Ms Michelle Gildernew:

Since I live in Aghaloo, Aughnacloy, I know the area well. It says an awful lot that I can be in Dublin quicker than I can be in Derry. The fact that we do not have the roads infrastructure means jobs are not coming to that area. The economic fortunes of the north west are dependent on this road. It is a death trap, as people take unnecessary risks because of its layout. The elephant in the room is the fact there is quite a bit of political opposition to this road’s development. That needs to be worked through. We would urge the Irish Government to do everything it can to make this happen. Otherwise, the north west will be economically barren, particularly when we are looking at an end to austerity and the growth of economic fortunes in the north west. Will the Minister do everything he can for the A5 and the Narrow Water bridge project?