To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for her assessment of the need for a bypass at Ballykelly; and (ii) to detail any work carried out by her Department on this issue.

I recognise the challenges experienced by residents and businesses in Ballykelly due to traffic using the main A2 road between Coleraine and Derry, and the congestion and delays experienced by road users on this important route.

The Investment Delivery Plan for Roads, published by the Department for Regional Development in 2008, identified the delivery of the Ballykelly Bypass. Following an assessment of a number of options, a preferred route was announced in March 2010. However this scheme was not progressed any further at that time.

I am currently developing a new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) which will set out future investment and improvements to our strategic transport networks (road, rail and bus) to 2035. This will reflect my commitment to improving connectivity for the benefit of our economy and communities across Northern Ireland.

The RSTNTP will consider proposals for the further development of the strategic road network, including the section of the A2 which runs through Ballykelly. It will also consider improvements to sustainable travel options, including improvements to bus and train provision and greenways.