A5: Public inquiry will reconvene in January

SINN Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley has encouraged public participation for the reconvened A5 public inquiry.

The West Tyrone MP was speaking after she received the date for the reconvened inquiry.

Órfhlaith Begley said, “I have received notification from the Planning Appeals Commission that the A5 public inquiry will be reconvened on the 25th January 2023 in the Strule Arts Centre and will continue as necessary on January 26, 27, 30 and 31 and in Omagh Enterprise Centre on February 1 to 3.

“There is widespread support for the delivery of the A5 upgrade and Minister O’Dowd has outlined that the A5 is a key priority for his department.

“The vast majority of people support this project, I would encourage the public to make their voices heard by attending the public inquiry.

“It is deeply frustrating that progress on the road upgrade has been delayed by legal challenges from a small and unrepresentative minority, the Alternative A5 Alliance.

“The public inquiry which is reconvening should allow for the project to proceed with haste, so that we can eventually see the delivery of this project.

“We can no longer allow for the Alternative A5 Alliance to frustrate the delivery of the A5.

“The upgrade will save lives and ultimately allow for this notoriously dangerous road to be safer.

“Alongside this it will open up huge opportunities by connecting the North-West to the rest of the island and help to attract investment.

“We cannot allow for any more unnecessary delays. Delays will ultimately result in lives being put at risk. All efforts must be made to ensure there are no more fatal accidents on this road and the upgrade is delivered immediately following the inquiry.”