AQW 8404/16-21

Mr Gerry Mullan
Social Democratic and Labour Party
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 02/12/2016
Answered On Date: 14/12/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for a timeframe for the completion of the A6.

Answer:

The A6 is one of the Executive’s Flagship projects. My Department is currently progressing two separate dualling projects on the A6 route; Randalstown to Castledawson and Derry to Dungiven. Both of these projects will significantly improve connectivity between Derry and Belfast and contribute to enhancing the economy of the Northwest.

In August I announced my intention to proceed with the £160m Randalstown to Castledawson dualling scheme and the making of the Vesting Order. This 14.7km scheme comprises two sections of new dual carriageway located either side of the Toome Bypass.

In September an application for Leave for a Judicial Review was received. On the 24 November 2016 the courts ruled out five of the six grounds stated in the application for the Judicial Review. A Judicial Review hearing on the one remaining ground relating to the Habitats Directive will be heard early in the new year.

While I had hoped that we would have been able to proceed immediately with this strategically important scheme, I look forward to an early date for the hearing.

All preliminary works adjacent to the environmentally sensitive, Special Protection Area, home to the Whooper Swans have been completed in accordance with our environmental commitments. Preliminary works are ongoing along the remainder of the scheme.

I am also currently working with officials to consider options for commencing construction on the unchallenged section of this project, from Randalstown to Toome, should the Judicial Review process cause significant delay.

The 30km Derry to Dungiven scheme, which includes a 5km bypass of Dungiven, is well advanced in terms of development.

Work is progressing to determine the extent of the Derry to Dungiven scheme that can be delivered within the funding allocations contained in the December 2015 Budget Statement, with priority being given to commencing construction with a bypass of Dungiven and progressing westwards towards Drumahoe.

I am fully committed to maximising the upgrading of the A6 during this mandate and I am currently engaging with officials about expediting delivery of the scheme. Subject to completing the statutory orders and confirmation of funding in the forthcoming budget, construction work on this Derry to Dungiven dualling project could commence in the latter part of 2018/19.