Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 October 2014
17. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when funding will be made available for the A5; the position regarding his most recent engagements with his counterpart in Northern Ireland on progressing the A5; if the Northern Ireland Executive has advised him of its plans for funding the project using money specifically awarded under the St. Andrew's Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36808/14]
View answerSince the judicial review decision last year quashing consent for the construction of two sections of the A5 the Department for Regional Development has been reviewing and updating the Environmental Statement for the scheme, the draft Vesting Order and the draft Direction Order. That Department has put three of the proposed four environmental impact reports out to public consultation and public consultation on the fourth report is due shortly with consultation on the draft Orders planned for November. I understand that consideration will also be given to whether to hold a new Public Inquiry in Spring/Summer 2015.
The Irish Government’s £22 million contribution to the A5 project to date was based on an agreed expenditure profile linked to specific project milestones. Given the delays to the project arising from the outcome of the judicial review proceedings, a revised project programme needs to be prepared for consideration by both the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive.
There is ongoing liaison in relation to the project under the umbrella of the North South Ministerial Council Transport Sectoral and I will be discussing the project with my Northern Ireland counterparts at the next Transport Sectoral meeting scheduled for November which will be the first since my appointment as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
