With the restoration of the Executive in the North last week, Donegal TD Pearse Doherty has said the A5 upgrade as a critical infrastructure project which now needed to come to fruition.
Teachta Doherty said: “The A5 upgrade is a key priority for Sinn Féin, as First Minister Michelle O’Neill made clear on her appointment.
“The A5 road upgrade was agreed to by the British and Irish governments in the St. Andrew’s Agreement back in 2006 – over 17 years ago.
“Everyone knew then that this project is key to unlocking the economic potential of the North West. A region which repeatedly records the highest levels of deprivation on the island, and which bore the brunt of partition.
“But this road project is about more than economic development – it is about saving lives. One of the most dangerous roads in Ireland, since 2006, more than 50 people have lost their lives on the road.
“I attended the recent public inquiry in Omagh and heard the testimony from individuals who had lost family members on the road.
“Their message was clear, enough is enough.
“So we need to see from this government a recommitment to the commitment that was made in the St. Andrews agreement.
“Nothing more. Nothing less.
“And that was a joint commitment from the Irish and British government at the time. The Irish government committed to fund this project on a 50/50 basis. That commitment was scaled down in 2014 to £75 million.
“So Minister, I understand there is a willingness now on the part of the Irish government to increase the level of funding to the A5, but I’m asking you to live by the commitment that was given in the St. Andrews Agreement to fund that project on a 50/50 basis.
“It is key to unlocking the potential of the North West.
“It is key to saving lives.”
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