The upgrade of the A5 road remains a priority for both the Stormont and Dublin Governments, according to Derry Councillor Barney O’Hagan.
Sinn Fein Cllr Barney O’Hagan.
Cllr O’Hagan was speaking after a meeting organised by Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty with the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister at which Deputy First Minister said while there would be a delay, the road would receive immediate funding to push forward with a project of “huge economic significance” once the outstanding issues were resolved.
Describing the news as “encouraging,” Cllr O’Hagan both the A5 and A6 Derry to Belfast road were essential to North West economic regeneration and it could not be a case of “either or – both projects must be progressed.”
In a lengthy statement, Cllr O’Hagan said:
“The North West has been particularly hard hit with emigration and job losses through the collapse of the construction sector during the recession.
“The need for significant investment to tackle disadvantage and enhance competitiveness in the region is clearly recognised by Sinn Féin and we will continue to do all that we can at Council, Assembly, Dáil and European levels to support our businesses in delivering jobs.
“We believe that central to economic development is the A5. And the A6 should also be brought to shovel ready preparedness so that it too can proceed as soon as finance becomes available.
“Both roads are essential to North West economic regeneration and it can not be a case of either or – both projects must be progressed.
“Therefore, the authorities north and south must maintain a strong focus on closer collaboration to ensure the planning process and preparation of contracts are developed and that all T’s are crossed and I’s dotted to ensure the work can be completed without further obstacle as soon as finance is in place.”
Cllr O’Hagan said the A5 delay had caused “widespread frustration” to thousands of people who used it regularly and to those who recognised its potential to North West infrastructural development.
He added: “I welcome the DRD Minister’s comment that the project was ‘delayed’ and not ‘abandoned’, that it remains an Executive priority and the necessary assessment in respect of the EU Habitat Directive – which caused the delay – is on-going.”
Cllr O’Hagan revealed a cross-party delegation also travelled to Dublin to discuss the construction with Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Transport Minister Leo Varadkar.
Cllr O’Hagan added: “They sought re-affirmation from an Taoiseach that funding of £25m in 2015 and £25m in 2016 for the A5 would still be available and that the originally pledged €400m for the project will be forthcoming.
“It was also suggested that through the North South Ministerial Council, the two Departments be directed to develop a revised Funding and Implementation Plan for the project.
“The area that the A5 will service has a population of over 500,000 and no first class link by road, air or rail to Dublin or Belfast.
“It is unacceptable that Derry city, the hub of the North West is the only major area of population (I believe in Europe) without a motorway within 25 miles of its boundaries. The A5 will change all of that and open up the entire North West for economic development and must be top of any construction projects by both Dublin and Belfast.
“It must be emphasised that the A5 has been temporarily delayed and not abandoned but the present funding was in danger of being lost back to the British Exchequer and therefore It was agreed rather than being returned it should be used to progress other projects.
“The statement from the First Ministers that money for the project will be ring-fenced will ensure progression as soon as the current glitches are resolved, opening up a gateway, attracting inward investment, cut journey times to Dublin and increase road safety.”
Cllr O’Hagan concluded: “I am therefore delighted, that an Taoiseach and the Minister of Transport Leo Varadkar have now joined Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson confirming that the A5 remains a priority for both administrations.”
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