A consortium hired by government to build part of the A6 is facing the courts over alleged river pollution in various locations during the £420m job.
The dual carriageway was designed to reduce the travel time by road between Belfast and Derry.
But it has been beset by a series of delays with some calling for a public inquiry into why it’s taking so long.
Read more: Imminent opening of new road will make 'massive difference', says expert
Consortium Sacyr, Wills Bros and Somague, won the DfI contract to build the 30km Dungiven to Derry section of the road in March 2018 in a joint venture between the three firms.
And we can now reveal Sacyr, Wills and Somague (SWS) are due to appear before Derry Magistrates accused of several incidents of pollution at the Special Area of Conservation, the River Faughan and its tributaries.
A DAERA spokesperson told us: “NIEA have submitted prosecution files to the Public Prosecution Service for Enforcement Action.
“NIEA are unable to comment any further at this time.”
The Public Prosecution Service said it took a decision to prosecute after being handed 13 investigation files by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.
A PPS spokesperson added: “The PPS can confirm that decisions have been taken to prosecute an organisation in the Magistrates Court for alleged river pollution offences at various locations in the area of the A6 road dualling project.
“The decisions followed careful consideration of all the available evidence contained in 13 investigation files submitted by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency between October 2020 and August 2021.
“Summonses issued in November 2021 and the cases have been before the court since January 2022.
“As proceedings are live, it would be inappropriate for the PPS to comment any further.”
A DfI spokesperson said: “The Department does not have any legal proceedings against the contractor relating to pollution.”
It is understood the case is listed for contest at Derry Magistrates Court on May 4.
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