SDLP MLA: A6 upgrade ends at Castledawson, but NW is another 40 miles further on

The Minister for Infrastructure Chris Hazzard has stated that the promised coupling of the A6 will begin in October.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Aug 2016, 10:23 BST
Updated 18th Aug 2016, 11:50 BST
The A6 Moneynick Road, above, which is due to be upgraded soon, is only part of the Belfast to Londonderry routeThe A6 Moneynick Road, above, which is due to be upgraded soon, is only part of the Belfast to Londonderry route
The A6 Moneynick Road, above, which is due to be upgraded soon, is only part of the Belfast to Londonderry route

Someone needs to tell Mr Hazzard that the A6 does not end at Castledawson, it continues for around 40 miles before reaching Derry.

The coupling of this nine-mile stretch of road between Randalstown and Castledawson is far short of what Sinn Fein promised to people west of the Bann during the election.

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At no point does the minister say that this is the first stage in the total upgrade. It would seem his plan is to do the bare minimum and let his party spin it as mission accomplished.

We must also question why this development is taking place closer to Belfast than to Derry when the minister claims that his goal is to address the economic neglect of the West.

This announcement will be disappointing for the people of Dungiven who are still waiting for a bypass and by everyone who will continue in a single lane of traffic over and beyond the Glenshane pass.

Daniel McCrossan MLA, SDLP Infrastructure spokesperson

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Related topics:Chris HazzardSDLPDerry