Mr. John Kelpie:

I thank the speakers for their support. In response to the comment on what specifically can be done, in very broad terms my understanding is that the northern part of the road, the A5, is in four phases. Phase 1 is fully funded and goes from south of Derry to north of Strabane. It is undergoing due process. Phase 2, going from Omagh to Ballygawley, and phase 3, going from Strabane to Omagh, are going through the design process. What will hold these two back is money. Money is not allocated to take either of these phases onto site when they are ready, and they will be ready design-wise and process-wise relatively quickly. Phase 4 goes from Ballygawley to the Border at Aughnacloy and is being held up because, as my colleague, Mr. O'Sullivan, might advise, the route scoping has not yet been done on the southern side of the Border. Even finalising the design for this phase on the Northern side requires the southern side scoping to take place and, of course, money to deliver it. In summary, phase 1 of the A5 should proceed quite quickly, which is the smallest length from Derry to Strabane. This would be very welcome. The remaining phases are developing through the design and legal processes but the big impediment is money to deliver them.