Freighters say A6 go-ahead will boost Derry economy

He said: “This news means work can now commence on upgrading this antiquated piece of the road network, to ensure that another piece of the A6 jigsaw is completed.

“Goods will have improved journey time reliability, something that has held back businesses in the affected region in the past and has been proved unattractive to potential inward investment.”

Mr. Leheny said the majority of goods going to and from Derry transit via the A6 due to their general origin at distribution centres in the Greater Belfast area and ports at Belfast and Larne.

He added: “After years of lobbying ministers and government officials to proceed with improving the A6, FTA warmly welcomes the decision taken today and looks forward not just to this section’s completion in due course, but to the progression of plans for upgrading several other sections of the A6 to L’Derry.

“An improved A6 will not only assist businesses in the north west to send and receive goods faster and cheaper, but it will also help attract inward investment to the region, as the ability to transport goods to market efficiently is a key criterion for any company considering investing in a new location.

“We look forward to the improvement works taking place swiftly and efficiently, to ensure that freight can move freely across the region and keep our businesses trading.”