Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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621. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of fulfilling the commitment to part-fund the A5 improvement project in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36826/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Since the judicial review decision last year quashing consent for the construction of two sections of the A5 the Department for Regional Development has been reviewing and updating the Environmental Statement for the scheme, the draft Vesting Order and the draft Direction Order. That Department has put three of the proposed four environmental impact reports out to public consultation and public consultation on the fourth report is due shortly with consultation on the draft Orders  planned for November.  I understand that consideration will also be given to whether to hold a new Public Inquiry in Spring/Summer 2015.

The Irish Government’s £22 million contribution to the A5 project to date was based on an agreed expenditure profile linked to specific project milestones.  Given the delays to the project arising from the outcome of the judicial review proceedings, a revised project programme needs to be prepared for consideration by both the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive.