Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I wish to respond to Senator Keaveney on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey. I thank the Senator for raising this issue. Under the March 2007 agreement between the Irish and British Governments on a funding package to support the restored Northern Ireland Executive, the Government made a commitment to provide funding of £400 million, or €580 million, as part of a roads investment package for Northern Ireland. This will contribute to the upgrading to dual carriageway status of the A5 road between Aughnacloy and Derry. The Government remains committed to this contribution despite the difficult economic situation. Its contribution will be made on the basis of the expenditure incurred during the development and construction phases. In this context, the drawdown of funding will depend on the achievement of agreed project milestones and clearance by the cross-Border roads steering group and the North-South Ministerial Council.

The A5 project was discussed at the transport sectoral meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council on 20 October last. At the meeting, the Minister, Deputy Dempsey, and his Northern counterparts agreed the new A5 project milestones and payment schedule that were approved by the cross-Border roads steering group earlier in the year. In addition, they noted that development work has been continuing on the project to meet the next key milestone, which is the publication of draft orders in November 2010. It is anticipated that such publication will take place this week. The Government's investment in the A5 project will support economic prosperity and development in Northern Ireland, and in the island as a whole, by improving cross-Border links and reducing journey times. It will facilitate access to the entire north west of the island, including Derry and Letterkenny. It will be to the mutual benefit of both populations and will improve journey times, access to markets and safety along the route. Tourism and trade will benefit from enhanced connectivity and accessibility. The A5 project is being implemented by the roads service in Northern Ireland. The procurement process has been completed. Contractors have been appointed to three sections of the route — first, between New Buildings and the south of Strabane; second between the south of Strabane and the south of Omagh; and third, between the south of Omagh and the Border at Aughnacloy. Construction is expected to begin in August 2012. The project's expected completion date is July 2015.

Regarding the N2, the Minister for Transport is responsible for overall policy and funding in respect of the national roads programme element of Transport 21. Under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007, the construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for the NRA, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. The NRA is reviewing its investment plans for the national roads network. The review is taking place on the basis of a commitment in the renewed programme for Government. It will take account of the infrastructure investment priorities 2010-16 document, which was published in July this year. Senators will appreciate that progress on particular road schemes depends on the availability of funds within a significantly reduced capital budget. Significant improvements have been made on the N2 in County Monaghan, including the bypassing of the major towns of Carrickmacross, Castleblayney and Monaghan. These improvements have reduced congestion in the towns, significantly reduced journey times and provided safer roads.

It is important to highlight the opening of two other cross-Border roads on 20 October last. These projects have significantly improved cross-Border infrastructure. The two remaining cross-Border roads which were closed during the Troubles — at Knockaginny and Annaghroe on the Monaghan-Tyrone border — have been reinstated as a result of cross-Border co-operation involving Monaghan County Council, Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council and Armagh City and District Council. The Government funded the replacement of the two bridges and the approach roads in County Monaghan, as provided for in the national development plan. The approach roads in Northern Ireland have been funded by the roads service in that jurisdiction. The restoration of the Knockaginny and Annaghroe bridges opens access to the communities between Monaghan, Dungannon and Armagh, allows for more economic and productive use of farmland in the areas they serve and reduces journey times between the natural hinterlands of Dungannon, Monaghan and Armagh. It will facilitate the re-establishment of the interdependence of the three market towns in question, which used to be accessed over these bridges.

Cross-Border investment initiatives of this nature, notably the A5 road project, have long-term benefits for the island as a whole. They help to enhance co-operation between both populations and improve economic opportunities for all. I am sure Senator Keaveney will tell me what I have failed to deal with in my reply.