Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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35. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the A5 in view of Brexit and on his recent engagement with his Northern Ireland counterparts in respect of this; the total funding commitment made by the Government for the project; the total funding commitment made by the Northern Ireland Government; when he expects the A5 to be completed; the status of the funding which was allocated under the St. Andrew's agreement; if it is still available for the A5 project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32793/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​The planning and implementation of the A5 project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. As the Deputy is aware the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Startreaffirmed 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.

The commitments in the Fresh Start Implementation Plan were discussed at the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Plenary meeting held on 4 July.  The Council noted a progress report from Senior Officials from relevant Departments in both jurisdictions which addressed the Fresh Start commitments, including work on the A5. It was also noted that the group of Senior Officials will continue to meet regularly to maintain a strategic overview of the projects and commitments set out in the Fresh Start Implementation Plan and to explore funding opportunities for economic and infrastructural investment.  A further update on the Fresh Start commitments will be brought to the next NSMC Plenary meeting which I understand is due to take place before the end of the year.