Growing anger over delays to A5

THE death of Caolan Devlin on the A5 last week has amplified calls for the urgent completion of the dual-carriageway, marking the 49th fatality on the notorious route since plans for its expansion were announced in 2007.

The ‘Enough is Enough’ group has been campaigning strongly for the completion of the dual-carriageway without delay.

Its chairman, Niall McKenna, described this latest tragedy as ‘horrific’.

This is a terrible tragedy for Caolan’s family, the Coalisland community and the wider Tyrone GAA community,” Mr McKenna said.

Underscoring the campaign’s stance that delays in the A5’s completion inevitably result in further loss of life, Mr McKenna expressed growing frustration and anger towards the legal
challenges prolonging the project.

A report by the Planning Appeals Commission is currently being studied by the Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd.

He hopes to make a decision within the coming months on whether or not the scheme should get the green light.

In the meantime, Mr McKenna vowed that the Enough is Enough group and its supporters will continue to fight for the completion of the road.

“Nothing about the A5 shocks any more.

“There are times that you wonder if it will be even built, but we will keep on fighting and the people are still saying strongly that Enough is Enough.”