A5 Road Scheme Gets All-Ireland Boost

A high-level all-Ireland body that met last week in Dublin has thrown a lifeline to a controversial cross-border road project.

The Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council, held at Farmleigh House, noted progress on both the delayed A5, 'North West Gateway' scheme and the A8 Belfast to Larne road expansion project.

The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny chaired the event, which included members of the NI Executive, led by First Minister, Peter Robinson and the Deputy First Minister, Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness.

It was agreed that payment of £11m would be made by the Dáil to the NI Consolidated Fund by Leo Varadkar, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Despite the future of the A5 scheme being up for review - after news that the new Stormont Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy, was to 'look again' at plans for the western corridor development - a statement following the Dublin meeting welcomed this continued commitment by the Irish Government.

Speaking soon afterwards, Sinn Fein Spokesperson, Raymond McCartney, an MLA for Foyle, welcomed confirmation by the Council (NSMC) of a further payment towards the development of the A5 Aughnacloy/Derry dual carriageway.

"I welcome the commitment by an Taoiseach, the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, to the progression of the A5 dual carriageway project.

"The commitment by Enda Kenny, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness was underpinned in a joint decision at the meeting in Dublin today to release a further £11m towards delivering the project," he said, noting comments by the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness that "it is accepted by most progressive thinkers that this project is essential to the economic development of the North-West of our island".

Mr McCartney continued: "It has long been recognised that to attract foreign investment and to sustain indigenous business, especially in manufacturing, it is imperative that we provide the required infrastructure to assist investors to transport goods to and from markets.

"This £11m disbursement is further practical evidence of both the Executive and the Irish government's commitment to addressing regional disparities and past underinvestment," he said.

See: Assembly A5 Debate 'Muddies Waters'

(BMcC/GK)