SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed confirmation of a £525,000 resurfacing of the Aileach Road in Ballymagroarty following sustained representations to the Department for Infrastructure and the Infrastructure Minister.

The MLA for Foyle, Mr Durkan said: "Persistent pressure has paid off. I have been continually pressing the Department and the Minister to invest in Ballymagroarty's road network. I'm pleased that we've now secured resurfacing works for the Aileach Road.

"The condition of roads in and around Ballymagroarty has been unacceptable for far too long. Residents have had to contend with an obstacle course of potholes, deteriorating road surfaces and repeated temporary patch repairs that have not addressed the underlying issues. That is not to mention damage sustained to vehicles by motorists who have fallen foul of a few particularly nasty potholes at the top of Aileach Road.

"The Department has confirmed that resurfacing will take place from the Branch Road roundabout to just beyond the Ringfort Road roundabout, as well as the junction of Aileach Road and O'Donnell Avenue.”

placeholder image — Aileach Road potholes.

Mr Durkan added: “This is a positive start and I’ll keep pressing the Department to ensure these works are delivered swiftly and that the remaining roads across Ballymagroarty and the wider city, receive the attention they deserve after years of underfunding and neglect. I’ve also sought clarity from the Department around the delayed resurfacing works at both Garden City and O’Donovan Road.”

It is hoped by MLA Durkan that the work will be completed by the end of this week.