38 landowners affected by Dungiven bypass scheme

Regional development minister Michelle McIlveen released the statistic in response to Sinn Fein’s Cathal O’hOisin who asked in the assembly how many landowners will be affected by development of the A6 scheme, which includes the Dungiven bypass.

In her response to Mr O’hOisin, she said approximately 266 landowners will be affected by the multi million pound scheme, including approximately 38 by Dungiven bypass.

She said 104 landowners will be affected by Dungiven to Claudy section of the scheme.

From Claudy to Drumahoe approximately 83 landowners will be affected by this section of the scheme, said the minister, adding that from Drumahoe to Maydown approximately 41 landowners will be affected by this section of the scheme.

Speaking in Dungiven last month the minister told the ‘Journal’ the 4.8km Dungiven bypass is a priority, and work is hoped to start by 2018/19.

“That’s the intention and we are very hopeful of that,” she said. “At this stage we are confident we can proceed on the Dungiven bypass.”

However, the minister was unable to provide a completion date.

She also cautioned that the £400m dualling scheme of the Derry to Dungiven road is to proceed subject to future funding.

When asked about funding, the minister told the ‘Journal’: “There’s a commitment through ‘Fresh Start’ from the Executive that this scheme will proceed.

“Obviously, the further end of that scheme will be subject to further budget, but we are confident that we can proceed with the Dungiven bypass.”

The minister said officials continued to work with land and homeowners affected.