by Alan Rodgers
A DERRYBEG mother left shattered by the death of her son on the A5 hopes that approval for a new dual carriageway along the route will spare other families from experiencing the heartbreak they have endured.
Killian Doherty (19) from Drumquin, died alongside his friend, Maurice McCloughan, at Doogary, Tyrone in 2016.
They are among the 54 people who have lost their lives on this route since 2007.
The friends had been travelling back from Greencastle in Tyrone, where they had stayed with Mr Doherty’s aunt the night before.
Tragically, Carmel Doherty – who had been visiting her daughter in England when news of the incident emerged – frantically tried to phone her son as she knew he would be travelling on that stretch of the road at that time.
The Stormont Executive approved plans for the £1 billion project yesterday (Wednesday) evening.
Work is expected to begin next year, provided there are no further legal challenges to the long-awaited scheme.
Carmel Doherty, who lives in Drumquin, is originally from Stranacorka, Derrybeg. She has welcomed the announcement from the First Minister, Deputy First Minister, and Infrastructure Minister.
“Nothing will bring Killian back, but this is really good news. Hopefully, no family will have to go through what we’ve experienced,” she said.
“I’ve never driven on the A5 since Killian died. It’s a road I try to avoid because I just don’t have peace of mind when I’m on it.
“It is brilliant that the plans are going ahead, and the sooner work starts, the better. We’ve been so angry over the years with the delays preventing the road from going ahead. My message to the politicians is to build it now and waste no more time.”
News of the road approval has also been welcomed by the Enough is Enough Campaign. Launched by Tyrone GAA, the group’s efforts to highlight the devastation caused by the A5 and the potential impact of a new dual carriageway played a significant role in last year’s resumed Public Inquiry.
Its chairman, Niall McKenna, said that the announcement provides an opportunity to remember those devastated by road traffic collisions on the A5 and to look forward to the “huge social, economic, and cultural benefits” expected from the eventual completion of the dual carriageway.
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