Irish Government commits €600 million to A5 dual carriageway

THE Irish Government has today committed €600 million to the much-delayed A5 dual carriageway.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the funding for the long-awaited road scheme as part of an unprecedented €800 million funding package for a range of Shared Island projects, including the Narrow Water Bridge and the new Casement Park stadium.

Mr Varadkar said, “The return of the power-sharing Executive is hugely important for the people of Northern Ireland and has brought renewed hope for what can be achieved through the Good Friday Agreement.

“The funding announced today shows our commitment to working with the new Executive, and with the UK Government, to make the island of Ireland a better place for everyone who calls it home.”

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, added, “Today marks an important moment, and I believe, the beginning of a new and positive chapter in cross-border cooperation.

“The funding commitments by the Government mean strategically important and iconic projects such as the A5 North-West road corridor, and the Narrow Water Bridge, a powerful symbol and physical connection between North and South, can move forward with real ambition.”

The Irish Government says it will work with the Northern Ireland Executive and the UK Government to deliver these projects over the next few years.

Meanwhile, the North’s Minister for Infrastructure, John O’Dowd, has welcomed confirmation from the Irish government that €600million will be provided for the A5 Western Transport Corridor Scheme.

Mr O’Dowd said, “I raised the issue of funding for the A5 with the Taoiseach recently. I said at the time that I felt we were pushing at an open door and the announcement today confirms that the willingness is there to help get this road built, which is positive and welcome news.

“Too many lives have been cut short or forever changed by serious injury as a result of road traffic collisions on the A5 and too many families are living with the devastating consequences. I have met with grieving families and witnessed their heartache at first hand, which is why getting shovels on the ground is a priority for me.

“Now that we have confirmation that funding is available from the Dublin government, I will work with my officials regarding the Planning Appeals Commission Advisory Report recommendations with a clear intention of delivering this long-awaited project.

“I would appeal to those people who have been behind the persistent legal challenges to this project to set those legal challenges aside and think of what is best for our society as a whole. The A5 is more than just a road.

“Development of the Western Transport Corridor will not only balance regional infrastructure, it will also improve competitiveness and economic prosperity by improving connectivity and accessibility across the region.

“Most importantly of all, it will also provide a safer connection along that stretch of road because what we have at the moment has caused heartbreak in too many family homes.”