Magherafelt Bypass:  Update

Oral Answers to Questions – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 2:30 pm on 21 October 2014.

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Photo of Ian McCrea Ian McCrea DUP 2:30, 21 October 2014

T2. asked the Minister for Regional Development for an update on the Magherafelt bypass. (AQT 1642/11-15)

Photo of Danny Kennedy Danny Kennedy UUP

I am not sure whether that is a topical question or a typical question from the Member. [Laughter.] Significant advance works are under way as part of the delivery of the £40 million Magherafelt bypass.  Surveys have been completed to identify potential archaeological sites.  Temporary fencing has been erected and trial pit excavations have been completed to help inform the detailed design under this design-and-build contract.  It is anticipated that advance archaeological investigative trenching and vegetation clearance will start in November, for completion prior to the award of the main contract.  The procurement of the main contract is well under way and the tender return date is 24 November 2014.  Subject to there being no challenges to the award of the contract, construction work should commence early next year.

Photo of Ian McCrea Ian McCrea DUP

I thank the Minister for his answer to my typical topical question.  I do not apologise for raising the issue, as he and the colleague sitting beside him know that it is an important issue for the local constituency.  I am glad that the Minister has confirmed that things are moving progressively.  Will he ensure that the work that is done with consultants and Roads Service officials, in respect of dealing with the local farming community, is kept up to date so that the community knows exactly what is happening and that any impact on their property is reduced?  That would certainly be helpful to them.

Photo of Danny Kennedy Danny Kennedy UUP

I am grateful to the Member for his supplementary topical typical question, and I thank him for it.  The scheme will bring huge benefit to the Magherafelt area and indeed that area generally.  I think that the success of any scheme depends upon the cooperation extended and information given to local landowners, not only by the contractor but by the Department, in the early stages of the work.  We have sought to do that and will continue to do so, and I hope very much that we can make progress and, indeed, enjoy the full cooperation of landowners and people in that area because, of course, there will be issues and challenges and there will undoubtedly be inconvenience to them.  However, I think that, having waited 40 years for the scheme — as Mrs Overend continues to remind me — it is important to them that we move it forward as quickly as possible.