The Freight Transport Association (FTA) says the announcement of nearly £500 million funding for upgrades to the A5 and A6 in Northern Ireland is good news for transport operators.
The NI Executive has allocated money towards the improvements announced in the Stormont Budget on 17 December. Both are vital strategic routes, with the A5 improving connectivity between Londonderry and Dublin as well as enhancing the network for operators in West Tyrone.
The A6 is an important route for the freight and logistics industry as it carries 70% of traffic between Londonderry and Belfast, as well serving Larne port and the numerous distribution centres located in Greater Belfast that supply businesses in the North West.
Seamus Leheny, FTA’s Policy Manager for Northern Ireland, said: “Our members have stressed the importance of upgrading the A6 as it often leads to delayed journey, late deliveries and a knock-on effect on the supply chain for the entire North West. It has consistently beenthe section of road in Northern Ireland that they have complained most about for years.”
FTA understands that work should start in 2016 on the A6 section between the end of the M2 Motorway at Randalstown and Castledawson.
Mr Leheny said: “FTA has lobbied for the A6 upgrade for several years now. I have discussed it with several MLAs, the previous Department of Regional Development (DRD) Minister Danny Kennedy and numerous DRD officials. It is now satisfying to see we are close to this project getting started that will have not just benefits for the transport and logistics sector but wider industry and commerce in Londonderry and the whole of the North West.”
Until work commences, FTA will continue to lobby local government to get the project underway and set a schedule for completion.
