Other News In Brief

'Significant Day' As New A6 Section Opens

Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O'Neill has heralded the opening of the new A6 section as a landmark day for the North-West.

The L'Derry-Dungiven section of the A6 road officially opened to traffic today, 06 April.

Michelle O'Neill said: "This is a hugely significant day as the Derry to Dungiven section of the new A6 dual carriageway finally opens. 

"Many years of hard work have gone into transforming this road and unlocking huge opportunities for the north west and improving its connections.

"Not only will this upgrade greatly improve this road and make it safer, it will also cut journey times for the thousands of people who use the A6 every day. 

"The Dungiven bypass, which has been campaigned for for many years, will now divert the constant bottleneck of traffic out of the town and make the air cleaner for the people who live there. 

"I want to commend everyone who played a role in getting this major section of the road finished and opened."

New Claudy Park And Ride Facility Operational From 07 April

A new Park and Ride facility in Claudy will become operational from Friday 07 April, developed as part of the A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe Dualling Scheme.

The regular 212 Goldliner coach service will stop at this site offering commuters an attractive, greener and cleaner option to using a private car for their journey between the North-West and Belfast. This will also help to reduce traffic congestion and drive down emissions.

The new facility has 64 spaces, including four dedicated disabled spaces. Pedestrian crossing points have been constructed to provide accessible and safe access to the car park for commuters.

This is the third new park and ride facility delivered on the A6 Derry to Belfast route with sites already operational at Drumderg (Toome) and Drumahoe. 

New Leisure Facilities Introduced In Dromore

The community of Dromore are set to enjoy a new synthetic pitch and tennis courts at Ferris Park.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council partnered with the Education Authority on the project to upgrade this key community asset in Dromore.

Dromore High School, Dromore Ladies Hockey Club, and a variety of other local clubs will be able to use the space and take advantage of the brand new, state-of-the-art facilities. In particular, the school will also be able to ensure they meet the physical educational needs of pupils as well as providing extra-curricular activities.

"We are absolutely delighted to officially open the brand new, upgraded facilities at Ferris Park," commented Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Paul Greenfield.

"Set in the heart of Dromore, the replacement of the synthetic pitch and the tennis courts will play a huge part in encouraging the local community to get outside and get involved in physical activity in these fantastic open spaces. And, as we come into late Spring and then Summer, the timing couldn't be better! We hope that all residents, local clubs and the school will take great advantage of this facility now on their doorstep."