A £3.5 million investment for the Dungannon and South Tyrone has been announced by Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy.

Speaking ahead of yesterday's meeting between Roads Service and the Council, the Minister was pleased to note that works on the A4 dualling from Dungannon to Ballygawley were progressing well and publication of the preferred corridor for the A5 was expected by the end of the year.

The Minister said: "2007/08 has 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 this important function.

"The additional resources mean that around £75 million has been invested in the structural maintenance of our roads last year and it is planned to send 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 in the north."

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Speaking at the meeting, Roads Service's Divisional Roads Manager Mr Pat Doherty 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 pounds. Roads Service is currently considering how this work will be programmed and delivered. The recently published plan had major schemes of benefit to the Borough. By far the biggest challenge facing us is the A5 dualling."

Last month Roads Service carried out a series of public information days at four locations along the A5 route, at Ballygawley, Omagh, Strabane and Derry.

"The objective of these days was to raise awareness of the project and seek public comments. The information gathered will be used to help select the preferred corridor,” said Mr Doherty.

“Roads Service has also noted the recent decision on the reform of public administration and will be considering the revised working arrangements and structural changes that will need to be agreed and implemented by 2011.

"Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on service delivery in the Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council area."

(JM/NS)