Magherafelt bypass concern
Concerns have been voiced about the route of a new £33 million by-pass proposed for Magherafelt.
By Connla Young
News that the long awaited by-pass is to get the green light was confirmed by roads minister Conor Murphy last week.
The proposed route is 5.9kms long and extends to the east of Magherafelt from the new roundabout at the Moneymore Road/Coolshinney Road junction, to tie in with the existing Castledawson Roundabout.
It will be bridged over Killyfaddy Road and Loves Road, with new roundabouts constructed at its junctions with Ballyronan Road and Aughrim Road. It is also proposed that the Killyneese Road be blocked off on either side of the new road.
But despite a broad welcome for the by-pass blueprint Magherafelt councillor William McCrea has voiced concerns.
He said: “Now at this stage the Department for Regional Development has sought to bulldoze a new preferred route through the virgin countryside irrespective of the damage that will be done to the natural environment and the farming industry.
“I feel it is disgraceful that the farming community seems to have little say in this matter even though farms are to be cut asunder and fragmented in a deplorable manner.”
The DUP man also accused DRD chiefs of wanting to take land off local farmers below the market price.
Local SDLP councillor Jim Campbell backed the by-pass proposals.
“From the outset I attended the presentation in the Bridewell and it was well attended. The general consensus among people in the town is that they would welcome the route chosen.”
Roads minister Conor Murphy said backroom work on the by-pass was well under way.
