Buncrana Road upgrade commitment welcomed

Colr. Tierney said that the upgrade - which will see two lanes of traffic, new roundabouts and access routes from Pennyburn roundabout to the border sat Bridgend - is a critical infrastructure project that will unlock more of Derry’s potential and help deliver further investment.

He said: “The Buncrana Road upgrade is a critical infrastructure project for this city and for the North West. The Council has already taken steps to maximise our economic potential by taking positive planning decisions to deliver new jobs and investment opportunities. This road upgrade will level up that potential again.

“Only five months in the job and Nichola Mallon is continuing to prioritise projects and schemes that will make a measurable difference to people here.

“The SDLP said that we would go into government to transform our communities and improve the lives of everyone living here. This announcement is proof of our commitment to Derry. I’m looking forward to working with the Minister to deliver more for people here.”

The overall Buncrana Road scheme is 4.4 kms in length and is estimated to cost around £70 million.

There are ongoing discussions with landowners whose properties are affected by the scheme.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced her intention to progress the plans to dual Buncrana Road and a number of other strategic infrastructure schemes and flagship projects as part of her plan to aid economic recovery and community transformation.

Within the Minister’s budget statement to the Assembly on Wednesday, she included the funding for the continued development of these projects and Ms. Mallon has now asked officials to “push forward on the development of these important schemes such as the A1 Junctions Phase 2, A24 Ballynahinch By Pass, A4 Enniskillen Southern By Pass, Newry Southern Relief Road, A29 Cookstown By Pass, A2 Buncrana Road and A32 ( Omagh to Enniskillen) at Cornamuck”.

The Department said the Minister has now set the wheels in motion and has asked officials to work at pace to progress these schemes, and intends to provide further announcements later to keep the public updated on progress.

The Minister has also reaffirmed her commitment to the A5 and A6 schemes. While Covid-19 has impacted construction work on the A6, this is continuing and it is hoped that the Toome to Castledawson section could be completed in Spring 2021.

In relation to the A5, following a public inquiry and the successful completion of the statutory processes, construction could commence in mid 2021.

Minister Mallon said: “These strategic and flagship road improvement schemes span Northern Ireland and will deliver for many communities and help to address regional imbalance.

“Many communities across the North have waited a long time for progress to be made and, while Covid-19 has left considerable challenges, I have been determined to get the wheels in motion and get these schemes back on track.

“Each scheme is at a different stage and I have asked my officials to bring forward plans to press ahead in the short and longer term.

“While these are uncertain and difficult times, with a focus on green recovery, I also recognise that our road infrastructure needs updated to relieve traffic in towns, explore options for active travel and reshape our places to deliver towns and cities that work for our communities and aid economic growth.

“I hope to be in a position in the coming weeks to provide a further update on the progress being made.”