“White line” protests are to take place on the main Derry to Belfast road on the first Friday of every month by Dungiven residents angered at the delay in constructing a bypass round the town.
Dungiven Main Street.
The Co Derry town, now the only one situated on the Derry to Belfast thoroughfare, have been calling for a bypass for 40 years, citing health concerns caused by exhaust fumes by the heavy volume of traffic through its Main Street.
Locals have been angered that in the recent allocation of Stormont funding for road projects, no allocation was made for the provision of a bypass. Indeed, no funding was provided for any road improvements throughout the North West.
Local Sinn Fein councillor Sean McGlinchey said the first `’white line” protest on Friday last was a “success” and was hopeful more people would take part in future demonstrations.
Cllr McGlinchey said: “Our first one was a success and I hope that, as more people start to hear about it, we can increase the numbers.”
Cllr McGlinchey revealed the Dungiven Bypass Committee was to meet this week to “try and work out the best way forward.
He also said he was hopeful the campaign would draw cross-party support.
He added: “ “The people of Dungiven have been waiting 40 years for this bypass to happen. The first meeting was held in Dungiven Parochial house in 1972. People here are frustrated and feel very much overlooked. The lack of progress is a joke.”
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