Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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145. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline on the upgrade works for the N2/A5; and the most up-to-date estimated cost, including a breakdown of current and capital spend (details supplied). [23755/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.

The planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the authorities in Northern Ireland. The funding arrangements in relation to the A5 were governed by the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start, and under this Agreement the Government had committed to provide funding of £75 million towards the cost of the A5 upgrade scheme once the statutory planning process in Northern Ireland was concluded. Provision of £25 million sterling was made by my Department in 2024 for funding the scheme should it be required.

It was announced on February 20th that as part of Government funding commitments for Shared Island projects, €600 million was being committed for the progression of the A5 project.

The Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland estimates the total scheme cost for the A5 project is £1.6 billion with completion expected by 2032/2033 and the largest funding demands over the 2025 to 2028 period.

I understand that TII previously reverted to you on April 18th regarding the two projects on the N2. With regard to the most up-to-date estimated cost, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.