Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2024
95. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will meet with the N2/A5/Ten-T Cross Border Committee, which comprises of representatives from Derry City and Strabane District Council, Donegal County Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Mid Ulster District Council and Monaghan County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6943/24]
View answerThe planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the authorities in Northern Ireland.
The funding arrangements in relation to the A5 have been governed by the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start, and under this Agreement the Government is committed to provide funding of £75 million towards the cost of the A5 upgrade scheme once the statutory planning process in Northern Ireland is concluded. Provision of £25 million sterling is being made by my Department in 2024 for funding the scheme, should this be required.
I can confirm that my Department officials regularly engage with colleagues in the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. These engagements consider a range of North/South transport proposals, including the A5.
In relation to the suggested meeting, diary requests can be sent to ministerdiary@transport.gov.ie and will be dealt with in line with all other meeting requests.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
The N2 Ardee to South of Castleblayney bypass road scheme received an allocation of €600k in 2023. The N2 Clontibret to the Border scheme received an allocation of €2,500,000, which matches funding provided through the EU Connecting Europe Facility. Furthermore, the Donegal TEN-T project, which would connect to the A5 at Lifford/Strabane, received an allocation of €1,500,000. Allocations for 2024 will be announced in the near future.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the projects on the N2 and the Donegal TEN-T project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
