5 Feb 2015, 12:06
The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has this morning considered progress in the delivery of key cross border road infrastructure with Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe TD.
5 February 2015
Minister Donohoe briefed the Committee on the stalled A5 cross border road project, which has currently been suspended. Minister Donohoe outlined improvements planned for the N2, N14 and N15, which link to the A5. The Minister also updated the Committee on the status of the Narrow Water bridge.
Chairman of the Committee Frank Feighan TD says: “We thank the Minister for a thorough and candid update on delivery of key cross-border road infrastructure. Minister Donohoe was clear on the financial challenges that have curtailed the capital budget for roads but the Committee acknowledge the optimism evident that the economic upturn might lead to more funding become available.
“While broad connectivity of all cross border roads was considered, the meeting had a particular focus on the upgrade of the A5 and roads connecting to it. With the 500,000 citizens living in the Northwest in danger of being left behind, the imperative for improved road connectivity for the region to fulfil its economic potential was emphasised. Members called more coordinated approach to ensuring delivery of an improved road infrastructure, and we welcome Minister Donohoe’s offer to share with the Committee documentation of the North/South Ministerial Council’s meetings on these issues.”
Deputy Feighan also acknowledged the update from the Minister on progress towards delivery of the Narrow Water Bridge. “The Committee once again reiterated its unanimous support for the provision of the Narrow Water Bridge. We fully take on board Minister Donohoe’s view that lessons must be learned from the project. While significant collaboration and planning took place on this important piece of infrastructure, the doubling of costs in the final phases has led to the project being stalled. It remains the Committee’s hope that this strategic and symbolic bridge, the campaign for which precedes the peace process, can finally be realised.”
Ends
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Committee Membership
Deputies:
Seán Conlan, Fine Gael
Seán Crowe, Sinn Féin
Regina Doherty, Fine Gael
Frank Feighan, Fine Gael (Chairman)
Martin Ferris, Sinn Féin
Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael
Michael P. Kitt, Fianna Fáil
Dinny McGinley, Fine Gael
Joe O’Reilly, Fine Gael (Vice-Chairman)
Maureen O’Sullivan, Independent
Thomas Pringle, Independent
Ruairí Quinn, Labour
Brendan Smith, Fianna Fáil
Joanna Tuffy, Labour
Jack Wall, Labour
Senators:
Maurice Cummins, Fine Gael
Jim D’Arcy, Fine Gael
Mary Moran, Labour
Mary White, Fianna Fáil