Irish Trucker News | Derry historians try to prevent link road work

Derry historians try to prevent link road work

A group of Derry historians are looking for an injunction to stop work starting on the new Skeoge link road as it will cross the route of the former Lough Swilly railway line.

The case is expected to be heard on Friday, October 13th. It is expected to delay work on the new road until spring 2007.

The road will provide a connection between the Foyle Bridge and Buncrane road. As well as reducing traffic congestion on the Buncrana and Culmore roads, the connection will be an important route for thousands of new homes.

The group is opposed to the route as it crosses the rail bed of the old Lough Swilly railway. From 1852 to 1853 the firm provided a rail link from Derry into Donegal. Trains went as far as Carndonagh in Inishowen and Burtonport in west Donegal. The company still runs a bus service connecting Derry and Donegal.

Shantallow councilor Tony Hassan said that the historical importance of the area should be examined.