Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am aware that the Department is making some progress in respect of the A5 and that much of the delay is on the northern side of the Border. That being said, it needs to be recognised that this stretch of road is a vital connection from Donegal and the north-west through Tyrone and into the South. It needs to be prioritised by Governments on both sides of the Border. Unfortunately, as the Minister said, the Executive is not up and running in the North, which is causing a number difficulties, of which this is just one.

We have to recognise that there is an international agreement, the St. Andrew's Agreement, in place, part of which was to see this project delivered. That agreement was reached nearly 20 years ago at this stage and there is also a commitment in New Decade, New Approach to deliver this road. Unfortunately, people are still losing their lives on the A5. Only a few months ago we saw another tragedy on it. As we think of all the people who lose their lives on the roads, we have to recognise, as I pointed out earlier to the Minister's colleague, that investment in roads is part of the solution, as is driver behaviour. We need to see investment in this road.

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