualling of the A2 between Maydown and City of Derry Airport. My Department has received the Inspector’s report and is giving it consideration before announcing the way ahead for the scheme."

Two other major schemes in the area which are now under construction are the £4.5 million Crescent Link dualling, which commenced in April. Once completed it will complete the strategic route from Foyle Bridge through to Buncrana Road and on to Donegal, removing through traffic from Glengalliagh Road, and the £1.6 million Crescent Link dualling, which started in April, is expected by the end of November. This is the third and final phase of the Crescent Link.

The Minister added: "Other schemes which have already been completed in the Derry City Council area this financial year include 1.4km of resurfacing on the A6 Glenshane Road, Drumahoe at a cost of £460,000 and various traffic management measures in the city such as a new pelican crossing on Rock Road at the University and an extension to the Masonic Car Park at the top of Bishop Street to provide an additional 58 parking spaces."

(JM)