Mr. John McLaughlin:

I might address the issue raised by Mr. Pat Doherty, MP, on the status of the N14 and the Letterkenny to Strabane route. Four or five years ago the project was split into two portions. The portion closest to Strabane and Lifford became a short section which speeded up matters so that it would not be behind the arrival of the A5. We had to go through all the statutory processes. However, what happened the A5 project since then means we cannot proceed as planned. Those to whom we spoke in the NRA and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport said the road will be funded when the A5 is delivered. They accept the importance of having a link to Donegal – at least to Lifford – and for it to be set up and done properly. We have worked jointly with Roads Service Northern Ireland to develop that and it is ready to go.

The bigger project is the road to Letterkenny, which we see as vital for the completion of the Dublin to Derry to Donegal route. It is ready to go as well in terms of the routes being selected. What is holding it back is funding. We have not gone through the statutory process yet because that sets in motion the purchase of land and all the associated costs but the project is ready to go. The people in the area and all the land owners are very supportive of it. The project has been ready to go for a number of years and it is simply waiting for budgetary provision.