Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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75. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the A5 and his recent engagement with his Northern Ireland counterparts in relation to it; his funding commitment and that of the Northern Ireland Government to the project; when the project will be completed; the status of the funding allocated under the Saint Andrew's Agreement; if it is still available for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15307/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The planning and implementation of the A5 road project, including the project budget, is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities.

As the Deputy is aware, the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start reaffirmed the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and committed an additional £25 million to ensure that Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane) can commence as soon as the necessary planning issues have been resolved by the Northern Ireland authorities.

Under the Agreement it is envisaged that construction of Phase 1 of the A5 will start in 2017 with a view to completion in 2019. In keeping with the revised project timeline, the Government funding is to be provided in three tranches of £25 million in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively.  I have no function in relation to funding commitments of the Northern Ireland Executive.