Extra £107m for A6 this budget

East Londonderry MLA George Robinson asked Roads Minister Conor Murphy to detail the criteria used to - as he suggested - postpone the Dungiven by-pass.

But the Minister replied that development work on the A6 dualling scheme will continue during the draft budget period 2011–2015.

He also advised it was anticipated that draft Statutory Orders will be published later this year, for public consultation and that a public inquiry would likely follow in late 2011/early 2012.

He added: “I am pleased to inform you that an additional £107 million has been allocated to my Department over this budget period. This additional funding will allow for the start of road improvements on the A6 and I believe the Dungiven Bypass will be given priority.”

Mr Robison’s constituency colleague SDLP MLA John Dallat asked the Minister to reveal how much funding has been allocated in the next four financial years for the A6 road improvement project.

He explained: “The estimated cost of the scheme is within the range £350-£390 million and I am pleased to advise that an additional £107 million has been allocated to my Department over the budget period.

“This additional funding will allow for the start of road improvements on the A6, with the Dungiven Bypass expected to be given priority.”