Roadworks on the main route from Derry to Dublin on the day of the FAI Cup final will be finished early to allow a "large volume of Derry City FC supporters" to make the trip on time.
A road closure was due to be in place as fans made the trip on Sunday for the cup final clash with Drogheda in Dublin.
Asked by Belfast Live about the road closure on Sunday, the Department for Infrastructure has now said it has "arranged to deploy additional resources" in order to "substantially complete the scheme by Saturday evening" - meaning fans of the Candystripes should now avoid potential traffic chaos on the big day.
Concerns had first been raised by the SDLP councillor Catherine McDaid, who - in advance of the arrangements made by the Department - had said: "It’s always special when Derry reach the FAI Cup Final and it feels like half the town descends on Dublin to take part in the festivities and attend the match. Over 30,000 tickets have already been sold for this year’s match with the vast majority from Derry who will be travelling down on the day of the match.
"I’ve recently learned of plans for two road closures along the main Derry to Dublin route near Strabane on the day of the match. This has the potential to create traffic chaos, with Derry fans travelling in their droves to see their team play in the cup final."
She added: "Nobody wants to see a great day out blighted with traffic gridlock and I hope that common sense will prevail and we can get this sorted ahead of next Sunday."
Asked about the potential for "traffic chaos" on cup final day this Sunday, a spokesperson for the Department told Belfast Live: "A £260,000 road improvement scheme commenced on Tuesday 5 November 2024 as part of a £1million package of measures to improve safety on the existing A5 Victoria Road, Strabane.
“A full road closure was programmed for Saturday 9 and Sun 10 November to allow for the laying of the final road surface, white lining and installation of the cats eyes between the hours of 8:00am and 6:00pm."
The Department for Infrastructure spokesperson added: "However, in response to concerns raised and the potential for a large volume of Derry City FC supporters travelling to Dublin on Sunday morning the Department has engaged with the contractor and has arranged to deploy additional resources to substantially complete the scheme by Saturday evening. Further work may be required on the following Saturday to finish any works that remain outstanding."
After learning of the Department's decision, councillor McDaid said: "“This should mean that the majority of Derry City fans travelling to the FAI Cup Final on Sunday can do so without ending up in any undue traffic delays. To fans travelling down for the game on Saturday I would ask them to be mindful that closures will remain in place for that day and to leave additional time for their journey or consider alternative routes.
"I'm glad that common sense has prevailed and all that remains now is for Derry to do the business on the pitch and bring the Cup home on Sunday."
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