Infrastructure Minister Urged To 'Get On With The Job'

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has been urged to get on with the job of completing the A6 rather than pet political projects.

DUP East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell made the comments following reports that the Minister is reviewing the use of the name "Londonderry" on road signage.

Mr Campbell said: "This is a clear demonstration that the Infrastructure Minister appears more interested in road signs than the roads themselves. The A6 should have been opened months ago yet it still isn't finished. I wrote to the previous Minister over a year ago to be told there was no delay. In March she arrived for a pre-election photocall with no apology or explanation but just a dismissive statement that work was ongoing. The current Minister now tells us it will be finished 'later this year' but again with no details or explanation. Meanwhile frustrated motorists are using a single lane, 40 mph restricted, unfinished dual carriageway!

"It is particularly ironic that the question of this dual signage comes from the previous Minister's Party colleague and we see the SDLP and Sinn Fein putting politics above the need to improve conditions faced by motorists. Mark Durkan has talked about the vandalism of signage, his suggestion would lead to more vandalism. The responsible approach for any Minister and Department is not to encourage vandals by being seen to reward their criminal damage. John O'Dowd should focus on his job of getting this road opened.

"Both Sinn Fein and the SDLP regularly like to berate others about their supposed failure to deliver for Londonderry and the wider north west region. The A6 is a stark example of what so-called delivery looks like when left in the hands of these two parties. It is litany of failure and the prioritisation of pet projects above the public good."