The A5 is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. As the Deputy is aware the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start reaffirmed the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and committed an additional £25 million to ensure that Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane) can commence as soon as the necessary planning issues have been resolved by the Northern Ireland authorities.
The commitments in the Fresh Start Implementation Plan were discussed at the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Plenary meeting held in November 2016. Ministers noted that a Public Inquiry into the A5 scheme was underway and that the Inspector’s report was expected around May 2017. Subject to the successful completion of statutory procedures, a decision can then be made regarding progression to the construction stage.