Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Tá sé fíorthábhachtach d'fhorbairt eacnamaíoch san iarthuaisceart go ndéanfar uasghrádú ar bhóthar an A5 ó Dhoire go dtí Achadh na Cloiche agus chun saolta a shábháil fosta. Tá moill i bhfad ró-fhada ar an mbóthar seo mar gheall ar chásanna cúirte agus tá sé in am anois fosta ag Rialtas na hÉireann an gealltanas a thug sé ag Comhaontú Chill Rìmhinn maidir leis an tionscadal seo a chomh-mhaoiniú ag leibhéal 50% a chinntiú agus go gcuirfear i gcrích é.

The A5 road is a vital infrastructure project that was agreed by the British and Irish Governments more than 16 years ago in 2007 as part of the St. Andrews Agreement. It was recognised at the time that this project was needed to unlock the economic potential of the north west, a region that remains deprived and risks falling further behind without action. The upgrade to put in place a dual carriageway from New Buildings in Derry to Aughnacloy would improve connectivity in the region and increase access to education, skills and employment for communities within that region.

It is also a vital upgrade to what is one of the most dangerous roads on the island of Ireland. Last month, three members of the same family tragically lost their lives in a collision on that road. Since this project was first approved back in 2007, 47 people have lost their lives on the A5, with families bereaved and communities broken. On Tuesday evening there was a public meeting in Tyrone led by a grassroots campaign, Enough is Enough. It is led by Tyrone GAA and the families of those who lost their lives on the A5. They know this project is much more than just unlocking the potential of the north west but is also about saving lives.

There can be no further delays. Sinn Féin is fully committed to delivering this critical project for the people and for the communities of the north west. As part of the St. Andrews Agreement, the Irish Government agreed to co-fund this project on a 50-50 basis with a financial commitment at the time of £400 million. The Government has a crucial role to play and must match words with action and commitment with funding. With the passage of time, the cost of delivery of the A5 upgrade has increased. Our deputy leader and First Minister designate, Ms Michelle O'Neill, wrote to the Taoiseach in January this year underlining the need for the Irish Government and the Executive to remain fully committed to the delivery of the A5 upgrade. However, commitment must be more than simply words. It must be backed with funding to get it over the line. For too long this project, which is critical to save lives and improve the economic prospects of the entire north west, has been beset by legal challenges and public inquiries. Its delivery and the people who depend on this road to be completed can no longer be frustrated by delays or lack of funding commitment.

I ask the Minister that his Government recommit to the delivery of the A5 upgrade to save lives and to improve the economic prospects of the north west. I ask that the Government recommit to co-funding the project, as was previously pledged under the international agreement reached at St. Andrews in 2007, on a 50-50 basis so that the Executive and the Irish Government can work together to deliver this crucial project for the people of the north west. I ask the Minister to give that commitment today. I also emphasise the importance of link roads such as the N2 and the road from Lifford into Letterkenny, which join this crucial infrastructure project.

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