Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has said that the A5 public inquiry is an opportunity for people and communities to voice their support for the A5 upgrade.
The Donegal TD was speaking after he attending the public inquiry which opened in Omagh today.
The A5 links Donegal and the north-west area to Dublin, running Derry and Tyrone to the border at Aughnacloy.
The roads was approved for an upgrade in 2007 but the project has been delayed on numerous occasions.
Families of some of those who have died on the A5 during recent years have been among those who attended the re-opening of the Public Inquiry into a planned dual-carriageway for the route.
Members of the Corrigan, McNamee and McLoughlin families listened to the opening session at the re-convened Inquiry, which is taking place at the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh.
Pearse Doherty TD
After attending the inquiry, Deputy Doherty said, “This morning I attended the A5 public inquiry which opened in Omagh.
“This is an important opportunity for people and communities to voice their support for this critical project.
“As I said to the Minister for Finance in the Dáil on Thursday, the A5 upgrade is critical to prevent further lives from being lost on this road.
“Too many families have lost loves ones on this dangerous road. Its upgrade cannot be delayed any longer.
“It will also unlock economic opportunities for the North West region – reducing journey times, increasing connectivity and acting as a spur for further jobs and investment.
“The project has been beset by delay after delay – it is now time to deliver this infrastructure project for this region and its communities.
“I would urge local businesses and residents to attend the inquiry and make their views and support heard.
“And as I said to the Government last week, it is time that the Irish Government recommit to funding its delivery on a 50:50 basis, to get this critical project over the line.”
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