A MEETING took place in the Alley Theatre last week to discuss the current situation surrounding the A5 Western Transport Corridor (WTC), which, when completed, will be the largest road infrastructure project ever built in Ireland.

The A5 WTC is one of five key transport corridor upgrades identified in the Regional Transportation Strategy and represents a significant link in longer term plans to improve connections between Dublin, the City of Derry and Donegal.

When the Irish Government announced in 2007 that they were to spend £400m improving Northern Ireland roads, the Northern Ireland Executive agreed to take forward the A5 dualling project.

The Roads Service appointed consulting and business provider Mouchel as their advisor. Mouchel have recently begun a route corridor study for the stretch of the A5 between Derry and Aughnacloy.

A number of these public exhibitions are being held throughout the North to explain the objectives of the scheme and to obtain public opinion. Feedback will be considered in the development of route corridor options, along with the assessment of environmental, safety, economic, accessibility and integration issues. To further enhance the public's opportunity for comment, a website has been set up to keep stakeholders informed of the proposals.

Present at the meeting on Thursday was Pat Doherty, owner of the project, Conor Loughrey, sponsor, Peter Edwards, Assistant Project Director, and key members of Mouchel.

The main concerns of the people present were; where the preferred route corridor was going to be, what factors would be considered, when the decision would be made, how far the public would be consulted and informed of any decisions, how it would effect local landowners, and if/how compensation would be rewarded.

Pat Doherty revealed that the people of Strabane would be liaised with closely during the process due to the number of constraints surrounding the project within the area, such as environmental and land issues. He assured those present that if local landowners found themselves at a disadvantage they would be compensated.

The announcement of the preferred corridor is thought to take place in late 2008, with the announcement of the preferred route to follow in mid 2009. The publication of Draft Orders will then take place in 2010.

Throughout this period, the project officers welcome as much feedback from the public as possible. This can be done through various means; via the website, calling the helpline or writing to the Consultation Manager. All of this information is available on the Proposed Improvements Brochure.