Sinn Féin TD for Donegal, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, has welcomed confirmation from the Taoiseach today that he intends to bring a proposal to Cabinet next week, recommending an increase in the Irish Government contribution to the cost of the A5 upgrade to a dual carriageway.
 
Teachta Mac Lochlainn said:
 
“I welcome the commitment given today by the Taoiseach in response to my question in the Dáil. This A5 upgrade to a dual carriageway is vital for all the people of the Northwest of Ireland, not just from a road safety point of view, but also for the economic development of the region.
 
“It has been heart-breaking to witness the long delay in this project but there is real hope now that there will be a breakthrough soon and that diggers can soon break ground along the route.
 
“The restoration of the Northern Assembly and Executive can only be positive news for this project and that’s why I took the opportunity today to raise this in the Dáil with the Taoiseach.
 
“I welcome his commitment to bring a proposal to cabinet next week recommending an increase in the Irish Government contribution to the cost, but it’s critical that this is a return to the equal co-funding commitment made by the Irish Government back as far as the 2006 St Andrews Agreement.

“We must maximise the funding and drive these works through as quickly as possible to make up for all of the years of delay”.