A5 work subject to inspection report

He said the recommendations contained in the Inspector’s report will be given full consideration by his Department.

Mr Kennedy made the pledge in response to a query from North Antrim MLA Jim Allister who asked “what purpose the Inspector’s Inquiry and report on the A5 will now serve, given his announcement on February 14, 2012 that work on the road will begin.”

He said the road is part of a balanced package of improvements to the strategic road network and that “progression of the A5 (through completion of statutory procedures and commencement of construction) is subject to the outcome of the public inquiry held last year.”

“The announcement does not prejudge the outcome of the Inspector’s report, nor compromise its independence,” he stated.

“My Department recently received the Inspector’s report and recommendations which will be given careful consideration. This will allow further development of the scheme, which will address the recommendations made by the Inspector that have been accepted by my Department, in relation to issues raised at the local inquiries,” he added.