By 
A NEW trial surface which has been tested on a section of the road around Moorlough has been deemed to be suitable by the Department for Agriculture, paving the way for the entire 1.8km route around the lough to be similarly resurfaced.
West Tyrone MLA Maolíosa McHugh welcomed confirmation from Minister Edwin Poots that the new trial surface has been a success.
The Sinn Féin representative had previously made representations to the Minister on the issue.
“Moorlough is a natural amenity which is widely used and enjoyed by local people for walking, water sports and fishing but the bad state of repair of the road surface around the amenity has been a constant source of complaint from users and has acted as a barrier to more people trying to access these facilities.
“Local councillor Dan Kelly has been working within council and with the relevant agencies over many years to secure the necessary investments so that Moorlough can fulfil is full potential and, as an interim measure, has been lobbying to have the road around the lough brought up to a basic standard to enable disability access and to make it passable by car.”
He added, “Advising that the necessary tender documentation to repair the next section of the lane way is being prepared, it is anticipated that this will be completed for the start of the new game angling season in March 2021.
“While the Minister cautioned that the final 500 metres of roadway will be repaired when finance becomes available he gave a commitment that some temporary repairs will be carried out to the most damaged areas this year.”