East Derry SDLP MLA welcomes Kilrea bridge re-opening but will continue to press for new crossing
East Derry SDLP MLA Cara Hunter has welcomed the reopening of Kilrea’s Bann Bridge but says she will continue to press the Infrastructure Minister to consider a new bridge.
The bridge had been closed due to serious structural concerns and in the months since, local businesses had reported significant drops in trade, while residents and commuters faced lengthy diversions and ongoing disruption.
During the period of closure, Ms Hunter secured an Adjournment Debate in the Northern Ireland Assembly to formally raise her concerns about the economic and community impact of the disruption and to press the Department for clear timelines and accountability.
The debate highlighted the cross-constituency effects of the closure and the urgent need for both immediate and long-term planning.
MLA Hunter MLA said: "This reopening will come as a huge relief to people in Kilrea and across the wider area. For months, this closure has placed enormous strain on small businesses, workers and families who rely on this bridge every single day.
"Rural communities deserve the same urgency, transparency and respect as anywhere else.
"While I welcome that the structural stabilisation works have now been completed and access has been restored, this must be a turning point. We now need serious planning to future-proof our infrastructure so that communities are never left this exposed again.
"I will continue to press the Minister for clear short, medium and long-term plans, including the consideration of a new crossing, to protect connectivity, support local businesses and strengthen our local economy,” she concluded.