Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has unveiled a £5 million investment plan for the Derry City Council area.

Yesterday the Minister met with the Roads Service and Derry City Council, to outline a number of minor schemes taking place in the area.

Minister Murphy said: "The existing bridge in Park Village is being widened to provide a footway connection within the village. The C516 Trench Road is to be widened and verges provided at a number of locations between Killymallaght Road and Disertowen crossroads."

The Minister also discussed traffic calming schemes proposed at Temple Road, Marlborough Road, Benview Estate, Bishop Street Without and Blackburn Avenue.

Also proposed in the investment plans are traffic calming measures near St. Eithne's Primary School and Holy Child Primary School, Creggan, to make the routes safer.

Mr Murphy said 2007/08 had been a successful year for structural maintenance, after a strong bid by Roads Service for additional funds led to more than £17 million of extra funding being allocated to the department.

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"The additional resources mean that around £75 million was invested in the structural maintenance of our roads last year and it is planned to spend a further £200 million over the next three years. The maintenance of surfaces and underlying structures of roads and footways is essential for the social and economic well-being in all areas," said the Minister.

Nearly £2.2 million will be spent on various structural maintenance projects in the Derry City Council area this year. This will include resurfacing works, planned for this summer, at the A6 Altnagelvin, which is estimated to cost around half a million pounds.

Speaking at yesterday’s meeting, Roads Service's Principle Engineer Uel Wilson said there were significant challenges to be faced.

"The Investment Strategy anticipates a large programme of trunk road improvements over the next ten years, with investment totalling £3.1 billion. Roads Service is currently considering how this work will be programmed and delivered."

Mr Wilson said the Roads Service has recognised the recent decision on the reform of public administration. The Principle Engineer said the department will be considering the revised working arrangements and structural changes that will need to be agreed and implemented by 2011.

But Mr Wilson said "despite these challenges", Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in Derry City Council area.

The Roads Service has pledged to minimise disruption in the area by giving motorists advance warning of road-works through signage and information prior to works.

(PR/JM)