To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any work that has been undertaken on assessing (i) pollution; and (ii) congestion levels in Ballykelly, to discern the views of locals and commuters in relation to the need and benefits of the proposed Ballykelly bypass.

The preferred route for Ballykelly Bypass was announced in 2010, however due to the lack of funding this scheme has not been progressed and no further development work has been undertaken. At that time an assessment on pollution and traffic was undertaken, however given the passage of time these will need to be reassessed.

The A2 Ballykelly Bypass Stage 2 Assessment Report, published in 2010, contains further information and can be viewed using the following link:

www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/drd/A2-ballykelly-bypass-stage-2-assessement-report.pdf

My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government. The value of our infrastructure cannot be overstated, and I will continue to work with Executive colleagues to ensure appropriate investment is made.