by Ronan McSherry

Archaeological finds during the upgrading work on the A5 road from Balygawley to Aughnacloy have served to reinforce the magnitude of the project being undertaken by the Department of Regional Development (DRD).

A series of information days regarding the planned upgrade of the A5 from Aughnacloy to Derry to a dual carriageway are taking place in four towns. They wre held in Omagh and Ballygawley this week.

It is the largest project of its type ever to be undertaken in the North and this announcement follows last summer's confirmation by DRD Minister Conor Murphyof a £400 million contribution bythe Irish Government to road improvements on the A5 and the A8 between Belfast and Larne.

The UH has been contacted by curious motorists who claim they saw a team of up to 12 people on their hands and knees closely examining the ground at a point between Ballygawley and Aughnacloy.

A spokesperson for the DRD said, "As expected in a drumlin landscape, there have been archaeological finds, however nothing of significant proportion. Archaeological features such as burnt mounds, post-holes and evidence of early dwellings from the neolithical Bronze Age and also prehistoric times have been uncovered."

Urging constituents to attend the forthcoming information days, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty said, "This is an important first step in terms of the public consultation dimension to this project and a necessary step in the identification of the preferred corridor by late 2OO8 and the preferred corridor route by mid-2009.

"I hope that as many people as possible to come along to the information day in your local area so that you can acquaint yourself with what is being proposed.

"I have been assured by DRD Minister Conor Murphy that while his department is legally obliged to follow the same strict statutory procedures for this project as for all infrastructure projects, he is determined to see the A5 dual carriageway become operational at the earliest possible date. I would encourage everyone to take ownership of the process at this early stage so as to decrease the potential for delays like legal challenges against the recommended route at a later stage."

Minister Conor Murphy said, "Roads Service is committed to improving the physical infrastructure within the North of Ireland. The A5 upgrading project will improve journey times and road safety for motorists and will also generate much wider social and economic benefits for the North West."

The remaining public exhibitions, which are open from noon until 8pm, will be held on:

Thursday, May 8 at Alley Theatre, Tourist Information Centre, Strabane

Friday, May 9 at the Everglades Hotel, Derry.