Infrastructure Minister at Stormont has announced his intention to advocate for the progression of the proposed A5 road upgrade. The original plan, introduced by the Northern Ireland executive in 2007, envisioned converting the current roadway to a dual carriageway. Despite its approval, legal complications and questions surrounding its financing have caused delays. The route, spanning between Derry and Aughnacloy in County Tyrone, has witnessed over 50 fatalities since 2006.
Minister John O’Dowd has been assessing a report produced by the Planning Appeals Commission, a consequence of a public investigation into the road enhancement project during the previous summer. On Monday, Mr O’Dowd informed Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in an assembly that he would recommend moving forward with the upgrade. This announcement was in reaction to a question asked by party associate and West Tyrone MLA Nicola Brogan.
Mr O’Dowd stated, “At today’s Executive meeting, I assured my Executive colleagues that I would soon share my preliminary response to the Planning Appeals Commission’s report and propose we carry on with the A5.” “I understand this cuts across several departments. Therefore, I will distribute the documents to my Executive colleagues, await their input, and then propose another paper for approval in mid-August to carry on with the A5 undertaking,” he said.
Furthermore, he emphasized, “I’ve rigorously reviewed the 30 suggestions from the Planning Appeals Commission’s report and am extremely conscious of the road safety implications. If my proposal gets the nod from the Executive, we are essentially providing a top-notch road, rectifying regional inequalities, and saving lives.”
The First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Ms Brogan appreciated the Minister’s input, with the latter expressing that it would bring “immense relief to individuals in west Tyrone and all A5 users”. – PA