Ms Órfhlaith Begley:

I thank the Tánaiste for the update. There is no doubt that Brexit will have disastrous consequences for the entire nation, but particularly for people living in Border constituencies. As a Border constituency MP, I hear daily of people's fears and concerns about the return of a hard border. It is important in a post-Brexit context that cross-Border initiatives are maintained and protected. The upgrade of the A5 dual carriageway is one such cross-Border initiative in my constituency. The Tánaiste will be aware that this project is vital to the area in terms of opening up the western transport corridor and bringing connectivity from Dublin right through to the north-west region. It also has the potential to bring economic prosperity and development to an area that has been neglected by the British and Irish Governments for far too long. The region needs that development even more in a post-Brexit context. Last week the Irish Government made the decision to defer €27 million that was earmarked for the A5 upgrade. I seek the Tánaiste's assurance today - I am aware the Taoiseach has already done so - that the A5 will not be impeded by that and it will not act as a barrier or a delay in the project going forward.

The Irish Government originally committed €400 million to this project, but that amount was significantly reduced to €75 million, with a view to the remainder being reinstated at a later date. Now that the project is ready to begin, with works possibly commencing this year, will the Irish Government revisit its original commitment of €400 million? I appeal to the Tánaiste, as we cannot allow further delays to the project. The money is necessary to see the road to completion in its entirety from Derry to Aughnacloy. There have been a number of fatal tragedies in recent weeks and months. We cannot allow delays that will ultimately cost lives.