A2 widening can help unlockpotential of Fort George: MLA

That’s the view of Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson, who recently met with officials from the Department for Communities to discuss economic development opportunities at the former British Army base.

She said the potential of the site will be maximised when there is progress on the proposed dualling of the road.

“Whilst many people are aware that there are outline proposals for a health hub to be developed on the Fort George site, I requested this meeting as it is clear that the site’s economic potential must also be fully nurtured.

“During our discussion, I raised the potential for the possible expansion of the existing Catalyst Inc. (NW Science Park) which has already proved to be a major success in allowing our local I.T. focussed small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to thrive and expand.

“The sheer scale of the Fort George site means that acres of space will be available for either the potential development of Grade A office accommodation or a range of other potential uses.

“For Fort George to reach its full potential, progress on the proposed dualling of the A2 Buncrana Road is absolutely necessary,” she said.

During the summer, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said she intended progressing the A2 scheme as part of her plans to aid economic recovery. She said she was keen to ‘get the wheels in motion’ on the long-awaited scheme.

Ms. Anderson said: “Without this road being expanded, access to the Fort George site will be severely restricted which in turn will impact the economic potential of the site.

“There is an onus on Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon to earmark funding to allow work on the A2 project to be fast tracked.

“I and my colleague Karen Mullan MLA will do all in our power to lobby ministers to progress the long overdue development of the Fort George site.”