Under the agreement of March 2007 between the Irish and British Governments on a funding package to support the restored Northern Ireland Executive, the Irish Government made a commitment to provide funding of £400/€580 million in a roads investment package for Northern Ireland which will contribute to the upgrading of the A5 road from Aughnacloy to Derry/Londonderry to dual-carriageway status.
Cross-border investment initiatives such as the A5 and the recent restoration of the Knockaginny and Annaghroe on the Monaghan/Tyrone border help support economic development both in Northern Ireland and in the island as a whole.
In particular, the A5 project will facilitate access to the entire North West of the island to include Derry and Letterkenny. It is to the mutual benefit of both populations and will improve journey times, access to markets and safety all along the route. Tourism and trade will benefit from the enhanced connectivity and accessibility.