Sinn Féin put focus on rural roads across South Derry

The Sinn Féin minister with responsibility for roads, Chris Hazzard, has site meetings in South Derry to discuss local concerns as highlighted by his party colleagues, Ian Milne MLA, Councillor Kate McEldowney and Councillor Brian McGuigan.

Issues discussed included: the need for new speed restrictions in the area adjacent to Spires Integrated Primary School in Magherafelt; the completion of a programme of road maintenace at Five Mile Straight (Moneyneaney) as well as the need for resurfacing at Slaughtneil Road (Tirkane)

Councillor Brian McGuigan said: "On 14 June, the Finance Minister announced the outcome of June monitoring.

“As a result of the capital allocation to the Department of Infrastructure my party colleague, Chris Hazzard was pleased to be able to announce that the £10 million rural roads initiative would be launched.

“The rural roads initiative will target sections of the network in greatest need of repair, with the £10 million funding targeted at the areas of greatest need right across the four Transport NI divisions.

“The £10 million will deliver up to 1,000 small-scale resurfacing schemes on short lengths of rural roads with high numbers of potholes. The schemes started immediately so that the benefits will be realised as early as possible.

"We welcomed Minister Hazzard on his visit to South Derry. As improving rural roads will make a real difference to the lives of those living in rural communities we were most pleased to be able to identify the sections in greatest need. We hope to have a response from Department officials in the very near future."

Photo shows Infrastructure Minister, Chris Hazzard, pictured with Sinn Fein party colleagues Ian Milne MLA, Cllr Brian McGuigan and Cllr. Kate McEldowney.