Sinn Féin TD for Donegal, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, has said that today’s A5 construction commitment represented a significant breakthrough for border communities and campaigners.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn was responding after Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd announced that the Northern Executive has approved construction of the first stretch of the A5, which will now proceed in early 2025.
This will see the first 55km of the project proceed from Junction 8, south of Strabane, to the proposed Junction 15 near Ballygawley, including the westward extension of the existing A4 Dual Carriageway.
Teachta Mac Lochlainn said:
“This is an important announcement for border communities and for those who, for years, have campaigned for this road with the aim of saving lives and protecting families from further heartbreak.
“Far too many families have lost loved ones on this dangerous road – more than 50 people have died since 2006.
“As we welcome today’s announcement, we do so with all those who have lost their lives or who have been seriously injured on this road at the forefront of our thoughts.
“Today, we pay tribute to them and to those who campaigned so tirelessly in their memory for this upgrade to proceed.
“This will be the first phase of construction work, covering over half of the total project, 55km out of 85km, and I welcome Minister O’Dowd’s commitment to make a formal decision on the remaining sections following at the earliest opportunity.
“The A5 route is crucially important infrastructure, linking north and south – a major route for those living and working in the border counties and right across the North West.
“Sinn Féin is committed to delivering for border communities and the North West.
“As well as improving road safety, this project will address the deep regional imbalance on this island, create jobs, benefit the economy and improve journey times for the thousands of daily users of this route.
“Following the Executive’s commitment, the Irish Government must now also take all necessary steps to ensure that the Ten-T Road upgrade projects for Donegal, connecting to the A5 and related N2 upgrades, receive approval and are delivered as speedily as possible.”
