Improved road links to Belfast and Dublin is a ‘win, win, win and win again’ for North West: Chamber president

Derry’s Chamber of Commerce has strongly welcomed the commitment by Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard to fast delivery of Derry’s key road connections to Belfast and Dublin.

Chamber President Gavin Killeen said improved road links to Belfast and to Dublin were essential to the economy of the North West.

The local business group has been demanding the upgrade of both routes for several years.

Mr Killeen said he “warmly” welcomed the announcement by Mr Hazzard that both road upgrades would be undertaken and completed as a matter of urgency.

Mr Killeen added: “Faster road connections will provide many benefits for businesses in and around Derry.

“They will improve business productivity.

“They will extend the region’s travel to work area and reduce commuting times.

“They will extend the geographical reach of many of our businesses. In addition, the construction phase will itself create local jobs.

“In fact, it is a win, win, win and win again for our region.

“Having said that, improved connectivity from better roads will be hit if the UK votes to leave the EU, with the result that a hard border is imposed that creates new physical barriers to doing business across the north west.”