Dáil debates

Thursday, 16 February 2012

4:00 pm

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

The Deputy's question relates to the A5 roads project. In 2006 the Government gave a commitment to co-fund the construction of the A5 through Northern Ireland to Derry, thus improving access to Letterkenny and north County Donegal. Until the end of 2011, funding of £19 million was paid by the Government towards the planning of the project. A further £3 million was paid in February 2012 towards the completion of the public inquiry on the project.

At the North-South Ministerial Council plenary meeting on 18 November 2011, Ministers noted that the provision of further funding by the Irish Government for the A5 road was being deferred but that the Government will provide £25 million per annum in 2015 and 2016 towards the project. It should be noted that this is the most significant commitment the current Government has made to any non-public private partnership roads project in the country. It was also noted that a new funding and implementation plan for the project would be prepared for agreement at the next North-South Ministerial Council transport meeting with endorsement at the next North-South Ministerial Council plenary meeting.

The Minister for Regional Development, Mr. Danny Kennedy, MLA, has announced that following a re-evaluation of the Northern Ireland roads programme, funding has been secured for two significant elements of the A5 dual carriageway project, between Derry and Strabane and Omagh and Ballygawley. This is very welcome as it will improve journey times between north County Donegal and the greater Dublin area. It is anticipated, subject to the outcome of the public inquiry on the project, that both sections could commence construction later this year. This announcement will be reflected in the revised implementation.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.