The upgrade of the A5 road is “well overdue” though the timeline for works remains uncertain, Minister for Finance Michael McGrath has said.
A total of 47 people have died on the road since the upgrade of the A5 was first approved in 2007. It is one of Northern Ireland’s busiest routes and also connects Dublin and Donegal.
Mr McGrath said there have been “significant delays” with the project including legal challenges but that stage three of the public inquiry into the scheme is due to commence next Monday.
The minister was responding to Sinn Féin deputy leader Pearse Doherty during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil on Thursday, who said the project was “a vital upgrade on what is one of the most dangerous roads on the island of Ireland”.
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Last month, three members of the same family died in a collision on the road, the Donegal TD said.
Mr Doherty outlined that as part of the St Andrew’s Agreement in 2006, the Irish Government agreed to co-fund the upgrade project on a 50-50 basis with a financial commitment at the time of £400 million.
The Sinn Féin TD said that financing was reduced as a result of economic collapse in the State. Mr Doherty said the Government had “a crucial role to play and must match words with action and commitment with funding”.
“With the passage of time the cost of delivery of the A5 upgrade has increased,” he said.
Mr Doherty added that the project was “critical” in order to “save lives and improve economic prospects of the entire northwest region”.
“Its delivery and the people who depend on this road to be completed can no longer be frustrated, either by delays or by lack of funding commitments,” he said.
Mr McGrath acknowledged that upgrading the A5 was not just about improving infrastructure and opening up economic potential but also “road safety and saving lives”.
He said everyone acknowledged the project was well overdue and along with other pieces of infrastructure, the cost of delivering the upgrade had increased over time.
The Fianna Fáil TD said the Government had committed to provide funding of £75 million but added there was a willingness to re-examine this issue, to “see what more we can do to help to bring about fruition of this project”.
“But, we do need partners that we can sit down and negotiate with and have a discussion with ... the British Government, but also the Northern Executive,” he said.
“Once we have a project that has gone through all of the statutory processes, we know the scope of the project, we know the likely cost of the project, the Irish Government won’t be found wanting. We will sit down and engage in the spirit of co-operation, recognising the strategic importance of this road.”
