Major resurfacing programme in Moygashel welcomed

Dungannon councillor Clement Cuthbertson has welcomed confirmation that the entire main road in Moygashel is scheduled for resurfacing during the current financial year, following continued representations to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Roads.

The announcement follows a meeting between Cllr Cuthbertson and DfI Roads engineers, although the precise timetable for the works has yet to be confirmed.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Cuthbertson said: “This is something I have been pressing the department on for some considerable time, and it is very welcome news for the village.

“However, this will be a major undertaking and will involve considerably more than simply laying a new road surface.

“I fully appreciate that a scheme of this scale will inevitably cause significant disruption to local businesses, residents and those travelling through the village. However, given the condition of the road and the length of time we have waited for these improvements, I believe the temporary inconvenience will be worthwhile to secure a much-needed long-term improvement.

“I understand that discussions will be taking place with local businesses and the school to coordinate the works and minimise disruption wherever possible.

“It is important that those directly affected are kept fully informed and that their concerns are taken into consideration when planning the scheme. At this stage, it remains uncertain whether the works can be accommodated before December or whether they will take place in the early part of the new year, potentially in the spring.”

UUP Dungannon representative Ian Irwin also welcomed the news, saying the resurfacing commitment followed five years of lobbying by himself and Diana Armstrong MLA.

“This has been a long-standing concern for local residents, and I’m particularly pleased to see progress on an issue initially raised directly with me by Moygashel resident Victor McNickle.

“I’m pleased that our continued efforts have helped secure a commitment to the resurfacing scheme.

“While we await confirmation of a specific timeframe for the works, this is a very positive step forward for Moygashel.”

However, the Department for Infrastructure said officials were still considering its programme of works for the 2026/27 financial year, with programmes dependent on budgets being confirmed.

A DfI spokesperson told the Courier: “Officials are currently considering the 2026/27 programme of works, details of which will be included in my Department’s 2026/27 annual report to Council.

“Programmes cannot be finalised until budgets are confirmed. In the meantime, work to arrange suitable dates for the presentation of annual reports to councils is ongoing.

“Officials will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s Limited Service policy.”

While the resurfacing has been welcomed by local representatives, a confirmed start date and final programme of works have yet to be established. Discussions with local businesses and the school are expected to help coordinate the project and minimise disruption.