Over £1Billion Transport Investment Planned For North West

That was the message that northern Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy delivered when he visited the city last week.

He underscored the message by highlighting that 300 people are already tasked with progressing the A5 and A6 schemes and also announced that £86 million will be invested in the railway line reducing times between Belfast and Derry by half an hour.

Speaking to an audience from Derry City Council and Derry Chamber of Commerce, Minister Conor Murphy said: "Investment in transport is a key driver of economic development and I'm determined to address regional disparities in infrastructure investment. This planned investment of over £1 billion is a real commitment to high quality road and public transport linkages and is crucial to sustain economic growth and competitiveness.

"Several key roads schemes will significantly benefit the North West. The scale of the A5 project is unprecedented in Ireland, providing 88km of new dual carriageway from Aughnacloy to Derry at an estimated cost in excess of £600 million, significantly improving journey times and safety on the journey to and from Dublin. Already some 200 people are working on the project and a preferred route will be chosen by mid 2009.

"I welcome the £400million contribution from the Irish Government which will assist in funding this A5 project."